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- Sections of this article are translated from the Scottish page Mazda Navajo.
The Mazda Navajo is a mid-size SUV manufactured by Ford Motor Company for the Japanese automaker Mazda, and is a rebadged version of the first generation Ford Explorer. It was Mazda's first SUV, and was offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
| Mazda Navajo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1991–1994 |
| Assembly | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size SUV |
| Body style | 3-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / Front-engine, four-wheel drive |
| Related | Ford Explorer Ford Ranger (North American) Mazda B-Series (North American) Ford Aerostar |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.0 liter Cologne V6 160 hp (119 kW) |
| Transmission | Ford C3-based A4LD 4-speed automatic Mazda 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 102.1 in (2,593 mm) |
| Length | 175.3 in (4,453 mm) |
| Width | 70.2 in (1,783 mm) |
| Height | 68.1 in (1,730 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Mazda Tribute |
The Navajo won the 1991 Motor Trend Truck of the Year award, but because of its Explorer origins, its reputation deteriorated amid the Firestone and Ford tire controversy.[1]
Differences
edit
The Navajo featured a few minor changes from the Explorer it was based on. It was given a revised front fascia, new taillamps and wheels, and the bumpers were painted dark gray (resulting in the deletion of all chrome trim).[1] The interior was largely shared between the two model lines, with the Navajo receiving its own lettering for the instrument panel (in line with other Mazda vehicles), and Mazda lettering was added to the Ford steering wheel hub.
Trims
editIn place of the three trims offered on the three-door Ford Explorer, Mazda offered the Navajo in base DX and top-tier LX trim (roughly the equivalent of the Explorer Sport and three-door Explorer XLT). Offered only with four-wheel drive at its launch, a rear-wheel drive version of the Navajo was introduced for 1992.[2] As with the first-generation Explorer, all Navajos were fitted with a 4.0 L V6; a five-speed manual was standard, with a four-speed automatic offered as an option (on both the DX and LX).
Criticisms and controversies
editRollover and Firestone Tire controversy
editUse of Navajo name
editSome criticized Mazda's use of the Navajo name without compensating the Navajo people as exploitative. During a 1990 unveiling ceremony, Mazda spokesperson Duane Bowen responded to the criticism by saying that the name was chosen as "uniquely American," and a symbol of strength and integrity. To address the criticism, Mazda donated a 1991 model Navajo to the tribe, which was officially accepted by the Government Services Committee of Torreon, New Mexico.[3]
Discontinuation
editThe Mazda Navajo stopped production after three years. It was replaced by the Ford Escape-based Mazda Tribute.
References
edit- ^ a b "Rare anywhere: Mazda Navajo". Autoweek. 2018-03-15. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
- ^ Martin, Murilee (December 26, 2022). "Junkyard Gem: 1991 Mazda Navajo". Autoblog. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
- ^ "MAZDA UNVEILS NAVAJO SPORT VEHICLE AND DONATES 1 TO TRIBE IN ARIZONA". Deseret News. September 16, 1990. Retrieved 2024-09-02.