Mazda vehicles have a reputation for being fun to drive at their price range. But how reliable are they? Are Mazdas reliable?
Mazda is a reliable vehicle brand, according to J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. J.D. Power rated the 2020 Mazda 3 a score of 74 out of 100 in terms of reliability. Mazda also scored higher than many other brands, including Lexus and Nissan, for its reliability. Consumer Reports ranked Mazda as the 2020 Most Reliable Brand of the Year.
Mazda is a reliable and dependable car brand. The Mazda 2, Mazda 3, and Mazda 6 are some of the most reliable cars on the market. As a brand, they have received high-reliability scores and have been included in top dependability lists.
In this article, we’ll look at the following:
- Mazda 3 reliability
- Mazda 6 reliability
- Mazda CX-5 reliability
- Mazda CX-9 reliability
Read on to learn more about the reliability of Mazdas so you can decide if it is the right car for you.
Are Mazdas Reliable?
According to J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, Mazda is a reliable vehicle brand. J.D. Power rated the 2020 Mazda 3 a score of 74 out of 100 in terms of reliability. Moreover, Mazda scored higher than many other brands, including Lexus and Nissan, for its reliability.
ConsumerReports.com has ranked Mazda as the 2020 Most Reliable Brand of the Year. [1] If you are not familiar with Consumer Reports, it is a nonprofit consumer organization in the United States that focuses on consumer advocacy, consumer-oriented research, and unbiased product testing.
Recently, it evaluated several brands according to their vehicles’ safety, owner satisfaction, road test, and overall reliability. And it was Mazda that scored the highest.
Four Popular and Reliable Mazda Models
It’s understandable if you plan to buy a Mazda vehicle but can’t decide which one to choose. In this case, let me help you by discussing the features of four of the most popular Mazda vehicles in the U.S. market today. These are Mazda 3, Mazda 6, Mazda CX-5, and Mazda CX-9.
Among the features that we will look at are the vehicle’s visibility and safety, engine/transmission, fuel economy, and driving dynamics.
Mazda 3
This 2020 World Car Design of the Year Award recipient does not only boast of its excellent design. It is also proud of being a dependable car for all types of users.
In an evaluation conducted by consumer intelligence company J.D. Power, the 2020 Mazda 3 scored 74 out of 100 in terms of quality and reliability. J.D. Power assessed this model from its engine down to its infotainment system.
Visibility and Safety
Mazda 3 may have thick rear roof pillars, but these are not a hindrance to visibility. This is due to a rear cross-traffic warning system and a backup camera installed in all Mazda 3 variants.
This Mazda model features an adaptive cruise control system. It consists of driver monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning systems. But that’s not all, as this technology also includes an automatic emergency braking system, a forward-collision warning system, and stop-and-go capability.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) grants the 2020 Mazda 3 Hatchback the Top Safety Pick+. This goes for all the variants or trim levels of this Mazda model. Furthermore, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also given Mazda 3 a 5-star rating.
Engine / Transmission
When you ride the Mazda 3, you’ll know how genuine the company is with its Feel Alive brand philosophy. All models feature a 6-speed sport automatic transmission, which is indeed an excellent match for the engine.
This Mazda model is fun to drive. It’ll probably be even more exciting when they release the turbocharged engine option in 2021. But we also hope that a summer tire option and an independent rear suspension will be incorporated in the next Mazda 3 model.
Fuel Economy
We can’t say that the 2020 Mazda 3 is one of the greenest compact cars available in the market. Its fuel economy is estimated to reach as high as 30 miles per gallon in both hatchback and sedan, configured with front-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
Mazda 3’s G-Vectoring Control Plus technology contributes to its impressive driving character. This technology allows the vehicle to have surgically precise steering as well as a controlled ride and handling quality.
But it seems that there is a disadvantage when it comes to its torsion-beam rear suspension. Every time a hole or a bump hits a rear wheel, it also affects the other rear wheel.
Mazda 6
According to the J.D. Power 100-Point Score, the Mazda 6 scores 80 out of 100 in terms of quality and reliability.
Safety
The 2020 Mazda 6 received 5 out of 5 ratings from the NHTSA in the frontal and side crash tests. At the same time, it received a 4-star rating in its rollover test.
Its safety features include the following:
- Rearview camera
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep assist
- Lane departure warning
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Engine / Transmission
The lowest trim level of Mazda 6 features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It puts out 186 pound-feet of torque and 187 horsepower. For the higher trim levels, the standard engine is a turbocharged variant. It puts out 310 pound-feet of torque and 227 or 250 horsepower. These engines for higher trims feature a six-speed automatic transmission.
The reliable Mazda Skyactiv-G engine sure does have the capabilities. But according to critics, the higher trims feel way more energetic due to their turbocharged engines. Also, the transmission guarantees responsive shifts.
Fuel Economy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet evaluated the 2020 Mazda 6 sedan. But in terms of the 2019 model, its fuel economy was assessed to be at par among its midsize rivals.
When it comes to the turbocharged engine, fuel economy is estimated to be 31 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city.
Driving Dynamics
This Mazda model does not only feature luxurious trappings. It also features sharp driving dynamics. Mazda is indeed focused on releasing upscale models at affordable prices. Thus, making the 2020 Mazda 6 a standout value.
Are Mazdas reliable cars? How reliable are Mazdas? As we have mentioned earlier, Mazda cars are reliable. We have looked at the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 and both have achieved high reliability scores from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.
Next, let’s look at the Mazda CX-5 reliability and Mazda CX-9 reliability.
Mazda CX-5
According to the J.D. Power 100-Point Score results, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 scores 76 out of 100 in terms of quality and reliability. Let’s take a look at some of its features that contribute to its high reliability.
Visibility and Safety
The advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) incorporated by Mazda into all its CX-5 models are standard. These systems include:
- Rear cross traffic warning
- Blind spot warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
This Mazda model received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA in its crash-test assessment and a 4-star rating in its rollover resistance test. It also received a Top Safety Pick+ recognition from the IIHS.
Engine / Transmission
When using premium gas, the turbocharged engine of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 produces 320 pound-feet of torque and 250 horsepower. If you use regular gas, the engine makes 310 pound-feet of torque and 227 horsepower.
The off-road traction assist feature has been added to this sport utility vehicle this 2020. In which case, you can confidently test its ground clearance of 7.5 inches. You can also test the protective gray plastic cladding around its lower perimeter.
There is plenty of effortless power supplied by the Mazda CX-5 engine on the pavement. When you switch to Sport mode, you will notice how it heightens responsiveness. There are paddle shifters and a manual shift mode featured in the 6-speed automatic engine. But there isn’t much difference when it comes to the user’s level of enjoyment.
Fuel Economy
According to the EPA standards, this SUV should have an average of 24 mpg in combined driving. There are, however, users who have experienced averaging 22.1 mpg.
Driving Dynamics
Compared to its competitors, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is more fun to drive. But some users might not find it exciting to drive on a favorite back road. This is due to its heavy weight and that it sits high off the ground. Furthermore, it does have a way taller center of gravity compared to the 2020 Mazda 3 Hatchback.
On a daily drive, you are expected to have a smooth ride with your CX-5. It is ideally weighted, steering is precise and efficient, and the brake pedal is well calibrated. The efforts of Mazda to eliminate noise, harshness, and vibration are quite impressive.
Mazda CX-9
In terms of quality and reliability, the rating given by J.D. Power for the 2021 Mazda CX-9 was 77 out of 100. For driving experience, its rating is 82 out of 100. In terms of its overall performance, J.D. Power gave a rating of 78 out of 100.
Next, let’s look at the features of this three-row midsize crossover.
Safety
Like the other reliable Mazda models, the IIHS has given the 2021 Mazda CX-9 a Top Safety Pick+ recognition. Evidently, the NHTSA has also given CX-9 a five-star rating.
Among the key safety features of this Mazda vehicle are the following:
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Engine / Transmission and Performance
Mazda has incorporated a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in its 2021 CX-9 model in its attempt to have a positive impact on fuel economy. It may have the edge over some of its competitors, but it only offers a slight difference.
In an acceleration testing conducted, this Mazda model scooted from zero to 60 miles per hour (mph) in just a matter of 7.1 seconds. It is a family-friendly vehicle, as it is light on its feet. And it gives the driver the feeling of driving a small SUV.
Its suspension may be firm but moves gracefully over rough stretches of the road. And the steering may not be as communicative as the other models released by this vehicle manufacturer. Nonetheless, it imparts vigor that can’t be found in its competitors.
Fuel Economy
The EPA has not yet released any data on its evaluation of the 2021 Mazda CX-9. But it states that this Mazda model has always been recognized as more fuel-efficient than most of its competitors.
With the 2020 model, the EPA gave estimates of 28 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city using the front-wheel drive. With the all-wheel drive, this crossover is estimated to reach 30 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city.
Conclusion – Is Mazda Reliable? [Reliable Mazda]
Mazda has always been known as a reliable vehicle brand. Recognized for innovating with top-rated vehicles, this vehicle manufacturer highly prioritizes reliability and safety. Needless to say, this vehicle manufacturer highly focuses on customer satisfaction and overall value.
Mazda vehicles have always received high ratings from the EPA, IIHS, and NHTSA. These are aside from the high ratings resulting from customer reviews.
Based on what we have discussed, it does seem like all Mazda models are of high quality. Indeed, they are all reliable. And in case you’re confused as to which Mazda vehicle to buy, I advise that you focus on your personal requirement. Are you buying for family use? Is it going to be for business? Are you single and have no need for a big vehicle?
Focus on these factors because there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to all Mazda vehicle features. Whichever you choose, you will definitely not go wrong.
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