1994 Mazda Navajo 2WD Base 4.0L EFI OHV V6 from North America

Summary:

Maintain it well, and it will last

Faults:

As far as I have owned the vehicle, it is doing well for having 219,000 miles when I purchased it.

Did basic maintenance. Changed a wheel bearing and all 4 shocks.

General Comments:

Front end is a bit clunky, and the steering feels loose.

To my surprise, I'm not a fan of Ford vehicles, but this OHV 4.0L engine has done well. Also has an exhaust manifold leak. It does not burn any oil so far, and the engine runs smooth. Gas gauge stopped working recently.

I have added a $20 Flowtech Raptor muffler and a custom cold air intake, and it seems to like it. The stock airbox, I could not replace, as the ones at the junkyard were also broken at the mounting tabs, and would leak. The throttle body and MAF were really dirty when I bought this vehicle, and I would recommend cleaning them both on a regular basis.

It has a bit larger than stock tires, so the RPM's stay nice and low when shifting. I never have to pass 2,000 RPM. It has plenty of torque under 2000 RPM to keep the engine well under-revved and lasting longer. At 60 MPH it's at about 1800 RPM. Haven't tested my fuel mileage yet.

Interior is pretty well stained, and the ceiling liner is sagging and ripped. Door armrests are ripped off.

Vehicle had front end damage that I repaired when I purchased it. Parts are fairly easy to replace if you can find them at a junkyard. Engine is easy to repair. 4.0L OHV parts and engines are plentiful. The transmission shifts a bit clunky, and may need new throwout bearing and shifter bushings.

Overall, if you can get one for $200 like I did, it's a good vehicle considering it has 221,XXX miles now and runs fine. I expect to put many more miles on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th May, 2011

17th Jun 2011, 08:42

This is an update to my review. For gas mileage, I am getting around 28MPG on the highway, surprisingly. When in town, it's around 15MPG or less. I tightened my steering up, and my steering is fine now. The engine does burn through oil, but not terribly.

1994 Mazda Navajo LX 4.0 V6 from Costa Rica

Summary:

If you don't mind paying a little more for gas and want a great SUV, this is a good choice

Faults:

Replaced radiator at 114000.

Replaced both door handles recently.

Drivers seat's electrical buttons not working anymore.

Passengers seat latch broke.

I had to replace the heat control valve at 115000.

Regular maintenance, brake pads once.

General Comments:

Beside some minor details described above, this car runs like a champ.

It is strong for being a 4X2, and handles pretty well in strong conditions, and while taking it to wild places.

I'd love it was 4x4, but I don't complain.

The engine is in perfect condition and very quiet.

It has great look, I would recommend it to anyone.

Very comfortable car, and you can have 5 people inside without losing power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd September, 2009

1991 Mazda Navajo LX 4.0 from North America

Summary:

I love my Navajo

Faults:

Fuel pump replaced 2 times.

Water pump.

Rust.

Getting worn out from using the seats.

Steering wheel, etc.

AC does not work.

Power windows do not work.

4x4 never did work.

General Comments:

Best car I have ever had. I will never sell this car. I could not say enough good about this vehicle - I would like to buy a spare just for parts to make sure it is around forever.

I would suggest Michelin tires Mud and Snow - if you can find them for this vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2009

1994 Mazda Navajo LX 4x4 4.0 from North America

Summary:

At any cost, I will drive this car til I die

Faults:

Muffler welds broke at 135000.

All elements of brakes on all 4 wheels were shot at 140000.

General Comments:

Its 13 years old and exterior/interior are mint.

No rust/fading even on outer plastics.

Handles great.

Excellent on/off road capability.

Holds up better than explorers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 2007

18th Nov 2007, 21:58

Holds up better than Explorers? Do you say that knowing that Navajos are Explorers? Yes, they are rebadged, 2-door Explorers with slightly different styling. Though I suppose it isn't impossible that there are slight differences in componentry that yield different durability records.

11th May 2011, 09:55

Although it typically is an Explorer, I just don't know why they hold up so much better. Mine has 221,XXX miles and drives like new. I think it holds up so much better because it has less features that tend to put the vehicle in the junk yard, plus I have a 5-speed manual.