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Mazda Navajo: Difference between revisions

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A rear-wheel drive Navajo was available for 1992, geared towards people who liked the sporty image of an SUV, but did not need four-wheel drive. Base models were now called the DX, more in keeping with the Japanese manufacturer's way of referring to their base versions (such as Mazda's own 626 DX). Otherwise, the Navajo changed so little that most of the photography used in the 1991 brochure was reused for the 1992 brochure. As expected, the 1993 Navajo picked up the same mechanical upgrades as the Explorer, such as increased power for the V6 engine and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Unlike the Explorer, however, the only other change was an optional CD player. New five-spoke alloy wheels for the Navajo LX were the only change for 1994, which was the Navajo's last year. Sales were poor, and the Navajo was eventually replaced with the Mazda Tribute (based on the Ford Escape) in 2001, seven years after the Navajo was discontinued. The Navajo was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1991.
A rear-wheel drive Navajo was available for 1992, geared towards people who liked the sporty image of an SUV, but did not need four-wheel drive. Base models were now called the DX, more in keeping with the Japanese manufacturer's way of referring to their base versions (such as Mazda's own 626 DX). Otherwise, the Navajo changed so little that most of the photography used in the 1991 brochure was reused for the 1992 brochure. As expected, the 1993 Navajo picked up the same mechanical upgrades as the Explorer, such as increased power for the V6 engine and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Unlike the Explorer, however, the only other change was an optional CD player. New five-spoke alloy wheels for the Navajo LX were the only change for 1994, which was the Navajo's last year. Sales were poor, and the Navajo was eventually replaced with the Mazda Tribute (based on the Ford Escape) in 2001, seven years after the Navajo was discontinued. The Navajo was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1991.


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|aka = '''Type aka here, not up there'''
|Production = '''produced from when to when+total units made (optional)'''
|Class = '''denote market class'''
|Body Style = '''how many doors+how many seats+what type of body'''
|Length = '''length - type here'''
|Width = '''Width - type here'''
|Height = '''Height - type here'''
|Wheelbase = '''wheelbase - type here'''
|Weight = '''Weight - you get the point'''
|Transmission = '''transmission + drive'''
|Engine = '''engine'''
|Power = N/A hp @ N/A rpm<br>N/A lb-ft of [[torque]] @ N/A rpm
|Similar =  '''similar (competition)'''
|Designer = '''Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)'''
}}
'''Use the following MODEL TEMPLATE as the foundation for the Wikicars' Model page:'''
Start off with a brief Introduction to the particular MODEL. Please DO NOT use the same Introduction text from the [[Wikicars:Model Review Template|<MODEL> Review]] page, but rather paraphrase ideas relevant to grasp an overall scope of the [[automobile|vehicle]].
See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[{{PAGENAME}} Review]]'''.
===Recent Changes===
Mention any minor facelifts or major changes made to the [[automobile|vehicle]] here.
===Styles and Major Options===
Certain [[automobile|vehicles]] come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.
===Pricing===
''Add more fields as necessary.''
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===Gas Mileage===
''Add more fields as necessary.''
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
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! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;"| c/h
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===Engine and Transmission===
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.
===Performance===
Please make sure to '''''write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view'''''. This section should include information about the car's '''acceleration figures''', '''handling''', '''braking''', etc.
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===Reliability===
Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here.
===Safety===
This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.
===Photos===
<gallery>
</gallery>
Add ''Photos'' of the [[automobile|vehicle]] here.
'''''Please make sure not to use copyrighted photos.'''''
===Colors===
List the colors that the particular <MODEL> is offered in.
===Main Competitors===
Create links to other <MAKE> <MODEL> pages in this section.
==Hybrid Models==
If there are [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.
==Unique Attributes==
If there are any features of this [[automobile|vehicle]] that sets it apart from other [[automobile|vehicles]] in its class, then mention those ''unique attributes'' here.
==Interior==
This section should include information on the interior's ''design'', ''build quality'', ''ergonomics'', ''space (head and legroom, front and rear)'', ''features'', ''stowage compartments'' and ''overall comfortability'' and ''livability''. Add pictures wherever applicable and '''''keep information in a third-person point of view'''''.
==Resale Values==
''Add more fields as necessary.''
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
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! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Year X-3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Year X-4
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! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $
|}
==Criticisms==
Please make sure to '''''keep critiques in a third-person point of view'''''. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then '''''please make sure to cite the quote'''''.
==Generations==
Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.
'''''Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures'''''.
==Current Generation: (YYYY–present)==
===Fifth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
===Fourth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
===Third generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
===Second generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
===First Generation/Origins (YYYY–YYYY)===
==Worldwide==
If the [[automobile|vehicle]] is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.
==Design quirks and oddities==
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the [[Automobile|vehicle]] in this section.
==Awards==
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==See Also==
==External Links==
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'''''News and References'''''
'''''Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums'''''
[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]
[edit] Firestone Tire Controversy
[edit] Firestone Tire Controversy
Main article: Firestone vs Ford Motor Company controversy
Main article: Firestone vs Ford Motor Company controversy

Revision as of 18:23, 4 April 2009

The Mazda Navajo was a 2-door SUV introduced in 1991, and Mazda's very first off-roader. Also, the Navajo was Mazda's only truck-based SUV. Available only as a four-wheel drive, two-door vehicle, the Navajo was essentially a rebadged Ford Explorer Sport. It was marketed in the United States only as Mazda Canada did not want to market an SUV. All Navajos were built in Louisville, Kentucky, where the Explorer was built.

To set the two apart, the Navajo had a different grille, taillights and wheels. Inside, it was even harder to tell one from the other, as seat fabrics, type face on the instrument cluster (but the same design) and the steering wheel hub were the only apparent differences. Two trim levels for the Navajo were offered, base and LX. The base version offered power windows, power locks and power mirrors as standard. The LX added features such as extra interior illumination and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. An optional premium package loaded up the Navajo with luxuries including air conditioning, a stereo system with cassette deck, cruise control, sport seats with power lumbar adjustment and a pop-up/removable moonroof.

A rear-wheel drive Navajo was available for 1992, geared towards people who liked the sporty image of an SUV, but did not need four-wheel drive. Base models were now called the DX, more in keeping with the Japanese manufacturer's way of referring to their base versions (such as Mazda's own 626 DX). Otherwise, the Navajo changed so little that most of the photography used in the 1991 brochure was reused for the 1992 brochure. As expected, the 1993 Navajo picked up the same mechanical upgrades as the Explorer, such as increased power for the V6 engine and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Unlike the Explorer, however, the only other change was an optional CD player. New five-spoke alloy wheels for the Navajo LX were the only change for 1994, which was the Navajo's last year. Sales were poor, and the Navajo was eventually replaced with the Mazda Tribute (based on the Ford Escape) in 2001, seven years after the Navajo was discontinued. The Navajo was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1991.

place image here in 300 pixels
Mazda Navajo
place marque here - not manufacturer
aka Type aka here, not up there
Production produced from when to when+total units made (optional)
Class denote market class
Body Style how many doors+how many seats+what type of body
Length length - type here
Width Width - type here
Height Height - type here
Wheelbase wheelbase - type here
Weight Weight - you get the point
Transmission transmission + drive
Engine engine
Power N/A hp @ N/A rpm
N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm
Similar similar (competition)
Designer Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)

Use the following MODEL TEMPLATE as the foundation for the Wikicars' Model page:

Start off with a brief Introduction to the particular MODEL. Please DO NOT use the same Introduction text from the <MODEL> Review page, but rather paraphrase ideas relevant to grasp an overall scope of the vehicle.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Mazda Navajo Review.

Recent Changes

Mention any minor facelifts or major changes made to the vehicle here.

Styles and Major Options

Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.

Pricing

Add more fields as necessary.

MODEL Trims
Trim1 Trim2 Trim3 Trim4
MSRP
$Price1 $Price2 $Price3 $Price4
Invoice
$Price1 $Price2 $Price3 $Price4

Gas Mileage

Add more fields as necessary.

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
Trim1 Trim2 Trim3 Trim4
MPG
c/h c/h c/h c/h

Engine and Transmission

Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance

Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.

If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability

Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here.

Safety

This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.

Photos

Add Photos of the vehicle here.

Please make sure not to use copyrighted photos.

Colors

List the colors that the particular <MODEL> is offered in.

Main Competitors

Create links to other <MAKE> <MODEL> pages in this section.

Hybrid Models

If there are hybrid versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.

Unique Attributes

If there are any features of this vehicle that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class, then mention those unique attributes here.

Interior

This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.

Resale Values

Add more fields as necessary.

<MODEL> Year
Year X Year X-2 Year X-3 Year X-4
Resale Value
$ $ $ $

Criticisms

Please make sure to keep critiques in a third-person point of view. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Generations

Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures.

Current Generation: (YYYY–present)

Fifth generation (YYYY–YYYY)

Fourth generation (YYYY–YYYY)

Third generation (YYYY–YYYY)

Second generation (YYYY–YYYY)

First Generation/Origins (YYYY–YYYY)

Worldwide

If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.

Design quirks and oddities

Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the vehicle in this section.

Awards

List out notable awards that the model has recieved while in production. Boldface the company or organization that gives out the award, and Italicize the name of the award.

See Also

External Links

Please include any external sites that were used in collaborating this data, including manufacturer sites, in this section.

News and References

Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums [edit] Firestone Tire Controversy Main article: Firestone vs Ford Motor Company controversy

In May 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contacted Ford and Firestone about the high incidence of tire failure on Mazda Navajos, Mercury Mountaineers, and Ford Explorers fitted with Firestone tires. Ford investigated and found that several models of 15 in (381 mm) Firestone tires (ATX, ATX II, and Wilderness AT) had very high failure rates, especially those made at Firestone's Decatur, Illinois plant.

The failures all involved tread separation—the tread peeling off followed often by tire disintegration. If that happened, and the vehicle was running at speed, there was a high likelihood of the vehicle leaving the road and rolling over. Many rollovers cause serious injury and even death; it has been estimated that over 250 deaths and more than 3,000 serious injuries resulted from these failures.

Ford and Firestone have both blamed the other for the failures, which has led to the severing of relations between the two companies. Firestone has claimed that they have found no faults in design nor manufacture, and that failures have been caused by Ford's recommended tire pressure being too low and the SUV's design. Ford, meanwhile, pointed out that tires manufactured by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company to the same specification had a spotless safety record when installed on the SUVs. Ford's conclusions were confirmed by NHTSA in their report into the tire failures, published in October 2001.

Many outside observers tend towards blaming both parties; Firestone's tires being prone to tread separation and failure, and the vehicles being especially prone to rolling over if a tire fails at speed compared to other vehicles. However, a subsequent NHTSA investigation of real world accident data showed that the SUVs were no more likely to roll over than any other SUV.

A product recall was issued, allowing Mazda Navajo, Ford Explorer, Ford F-150, Ford Ranger, Mazda B-Series, and Mercury Mountaineer owners whose vehicles came with the Firestone tires in question to exchange them for other tires.

A large number of lawsuits have been filed against both Ford and Firestone, some unsuccessful, some settled out of court, and a few successfully. Lawyers for the plaintiffs have argued that both Ford and Firestone knew of the dangers but did nothing, and that specifically Ford knew that the SUVs were highly prone to rollovers. Ford denied these allegations.

Car and Driver magazine tested a first generation Explorer with a built-in rollcage and a special device that would flatten the tire at the push of a button. The Explorer did not flip in any of the numerous tests, and that was mostly because the driver managed to stay calm. Everyday Explorer drivers taken by surprise by a tread separation or loss of tire pressure in high speed traffic situations may have panicked and swerved violently, resulting in a significant portion of reported rollovers.