Yes, it's worn chain tensioners. More prominent on 95 cars. They were revised for '96. Can still happen to later cars though as witnessed on Snakous' car.

-'96 SE MTX 3L -'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535 -'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride -Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me