1991-1994 Mazda Navajo: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- 4WD traction
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes
Cons
- Noise
- Ride
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Mazda bought Explorers from Ford, then installed their own grille, taillamps, and minor body trim. Only a 2-door wagon was offered, whereas Explorers could also be purchased in 4-door form. Built by Ford, the 155-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 drove either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. All models had Ford's part-time electronic Touch-Drive 4WD system. Rear antilock brakes were standard, operating only in 2-wheel drive. Navajos seated four. A split folding rear seat could be folded down for extra cargo space.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda Navajo automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Mazda Navajo:
A rear-drive version and a base model joined the Navajo line for 1992. The new base model was called DX, whereas the plusher carryover model adopted an LX designation.
1993 Mazda Navajo:
Four-wheel antilock brakes went into all '93 models, operating in both 2- and 4-wheel drive. Following the lead of Ford with its Explorer, Mazda now claimed a 160-horsepower rating for the Navajo's V6 engine.
1994 Mazda Navajo:
For its final season on the market, DX and upscale LX editions again were offered, each available with either 2WD or 4WD.
Our road test for the 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Weighing more than 3800 pounds in 4WD trim, a Navajo puts quite a strain on the V6 engine. Regardless, ample low- and midrange torque yields satisfying acceleration in most situations. The 4-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly downshifts as needed. Fuel economy is below par. We averaged just 16 mpg in a 4WD model with automatic. The 2-door body suffers a rather choppy, bouncy ride--though no worse than some rivals. Rear antilock braking does little for either stopping distance or steering control in "panic" situations. So, we recommend a 1993-94 model with the 4-wheel ABS. Four adults ride with plenty of head and leg room in a carlike interior. Despite a front passenger seat that tilts forward, entry into the rear of a Navajo is rather difficult. Step-up into the Navajo's interior is tall, but not really bothersome. Cargo space is generous.
Value for the Money
All told, this is a modern, competent 4x4 that stacks up well against each of the 1991-94 competitors. Because Ford's Explorer and Mazda's Navajo are so similar in construction and operation, the best choice might be the one with the lowest price.
All told, this is a modern, competent 4x4 that stacks up well against each of the 1991-94 competitors. Because Ford's Explorer and Mazda's Navajo are so similar in construction and operation, the best choice might be the one with the lowest price.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda Navajo automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda Navajo includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda Navajo .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Water may drip onto the floor when using the air conditioner because the evaporator strip seals were not properly positioned at the factory. (1995-96)
Hard starting:
The engine may not want to start or cranks for a long time then stalls, because of a sticking idle-air control valve. (1994)
Radiator:
The radiator may leak in cold weather because of a bad seal between the tank and core. (1995-96)
Steering problems:
Noise and reduced steering control results from internal seperation of the front suspension radius arm bushings. (1991-94)
Suspension noise:
Some of the frame rivets work loose and must be replaced with bolts. (Welding is not approved.) (1991-94)
Suspension noise:
A chattering noise from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the limited-slip differential. (1991-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $300 |
| Alternator | $290 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $690 |
| Brakes | $340 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $450 |
| Exhaust System | $660 |
| Radiator | $395 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $400 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $200 |
| Universal Joints | $485 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda Navajo details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Navajo 2WD | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Navajo 4WD | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Navajo 2WD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Navajo 4WD | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Navajo 2WD | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Navajo 4WD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Navajo 4WD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda Navajo include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.2 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3785 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 69.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.3 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Through its relatively brief lifespan, Navajo came with only one engine: an overhead-valve, 4.0-liter V6 that developed 155 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. By 1993, the engine's rating grew to 160 horsepower, but otherwise nothing changed. Navajos might be equipped either with 5-speed manual shift, or an optional 4 speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel-drive models have Ford's pushbutton-controlled Touch Drive system.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 4.0 / 245 | 155-160 | 220 | 5-speed manual: 17/22 4-speed automatic: 15/20 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 16.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda Navajo include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Navajo |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991 w/automatic transmission:
Vehicle may appear to be in "Park" position when gear is not truly engaged.
1991:
Front heat-shield extension may damage or puncture plastic fuel tank.
1991:
Rear-bumper reinforcement may develop fatigue cracking under extended trailer-tow service.
1991-93 w/factory-installed sunroof:
Sunroof's glass-panel assembly can separate while vehicle is moving, due to incorrect hinge engagement.
1991-94 in Southern California:
Studs that attach master cylinder to power-brake booster can crack after extended period; fracture could cause units to separate.
1992-94:
Bracket welds for liftgate's hydraulic cylinders could fracture, permitting bracket to gradually bend; could result in liftgate falling unexpectedly.
1993-94 w/manual transmission:
Parking-brake pawl can slip.
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