Mazda is one of NZ’s most reliable carmakers

The most recent Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Survey has confirmed what many already knew: if you want a reliable vehicle that will drive and keep driving, Mazdas are the ones to go for.

Mazda takes the top spot for reliability

The annual Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Survey pits top-performing international vehicle brands against each other, competing across a wide variety of reliability metrics to see which brand makes the most reliable new cars. This included feedback from over 400,000 owners based in the US, covering everything from safety systems to engine performance to infotainment devices.

The fewer problems reported by these owners, the better the score.

Unsurprisingly, the last few years of this report has had a leaderboard dominated by the likes of Toyota, Lexus and, of course, Mazda. But the latest report has caused a new upset among the top performers. Mazda has taken the top spot, having come second in 2019. There’s a new champion in town.

What makes Mazda so reliable?

According to Consumer Reports, Mazda as a brand relies on an ‘iterative approach’ to their vehicles – they stick to a design that they know works, without making huge changes that can often backfire in terms of reliability.

One prime example is the addition of infotainment systems, or in Mazda’s case, their lack of infotainment systems. Many of their models stick to tried-and-true methods of allowing the driver to interact with their vehicle, ditching the touchscreens that cause so many problems – especially on newer models where the kinks haven’t been worked out yet.

“When it comes to reliability, it’s always been this argument of making the cars exciting or making them reliable,” explains Jake Fisher, senior director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports.
But don’t be fooled. Fisher goes on to say that Mazda “shows you can make cars that are fun and reliable”, which is backed up by Mazda’s 93.8% customer satisfaction score in a recent Roy Morgan poll. There’s a reason they won the Major Car Manufacturer of the Year award last year!

Which Mazdas are the best?

While the Consumer Reports surveys evaluate the brand as a whole, there were several standout vehicles over the last few years from the Mazda line that could take whatever the roads threw at them.

These included the:

• Mazda MX-5 Miata, a lightweight two-person sports car with 1960s vibes and 180+hp under the bonnet.
• Mazda CX-3, a small SUV that everyone knows and loves.
• Mazda CX-9, a competitively priced family SUV with great driving dynamics and fantastic looks.
• Mazda CX-30, the latest generation of SUV packed with new and improved technology and safety features.

Any of these would be a fantastic pick, new or used, for anyone who puts reliability at the top of their list when it comes to their vehicle.

For more information about the Mazda range or to book a test drive of the most reliable vehicle you’ll ever own, pop into your local Nicholson Auto.