The Mazda Navajo Was Actually a Rebadged Ford Explorer

The Mazda Navajo, which hit the market in 1991, wasn't built by Mazda at all, it was a badge-engineered version of the first-generation two-door Ford Explorer Sport. At the time. Ford owned a 25% stake in Mazda, making it easy for the two companies to strike a supply deal. S.

Mazda made only slight exterior changes to differentiate the Navajo from the Explorer, including a different front fascia, headlights, taillights, and wheels. Despite the light tweaks, the vehicle was impressive enough to be named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year in 1991. It was produced for just a few years, from 1991 to 1994, before being discontinued.

0-liter Cologne V6. The 1991 model had one trim level, producing 155 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, with a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Part-time four-wheel drive and rear-wheel anti-lock brakes were also included. For 1992, two trims, DX and LX, were offered, but the engine carried over unchanged.

Power rose to 160 hp for 1993, allowing a 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds with the manual transmission.

While that performance is far from today's midsize SUVs, like the Mazda CX-90 with 280 to 340 horsepower, it was decent for its era. If you're considering a Navajo, used examples can be found for under $4,000, one 136,000-mile listing on Edmunds was priced at just $3,795.