The Mazda Navajo, based on the hugely successful Ford Explorer, allowed Mazda to enter the lucrative compact sport/utility market without having to incur the expense of building a new sport/utility from scratch, but Mazda was only able to offer the less-popular 2-door versions. Mazda negotiated with Ford to sell both 2- and 4-door versions of the new Explorer, but did not have them in the Navajo's later years. Competition for the Navajo came from its Ford Explorer twin as well as the 2-door Jeep Cherokee, the Isuzu Rodeo, the Nissan Pathfinder and the Toyota 4Runner.
Year-to-year changes
1991
The Navajo was powered by Ford's 4.0-liter V6 engine, which came with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. A 4-speed automatic was an option.
1992
Beginning this year, the Navajo was available in 2wd and 4wd versions and in two trim levels, the base DX and the uplevel LX. The 4-wheel-drive models were equipped with Ford's Touch Drive, an electrically shifted 2-speed transfer case with automatic locking hubs that allowed shift-on-the-fly 4wd operation. Standard equipment on all models included an AM/FM stereo radio and reclining front bucket seats. Options for the Navajo included air conditioning, a removable tinted-glass moonroof, cruise control, CD player, towing package, leather upholstery, and roof rack.
1993
Rear-wheel antilock brakes were added as standard equipment.
1994
The '94 Navajo added new alloy wheels with larger all-terrain tires. Unfortunately, late this year, the car was being discontinued. However, in 1995, the Navajo was still available for quite a while as dealers sold off the remaining stock of 1994 models during that time.
Retail prices
As of April 1, 1994:
- $18,225 (1994 Mazda Navajo DX 4x2)
- $19,445 (1994 Mazda Navajo LX 4x2)
- $20,015 (1994 Mazda Navajo DX 4x4)
- $21,235 (1994 Mazda Navajo LX 4x4)
As of September 1, 1994:
- $18,785 (1994 Mazda Navajo DX 4x2)
- $20,005 (1994 Mazda Navajo LX 4x2)
- $20,575 (1994 Mazda Navajo DX 4x4)
- $21,795 (1994 Mazda Navajo LX 4x4)
Shipping prices
- $490 (1994 models)
Gallery
