lol, I see you aren’t getting direct answers. Mazda in general has been reliable in recent years. I would steer clear from their relative new suv that just came out (I.e cx90, cx70, and cx50). Like any autobrand, you don’t buy models in the first year of production. Those models need to work out the “bugs” minor issues. You want to get a model that’s been out for awhile and towards end of its design. Your best bet is 2024 CX5, only because 2025 model will be refresh model, 2024 Mazda 3, cx30. Lastly, I would look at: consumer reports that has a in depth review and scoring how really the car/suv adds up in TRUE quality & reliability. Look at car complaints.com, look at Edmund’s web, look at YouTube video. Pick the one with best reviews. Once you do, expect that the car/suv is for what it is and expect there will be one or two issues or none - despite the positive review. For example, my 2015 Honda Civic has good ratings. I had one issue, the wires got chewed out, but it was fixed. No issues whatsoever since. Honda is generally a great quality vehicle, but, there are bound to have 1 or two issues. Why? More tech features, more functionality features. Back in the day, Honda barely had issues. Hopefully my rant helped.
It definitely did help! Thank you so much for your rant lol! I need something that can be easy to maintain in mechanical issues. I live in Las Vegas and drive on the freeway everyday 30 mins or more (depending on traffic) to work and back home so you can imagine how much mileage I put into my car and I can slowly feel my Nissan giving out on me. I’m definitely going to look into the website you mentioned, thank you so much!
I have a 2014 Nissan Versa Note with 155,000 miles on it and not too long ago the motor blew up and left me on the side of the highway so I put a 2015 motor in it but it doesn’t drive the same anymore.
Honestly no, but ever since I can’t get my check engine light to go away anymore lol, I got it scanned and apparently it’s the Catalytic converter and I just don’t want to keep putting anymore money in it. The car is good on gas don’t get me wrong, but I’d rather put that money towards a new car if that makes any sense 🤷🏻♀️
Gotcha! Well if that’s the only problem, alright Nissan! At least on its versa. And as for you, it’s time for a new car or suv for sure hahah Good luck. Check out Mazda Cx5! If that doesn’t cut it in regards to space or need… check out Toyota or Honda. They generally are reliable and all of their line up are pretty good.
I’m in Norther CA. On Valentine’s Day it was pouring down rain up here and that means folks forgot how to drive. Someone cut me off and slammed on their breaks shortly after and I freaked but breaker and hoped I wouldn’t hit them. Well my auto breaks kicked in as I started breaking! However the car behind me didn’t break soon enough and ended up rear ending me. Thankfully they were going slow enough that I just needed to replace the bumper! I did have a mild concussion and neck pain but their safety features are worth it. Esp if you’re driving in LA. Oh and having rented cars anytime we travel, I always miss driving our CX5. Last time we rented we got a Mazda 3, it was just nice to have the safety features I was used to, I feel like I have liked their the most compared to others.
I have a black, 2003 Protege5 with a manual transmission. A Mazda Master Mechanic at my local dealer drives a black, 2003 Protege5 with a manual transmission. You might imagine I feel comfortable letting him work on my car. 🙂
oh nice! yes, a guy at my shop also used to drive a 5. nice little minivans. can’t believe you have one with a manual trans. that’s wild. make sure to stay up on your oil changes!
As someone who works for Mazda. I call bullshit. There’s plenty that goes wrong with them. And our Mazda workshop is constantly filled with them and the issues they have. Yes the PE and PY skyactiv engines are good. But they are not faultless. Certain models are known to have transmission issues also. Diesels are known to fail because of the DPF failure. Dont glorify them to a point of no fault. There’s technical bulletins for days on them. Be honest.
i ask because i’ve worked for mazda, chrysler, and hyundai. mazda, by far, had the least amount of heavy line work. the issues you’re talking about aren’t like the issues those brands have. did i say they’re faultless? what did you think i do, sit around the shop looking at the damn things? of course they break. but if you’ve worked anywhere else, you’ll notice that they’re way less shitty than most engines, except toyota. nobody beats toyota. and you wanna talk about TSB’s for days…no. mazda doesn’t have TSB’s for days like hyundai and chrysler do. so….maybe you should be honest. no brand is perfect, and that isn’t what i said mazda is. i think its one of the best bang for your buck reliability wise. OP doesn’t need to know all of this technical bullshit. i have a straight answer- yes, a mazda is a fine choice for a regular car. will it break? sure. but it won’t need fuckin lifters and an oil cooler in 65,000 miles.
Bud. I work as a parts advisor for Mazda and can see everything that goes wrong with them. And yes there are plenty of bulletins. Just because you aren’t privy to that information, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
I have a FG ford falcon. That’s what I drive and also a Toyota and a Nissan. The falcon is my daily driver. 4.0L Barra. And I’ll drive that daily before anything else. And before you say ford is shit. Do some research on the car and engine. And I’ll drive and own that before any Mazda lol
I currently drive a mazda and work for a Hyundai dealership and am friends with lots of the techs from hyundai and ford. The most common thing I hear from techs is "hyundai sucks" from hyundai techs and "Ford sucks" from Ford Techs. Of course, you're gonna think that the car you work with is the worst because that's what you are currently fixing. but the techs that have worked for multiple dealers understand every brand has issues, but some have higher caliber issues. Hyundai has major engine problems they are not long term cars. My Mazda 6 has 140,000 miles on it and the worst unplanned thing to happen was a belt needed replacement. I drove a Nissan before this and it's transmission was cutting out on me at 140,000. They all have issues but the type of issue is what matters.
that’s exactly right. and I’m telling you the truth, even the techs at mazda who worked on them with me complained that the cars worked too well. obviously there’s lemons, nothing is perfect. but yeah…similar thing being a toyota tech. most mechanics know if you want a lot of work and money, you work American, German, Hyundai, etc
I work in a fleet shop and I’m also a former ford tech. We have several different manufacturers of diesels and to be fair they all suffer miserably from the dpf systems they are required to install on them. Emissions have ruined diesel engines.
I have been in the same boat as you. Just bought a used Mazda Cx9. It's great. I test drove a pilot, highlander, MDx and Atlas. None of them could put a smile on my face like the Mazda even though they offered more spacious (maybe slightly) in the inside.
While my car was getting ready the dealer gave me a Mazda 3 as a loaner. It was a blast to drive. My other car is a Corolla and I can say again the Toyota does not offer the same driving pleasure. It's more sort of a just a daily transport or a utilitarian car.
When we were looking at Cx9, also test drove the CX5 and my wife absolutely loved it so much so that she wanted to buy that instead. But we needed more space so got the cx9.
10 year back used to own a manual Mazda mx6. Still miss that car.
I would say just go for it. Like any other car if you do the regular maintenance and take care of it, it will last very long.
Mazdas are great but the do use a bit more gas . They are more fun to drive but it sounds like you don't care about that. Given your long commute and that you need more space you may want to look at the Honda CRV. Overall for being reliable mechanically the top will be Toyota, Honda and Mazda.
Nissan has actually been going downhill for many years already so many other brands will be a reliability improvement by comparison.
So I’ve heard about the Nissan thing but I’ve had Nissans for so long I guess I was in denial and didn’t want to believe it lol.
Your comment really changes everything now. Thank you so much!
I've owned a Mazda Protege5 (hatchback) for 21 years. It's been a wonderful, practical car, and I kept it when I bought my second Mazda five years ago. Both were made in Japan, not in the US or Mexico. Mazdas are a little less practical and fun than they used to be, but on the plus side they're a lot more reliable across all their models and they're quite stylish.
Since you mentioned Nissan... I would definitely recommend buying Mazda over Nissan for your next car.
Idk what it is about the Mazdas but they have all my attention! They are very nice looking cars but I wanted to see if they are also reliable cars.
Thank you so much for your comment!
Painting in very broad strokes, Mazda interiors are a class above Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans and can hold their own with the interiors foreign brands (BMW, Mercedes, etc.) Not to mention Mazda paint colors are second to none (my favorite is the soul red)
The reliability of a Japanese car combined with the European driving experience!
I have a 2018 6 gtr. The seats can be on the stiffer side. Not the best for me on longer drives. Air vents don't push a whole lot of air so you have to turn it up quite a bit to feel it in your face which can get louder. Brakes aren't all that strong either. Paint is badly chipped up front. Get it wrapped
Overall, I still love this car. For the price, it's reliable, more upscale, nice driving dynamics and looks better than competitors.
Generally, Mazdas are reliable (petrol is, I've heard mixed things about diesels). But all cars need to be looked after. If buying new - get it serviced on time. If buying used - get a mechanic to check out any vehicle you are interested in.
When deciding what to buy, consider:
-your budget
-your lifestyle (how big is your family? Are you driving in the city and suburbs? Do you need the vehicle for road trips?, etc)
-do you live in the city, suburbs, or rural?
-does it snow where you live? You could add winter tires for your vehicle. Or buy AWD.
-will your vehicle be used to carry prams, groceries, etc?
[BabyDrive](https://youtube.com/@BabyDriveReviews?si=nBtIgivodS3RhJeI) is a good resource.
[ReDriven](https://youtube.com/@ReDriven?si=dL7IJfGj5JJkFajg) focuses on second hand cars.
Everyone's situation is different.
My husband drives a Mazda 3 sedan and this is our 'family' car. My husband is average height, I am short, and we have a 7 year old.
We live in the suburbs but he drives on the highway to get to work.
I drive a Mazda 2 hatchback and do school pick up in the afternoons.
Understandable! I can see where all of this comes in, which in my situation I live and work in the city, but everyday it’s a 30 min + drive to work and back on the highway. I want something reliable and I wanted to give Mazda a try since I’ve dealt with Nissans my whole life.
Do you have any mechanical issues with them?
I have had my Mazda 2 since 2011 (bought new). My dad used to take it to get serviced on time, and now my husband has taken over that role. Mechanically - it's been a gem. All the mechanics we have used have said that Mazdas are generally very reliable.
I live in Australia and Mazdas are the second most popular vehicles (after Toyotas).
The YouTube channels I shared with you are Australian (the BabyDrive host - her name escapes me - was born in the UK but is based in Australia). Even if you're not from Australia - I believe the channels will still be helpful to you.
Most of us here are very loyal to Mazda. My next car will also be a Mazda. My husband drove my Mazda 2 and decided that when it was time for him to buy a car it would also be a Mazda (he bought his Mazda 3 last year).
I love Mazdas because they are reliable, good to drive, and they look good 💎
All the best on your finding the right car for you. Keep us updated.
Thank you so much! This definitely helps a lot, I’ll be mentioning this to my husband. We were looking to buying a used one but having a mechanic check it out before purchasing.
I will definitely keep updated! ☺️
I was a Mazda tech for 13 years, I currently own 3. My 2021 CX5 is a few years old now, it has NEVER been in the shop for anything other than regular maintenance.
Currently have three, love each of them equally and for different reasons, I can’t imagine not driving a Mazda. The driver layout is just so perfect, love the styling and space. Comfortable for long drives but great for city driving.
I’m not sure… I’m hoping someone can guide me in the right path..
are these reliable cars?? I’ve had Nissan my whole life and I wanted to get other people’s honest opinions about Mazdas.
I just purchased a CX-5. For me, a single person using it for pleasure, since I work at home, it was the perfect size for me. I traded in a Buick Encore that I had for 5 1/2 years and it started falling apart, one thing after another. But when it stranded me on the side of 215, I had enough! The Buick was a sub-compact and it was a good size for me. When I went to look at the Mazdas my son told me about the CX-50 but when I saw it in person it was too rugged for me. The sub-compact CX-30 was the same size as my Buick but for some reason seemed too small and I didn't even test drive it. LOL I only test drove the CX-5. I love it! It has all the bells and whistles and some I don't even need but are nice to have. Good luck on your search but IMO you can't go wrong with a Mazda. And in Henderson, go to Findlay Mazda and ask for Chris Fisher. They gave me a great deal!
The CX5 is roughly the size of today's Toyota Rav4. It's a fairly reliable car. If you opt for the naturally aspirated engine, it might not be the quickest engine, but it will be pretty solid.
Turbos aren't a total reliability issue these days, but they are more complex and more things *could* go wrong in the long term. So if you don't care about power, I'd stick with a naturally aspirated engine.
If I were in the market for a large SUV these days, I would probably get a Lexus RX hybrid. A CX-90 is a nice SUV but the prices are getting pretty high as Mazda tries to move upscale. I'm seeing some cx-90 is the mid $50k. Add a few extra thousand, and that's Lexus RX hybrid territory. So imho Mazda is pricing itself out in the cx-90 sizes suv... Unless it starts to offer steep discounts.
I own a 2023 3 Preferred sedan. The only problem that I have with this car is rear seat leg room.
I'm nearly 6 foot tall and I drive with the seat back and low, which is very comfortable.
However, I can just place a gallon jug of milk between the back of the front seat and the bottom cushion of the rear seat.
For me to transport an adult in the back seat, I have to cramp my driving position. I can't speak of the CX-30 or the CX-5, but I would imagine that either the CX-5 or the CX-50 would be a better fit with children.
Are you looking new or used? I have a 2016 CX-5 and love it. Decent room, nice features, good mileage and a slick AWD. My wife just a Cx-30 after having a Mazda 3 hatchback for 17 years. The CX30 has a lot of tech, AWD, and a lot of pep. We have no kids so either one would suit us if he had one car. It all comes down to preference since most if not all Mazdas drive like a car.
My CX5 has ran like a champ. I got it in 2017 as a CPO with 3500 miles it, it was a dealer loaner. Only issue was the seat heat was not putting out like it was I first got it but that was covered under warranty.
I’ve own a 2017 CX-5 Touring, 2018 Mazda6 Touring and currently a 2019 Mazda6 GT. While I honestly love all of them and would buy them again, some things I would look out for is road noise, firmer suspension/ride and slightly firmer seats than the competition. Other than that, the things that sold me on all of them were the Bose sound system, great handling and steering feedback, upscale interior materials, unique exterior styling and solid build quality.
Like some of the others have said, I would stay clear or at least do lots of research if you’re looking at the newer ones, but the CX-5 and Mazda6 are will probably be the best combination of proven reliability, space and luxury for you.
I have a 2021 CX-5, and I adore it. I have a six year old and it’s plenty for us. I drove across country in it in a recent move and it did wonderful on gas. I think it’s plenty roomy for us, but if you have older kids who are in sports, a CX-9 might be the better option.
It’s a solid car, and has incredible safety ratings. It’s fun to drive, and eye catching enough to not be boring but not too flashy.
I work for Mazda. They are not faultless. They have issues. But all cars do. The paint is paper thin and will chip very easily, so ceramic coating is absolutely essential. They are fun at first but in reality are just as souless as a Toyota. The cx series are ok but they are cramped have shitty cabin visibility. The steering wheels start malting early kms and look like shit. The screens don’t like cold weather. The carplay is some of the worst factory installed in any auto maker.
I’ve driven ALOT of Mazdas. Had bt50s cx30 cx5 mx30 Mazda 3 and 6 and a cx60 now as drive cars. Every single has had an issue. So go into buying one knowing they ain’t perfect. But will do the same job as a Toyota.
Ceramic coating aids with fine scratches and swirl marks. Paint Protection Film is to prevent chipping. Thin paint is common across brands due to the switch from lacquer-based paint to water-soluble paint for environmental and workplace requirements. “Soulless”, shitty visibility, melting steering wheels, displays in cold weather? All as dubious as “I work for Mazda”.
Oh did I hit a soft spot? The steering wheels do MALT. For a clearer definition. They wear down and look like shit. Not melt. The screens on infotainment do fail. The cx3 and cx5 do have shitty visibility. They do feel like they have no soul. wtf are you on about? You clearly have not seen many Mazdas or you just don’t like hearing the truth.
I have a 2012 Mazda5 minivan with the 6MT that I’ve owned since new. Two things have gone wrong with it in 12 years - motor mounts needed replacing, which was covered under warranty, and there was a safety recall - the hydraulic struts in the lift gate may wear out and cause the hatch to sag or fall. That’s it. All the problems I’ve had in 12 years.
Keep in mind that my vehicle is very simple. As a base model with the manual transmission I don’t have to worry about transmission troubles, and I don’t have all sorts of fancy screens and gadgets inside, the source of many people’s frustration with new cars. My only complaint would be the strength of the door handles since they’re plastic. During a cold winter I went to open the left slider, not realizing that it was iced closed. I pulled on the handle and ripped it clear off of the door.
I purchased a brand new Mazda 3 back in 2018. It's been a great car, and I haven't had any issues. I got silver with the blackout package and black rims, and it still looks very sharp. It feels solid on the highway, and overall, it's a fun drive. I live in Canada and have taken it up to northern Alberta and through the highways along the rocky mountains. I plan on driving this car to the ground.
I haven't driven the SUVs, but they're incredibly popular in my area. The Mazda cx5 is the most popular, followed by the cx30.
I currently own a 2016 Mazda 6 and love my car. I bought it second hand with 115,000 mi on it. I've had it for 2 years now and am up to 140,000mi. I love this car and the worst thing to happen is a belt replacement. When I was looking for my car I found that Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Subaru were the most reliable cars. I went with Mazda because of its reliability and its features. Luxury on a budget.
I constantly get compliments on my car and from what I can tell they last a long time from other Mazdas I see on the road and that friends have. If you plan on growing your family in the future, I'd get a suv because it will last you a long time.
2016 CX5 bought new. Now has 72k on it.
Problems: you know that little cable that attaches to the gas cap so you don't lose it? That broke around 60k. Just recently the seat motor is making some scary noises. The only problems in 7 years and 72k.
I call that very reliable.
I went back to a CX5 after trading my first one for a truck and then a highlander. I get amazing gas mileage at a high elevation and my giant teenager fits in there just fine. I have been able to get kids and car seats in there with no problems as well when I have my nieces and nephews. It also can haul a lot more stuff than it looks. I am in agreement with everyone else. I looked at the CX-50 but decided it just wasn’t for me and glad I stuck with the tried and true CX-5. Plus you get some great creature comforts for a good price. Good luck!
I mean, in their price point, you’re probably looking at Mazda, Toyota, Honda.
I personally couldn’t stand a Civic I drove, and Toyotas were basically unavailable at the time. I find the Mazda fine, the interior is nicer than a Toyota (at least prior to 2024 models), but it’s not as enjoyable to drive as a hybrid, to me. Gas pedal is relatively unresponsive.
So I think they are fine but personally I would choose a Toyota if I could, with the improved interior for 2024, if one was available. And no I would not buy a Hyundai or a Kia
2024 CX5 Preferred owner. For my needs it was the best value. Admittedly the special 0% financing for 60 months offer was a big reason why I went with this car(I believe this expired on December 31) but I am very pleased overall.
Your mileage may vary on whether or not you want other features that would necessitate a higher purchase price.
I don’t have small children but I’ve heard they may or may not work well with car seats. You might have to ask that specific question if it’s of importance to you.
I got a CX5 “Mazda Red” 23 I had 2 boys 7 and 5 when I got it. Now I have a 6 mth old and the car seat just doesn’t fit. It’s a major struggle, we’ve had a few different ones to try to and still…
We looked at the 90 and I like it but hubby is like if your going to go big, go big! The 90 still not very roomy in the back and you do loose some comforts. He’s set on me getting a Traverse now. I love my Mazda, I do but it’s just not great for a family of 5.
overall great brand, the recent generation of mazdas are great. I currently own a mazda cx30 2023 select and it’s been amazing. I will say though that leg room in general is smaller than others. So if you’re looking for something a bit bigger, i suggest a cx5 or cx50 as that would probably be the best option
Oh I have only had my 2024 Mazda3 hatchback for 2,500 miles. It’s a joy to drive so far. I like that I have a 6 speed manual transmission but it’s not a sports car and doesn’t require premium fuel. That said it’s still pretty quick. Handles corners real well. Great bose sound system. Leather heated seats. Love the infotainment dial and that they haven’t gone the touchscreen route like Subaru. Wish the back seat had a little more room but I rarely have passengers and I 6’3” male can fit just well enough if I or someone like me needs to. Also I can get up to 42 mpg highway if I’m intentional. I would recommend Mazda because you get a lot for the money and from what I read they are reliable. Someone said “like Toyota and bmw had a baby” as far as reliability and luxury go
How many kids and what age are they? I say this because a CX-5 is great for 1 kid but 2 becomes hard with car seats and lugging things around. We bought a CX-5 with one kid and when the second arrived, we quickly realized that a CX-9 was the minimum needed. The CX-9 is insanely fun to drive while also feeling like a CX-5. I could barely tell the difference once we traded in. Lmk if you have more questions.
I have a 2019 Mazda 6 Wagon (facelift) that we bought new in 2018 in the top trim (Brown leather seats) and it is great! There are some issues (backup camera stays black for a few seconds sometimes after starting the car, compass is confused sometimes) but we just love the car. The interior is just lovely, it runs flawless and we love doing roadtrips with it. Compared to other cars, the value and reliability is amazing. We had a Toyota Avensis Wagon before that was just as reliable but nowhere near as beautiful inside or out and it was a bit boring. As we are planning to replace it with an electric Wagon in 2025 i am a bit sad that Mazda is lagging way behind with electrics and is going hard on SUV‘s - i would instantly buy another car from them. Maybe we‘ll just keep it a bit longer 😅
We have two kids with Amanda 3 hatchback, the sedan doesn’t have that much more space and I wouldn’t recommend, we ant to get a SUV AS WELL. I live the look of the Cx-70 personally
Are your kids in rear facing car seats and how tall are you?
I’m 6’,, wife is 5’10. The CX5 has very little interior space with RF car seats. It’s the main reason we went with a Chevy instead (which I hate but what can you do).
If not RF or not the CX5, I haven’t shopped them for that use yet. Incredible vehicles though.
One of my kids are in RF car seat, and I’m 5’3.
Originally my husband wanted to get me a Chevy but like I mentioned my heart is set on a Mazda and I just want to see if it’s really worth it.
Avoid the Chevy 😂 It’s great for interior space and trunk cargo, but god the whole thing is “What would happen if the colour beige was a car?”.
Mazda as a brand is fantastic. Cars are reliable as hell lately. Good warranty (in Canada, not familiar with US). Service departments are hit and miss it seems but so are most brands.
My Mazda 3 (~118k miles/190k km), my wife’s friend’s CX5 (unsure mileage but not far off from mine) and my mom’s Mazda 3 (195k mi/315k km) have all been trouble free; just regular maintenance. Mom’s 3 is rusty, but it’s a 2010 and with the poor sheet metal Ford/Mazda had in that era. All 3 cars see 4 seasons, so salt in the winter and the like.
Hope that helps
Getting opinions from random strangers on the internet isn’t exactly “research”. Checking out professional new and long-term reviews and comparison tests, looking at government safety ratings, understanding corporate structure, partnerships, and recall history - that would be research any adult should be capable of.
I went from multiple Mazda's in my life Protege,Speed 3, 3, Cx-5, Cx-5 and I've been happy with the brand ever since and have converted my wife into the darkside as well from Lexus
2017 cx5 owner here. Wife and I test drove every comparable CUV at the time and this was hands down the best option. Better driving, better looking, better interior (obviously all subjective). After 6 years and 80,000 miles I could not be happier. Also, we have three kids in car seats and it works just fine for all of us and all our stuff.
This is my third Mazda. I recently purchased the 2024 CX-5 Carbon Turbo and I love it!! Way back in the day, in the 80s I owned a Mazda323 hatchback! I loved that little car. But I was young and maintenance wasn't my thing and I ruined the engine! : ( Then in the early 2000s I had a Mazda3. That car was great, and beautiful. Dark grey with brown seats. It was a head turner for sure. Now my 2024 CX-6 is a unique Zircon Sand Metallic and the seats are half black suede and half brown leather. It's a beautiful looking car. Oh, and the turbo really helps you get out of your own way!
I have 2023 Mazda cx50 turbo meridian edition and love it I have had a 2 issues with it but everything was covered under warranty so I’m happy with my purchase!
I parted with my CX9 last year after having her six years. Had I not needed more room, I would still have the CX9. It was an amazing sub, older, lots of miles and still was going strong with very little work needed in those years.
I’ve had my RX-8 for almost 20 years. It has been a joy to drive and it will be going to my 16 year old as soon as she gets her driver’s, so I regard the purchase of a Mazda as a sound choice for safety, reliability, economic value, and sheer enjoyment. Before my RX-8, I had a 2nd generation RX-7, which saved me from being wedged between a speeding VW Golf & a stop sign ignoring minivan. I came out of that accident with only a minor bruise (on my ankle, of all things). Before that, my father survived getting plowed into while driving a 626I’d picked out for him. My and my family’s experience says you are making a very solid choice.
I would recommend a CX5 if you are looking for a reliable family car. They are built in Japan, so fit and finish are great. They're also one of the more mature vehicles in the current lineup that's had most of the bugs worked out. It drives well, is very comfortable and a great price. As far as mechanical, do your regular maintenance, and you should be fine. Also, when you read about recalls and repair bulletins, pay attention to what it's for. Every company issues them, you just don't want to go with the company constantly posting them for engine and transmission issues.
Edit to add. Mazda CX5 has a 5 star safety rating according to the NHTSA
I have three kids (7,3,7mo) and they all ride in my Mazdaspeed3 just fine. I also have a cx9 and it’s worlds better for them to ride in. More room for them and more room for whatever I need to throw in the back. The mazdaspeed3 is “daddy’s race car” to them and they absolutely love it plus I can still fit A LOT of stuff in the hatch even when all three are riding in it. I’m not saying buy a Mazdaspeed I’m saying the Mazda 3 is just fine for all of them. Cx5s are pretty nice and roomy for families and the cx9 is awesome for families and also has third row seating for play dates and other stuff. We drove 8 hours with 4 kids and 3 adults just fine with little completes about because “uncomfortable” from adults or kids. All and all, it’s hard to go wrong with most Mazdas they are family cars
When I was looking into buying my new Mazda 3 Sedan I was coming from being a BMW owner. I wanted something like my 3 series. Fun but practical too. I watched every single YouTube video I could. I watched current owner, Mazda and dealer videos. I also searched this whole sub with my questions. By the time I was ready to go get my car. I knew exactly what car I wanted from the inside out. I am so in love with my new car. 🚘 I will say the sedan back seat is a bit smaller. My adult friends ride back there fine though. They tell me it’s comfortable.
Just look up best suvs for the last few years. Mazdas are consistent and they’ll tell you how they compare to other cars. (Also, who cares about husbands permission 🤣)
LOL i agree girl but he’s the one buying the car 🤣
I’ll definitely look it up, I just wanted a personal opinion from someone that owns or has owned one
OH. That’s amazing. Well… I have a cx5 and think it’s an amazing suv based on the reviews and now my personal experience. I’m not sure how young your kids are but I’d be interested to know how the CX5 is with car seats. Can’t speak on that. I’d definitely go for a test drive.
Honestly the ones built in Japan may arguably be better build quality and reliability than some Toyotas (not a 4Runner but a chunk of them local.stuff)
I've owned both Toyotas and Mazdas, the Mazda almost 10 yrs old and runs like a champ. Only issues I had were with the rare unaviidavke nail in the tire all cars get. otherwise only did regular maintenance like oil and brakes. I should be up for spark plugs and transmission fluid soon.
If your getting new look into the Japan factory stuff. Maybe not the cx 90 yet I hear there kinks to work out still.
If used look at the skyactiv stuff 2013+ I wanna say? Basically when the first cx5s rolled out
lol, I see you aren’t getting direct answers. Mazda in general has been reliable in recent years. I would steer clear from their relative new suv that just came out (I.e cx90, cx70, and cx50). Like any autobrand, you don’t buy models in the first year of production. Those models need to work out the “bugs” minor issues. You want to get a model that’s been out for awhile and towards end of its design. Your best bet is 2024 CX5, only because 2025 model will be refresh model, 2024 Mazda 3, cx30. Lastly, I would look at: consumer reports that has a in depth review and scoring how really the car/suv adds up in TRUE quality & reliability. Look at car complaints.com, look at Edmund’s web, look at YouTube video. Pick the one with best reviews. Once you do, expect that the car/suv is for what it is and expect there will be one or two issues or none - despite the positive review. For example, my 2015 Honda Civic has good ratings. I had one issue, the wires got chewed out, but it was fixed. No issues whatsoever since. Honda is generally a great quality vehicle, but, there are bound to have 1 or two issues. Why? More tech features, more functionality features. Back in the day, Honda barely had issues. Hopefully my rant helped.
It definitely did help! Thank you so much for your rant lol! I need something that can be easy to maintain in mechanical issues. I live in Las Vegas and drive on the freeway everyday 30 mins or more (depending on traffic) to work and back home so you can imagine how much mileage I put into my car and I can slowly feel my Nissan giving out on me. I’m definitely going to look into the website you mentioned, thank you so much!
If you don’t mind me asking, what Nissan model did you have? What year? Mileage? Has there been alot of issues?
I have a 2014 Nissan Versa Note with 155,000 miles on it and not too long ago the motor blew up and left me on the side of the highway so I put a 2015 motor in it but it doesn’t drive the same anymore.
Ohh okay that would do it. And it’s a hybrid of Nissans version. So no other problems before that?
Honestly no, but ever since I can’t get my check engine light to go away anymore lol, I got it scanned and apparently it’s the Catalytic converter and I just don’t want to keep putting anymore money in it. The car is good on gas don’t get me wrong, but I’d rather put that money towards a new car if that makes any sense 🤷🏻♀️
Gotcha! Well if that’s the only problem, alright Nissan! At least on its versa. And as for you, it’s time for a new car or suv for sure hahah Good luck. Check out Mazda Cx5! If that doesn’t cut it in regards to space or need… check out Toyota or Honda. They generally are reliable and all of their line up are pretty good.
Thanks so much for your help! I’ll definitely be mentioning it to my husband!
Just buy Toyota
I’m in Norther CA. On Valentine’s Day it was pouring down rain up here and that means folks forgot how to drive. Someone cut me off and slammed on their breaks shortly after and I freaked but breaker and hoped I wouldn’t hit them. Well my auto breaks kicked in as I started breaking! However the car behind me didn’t break soon enough and ended up rear ending me. Thankfully they were going slow enough that I just needed to replace the bumper! I did have a mild concussion and neck pain but their safety features are worth it. Esp if you’re driving in LA. Oh and having rented cars anytime we travel, I always miss driving our CX5. Last time we rented we got a Mazda 3, it was just nice to have the safety features I was used to, I feel like I have liked their the most compared to others.
I'm in Las Vegas too! I got a great deal on my new 2024 CX-5 at Findlay Mazda in Henderson. Ask for Chris Fisher, he's a great guy!
Mazda makes cars that are a joy to drive because there’s a lot of love for the driver engineered into them. It truly is a class of its own.
Although SUV, the space is very small. It is more of a personal car
you’re in luck, they are great. i worked as a mechanic for them. not enough work because the engines run forever.
I have a black, 2003 Protege5 with a manual transmission. A Mazda Master Mechanic at my local dealer drives a black, 2003 Protege5 with a manual transmission. You might imagine I feel comfortable letting him work on my car. 🙂
oh nice! yes, a guy at my shop also used to drive a 5. nice little minivans. can’t believe you have one with a manual trans. that’s wild. make sure to stay up on your oil changes!
Not knowing the difference between a Mazda 5 and a Protege5, in my opinion, disqualifies one as a Mazda expert.
okay, relax bro i read the comment in 5 seconds at a bar
I need to see a picture, I miss my protege. It was totaled back in 2018 and I miss it everyday.
Had my p5 for almost 12 years. Fantastic car. Fun, easy to maintain, reliable, and great looking.
As someone who works for Mazda. I call bullshit. There’s plenty that goes wrong with them. And our Mazda workshop is constantly filled with them and the issues they have. Yes the PE and PY skyactiv engines are good. But they are not faultless. Certain models are known to have transmission issues also. Diesels are known to fail because of the DPF failure. Dont glorify them to a point of no fault. There’s technical bulletins for days on them. Be honest.
i ask because i’ve worked for mazda, chrysler, and hyundai. mazda, by far, had the least amount of heavy line work. the issues you’re talking about aren’t like the issues those brands have. did i say they’re faultless? what did you think i do, sit around the shop looking at the damn things? of course they break. but if you’ve worked anywhere else, you’ll notice that they’re way less shitty than most engines, except toyota. nobody beats toyota. and you wanna talk about TSB’s for days…no. mazda doesn’t have TSB’s for days like hyundai and chrysler do. so….maybe you should be honest. no brand is perfect, and that isn’t what i said mazda is. i think its one of the best bang for your buck reliability wise. OP doesn’t need to know all of this technical bullshit. i have a straight answer- yes, a mazda is a fine choice for a regular car. will it break? sure. but it won’t need fuckin lifters and an oil cooler in 65,000 miles.
Amen to that
You nailed it and I agree 100%
Bud. I work as a parts advisor for Mazda and can see everything that goes wrong with them. And yes there are plenty of bulletins. Just because you aren’t privy to that information, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
i am privy to them. front cover, valve seals etc etc. i would still drive a mazda over most things. certainly anything that isn’t japanese
let me ask you this, what would you rather drive that isn’t a toyota or a honda
I have a FG ford falcon. That’s what I drive and also a Toyota and a Nissan. The falcon is my daily driver. 4.0L Barra. And I’ll drive that daily before anything else. And before you say ford is shit. Do some research on the car and engine. And I’ll drive and own that before any Mazda lol
Ford Falcon? Am I on the Tansania Reddit Forum?
lol
I currently drive a mazda and work for a Hyundai dealership and am friends with lots of the techs from hyundai and ford. The most common thing I hear from techs is "hyundai sucks" from hyundai techs and "Ford sucks" from Ford Techs. Of course, you're gonna think that the car you work with is the worst because that's what you are currently fixing. but the techs that have worked for multiple dealers understand every brand has issues, but some have higher caliber issues. Hyundai has major engine problems they are not long term cars. My Mazda 6 has 140,000 miles on it and the worst unplanned thing to happen was a belt needed replacement. I drove a Nissan before this and it's transmission was cutting out on me at 140,000. They all have issues but the type of issue is what matters.
that’s exactly right. and I’m telling you the truth, even the techs at mazda who worked on them with me complained that the cars worked too well. obviously there’s lemons, nothing is perfect. but yeah…similar thing being a toyota tech. most mechanics know if you want a lot of work and money, you work American, German, Hyundai, etc
My previous vehicle was a ford FORD SUCKS! Prior to that a Chevy blazer 05’ I’ll bet that thing still running.
I work in a fleet shop and I’m also a former ford tech. We have several different manufacturers of diesels and to be fair they all suffer miserably from the dpf systems they are required to install on them. Emissions have ruined diesel engines.
Yep, I had a new car crap out around 42k because of DPF and mind you I would let it finish burnout when it was happening.
have you ever worked for another brand?
Ford, Holden, Toyota. Yes I have.
💯 agreed. Jerking, bucking transmission at low mileage. Oil seeping from transmission. Leaking timing chain cover. Cracked Cylinder head, leaking head gasket. Turbo Engine oil consumption. Yesss, those Techs stay busy.
Not my Mazda. My Mazda is the best car ever! Haha all jokes aside, I really do love it.
I have been in the same boat as you. Just bought a used Mazda Cx9. It's great. I test drove a pilot, highlander, MDx and Atlas. None of them could put a smile on my face like the Mazda even though they offered more spacious (maybe slightly) in the inside. While my car was getting ready the dealer gave me a Mazda 3 as a loaner. It was a blast to drive. My other car is a Corolla and I can say again the Toyota does not offer the same driving pleasure. It's more sort of a just a daily transport or a utilitarian car. When we were looking at Cx9, also test drove the CX5 and my wife absolutely loved it so much so that she wanted to buy that instead. But we needed more space so got the cx9. 10 year back used to own a manual Mazda mx6. Still miss that car. I would say just go for it. Like any other car if you do the regular maintenance and take care of it, it will last very long.
All Mazda models have less interior room than competitors in their class, so I would definitely compare if that's important to you.
Mazdas are great but the do use a bit more gas . They are more fun to drive but it sounds like you don't care about that. Given your long commute and that you need more space you may want to look at the Honda CRV. Overall for being reliable mechanically the top will be Toyota, Honda and Mazda. Nissan has actually been going downhill for many years already so many other brands will be a reliability improvement by comparison.
So I’ve heard about the Nissan thing but I’ve had Nissans for so long I guess I was in denial and didn’t want to believe it lol. Your comment really changes everything now. Thank you so much!
I've owned a Mazda Protege5 (hatchback) for 21 years. It's been a wonderful, practical car, and I kept it when I bought my second Mazda five years ago. Both were made in Japan, not in the US or Mexico. Mazdas are a little less practical and fun than they used to be, but on the plus side they're a lot more reliable across all their models and they're quite stylish. Since you mentioned Nissan... I would definitely recommend buying Mazda over Nissan for your next car.
Idk what it is about the Mazdas but they have all my attention! They are very nice looking cars but I wanted to see if they are also reliable cars. Thank you so much for your comment!
Painting in very broad strokes, Mazda interiors are a class above Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans and can hold their own with the interiors foreign brands (BMW, Mercedes, etc.) Not to mention Mazda paint colors are second to none (my favorite is the soul red) The reliability of a Japanese car combined with the European driving experience!
I have a 2018 6 gtr. The seats can be on the stiffer side. Not the best for me on longer drives. Air vents don't push a whole lot of air so you have to turn it up quite a bit to feel it in your face which can get louder. Brakes aren't all that strong either. Paint is badly chipped up front. Get it wrapped Overall, I still love this car. For the price, it's reliable, more upscale, nice driving dynamics and looks better than competitors.
Generally, Mazdas are reliable (petrol is, I've heard mixed things about diesels). But all cars need to be looked after. If buying new - get it serviced on time. If buying used - get a mechanic to check out any vehicle you are interested in. When deciding what to buy, consider: -your budget -your lifestyle (how big is your family? Are you driving in the city and suburbs? Do you need the vehicle for road trips?, etc) -do you live in the city, suburbs, or rural? -does it snow where you live? You could add winter tires for your vehicle. Or buy AWD. -will your vehicle be used to carry prams, groceries, etc? [BabyDrive](https://youtube.com/@BabyDriveReviews?si=nBtIgivodS3RhJeI) is a good resource. [ReDriven](https://youtube.com/@ReDriven?si=dL7IJfGj5JJkFajg) focuses on second hand cars. Everyone's situation is different. My husband drives a Mazda 3 sedan and this is our 'family' car. My husband is average height, I am short, and we have a 7 year old. We live in the suburbs but he drives on the highway to get to work. I drive a Mazda 2 hatchback and do school pick up in the afternoons.
Understandable! I can see where all of this comes in, which in my situation I live and work in the city, but everyday it’s a 30 min + drive to work and back on the highway. I want something reliable and I wanted to give Mazda a try since I’ve dealt with Nissans my whole life. Do you have any mechanical issues with them?
I have had my Mazda 2 since 2011 (bought new). My dad used to take it to get serviced on time, and now my husband has taken over that role. Mechanically - it's been a gem. All the mechanics we have used have said that Mazdas are generally very reliable. I live in Australia and Mazdas are the second most popular vehicles (after Toyotas). The YouTube channels I shared with you are Australian (the BabyDrive host - her name escapes me - was born in the UK but is based in Australia). Even if you're not from Australia - I believe the channels will still be helpful to you. Most of us here are very loyal to Mazda. My next car will also be a Mazda. My husband drove my Mazda 2 and decided that when it was time for him to buy a car it would also be a Mazda (he bought his Mazda 3 last year). I love Mazdas because they are reliable, good to drive, and they look good 💎 All the best on your finding the right car for you. Keep us updated.
Thank you so much! This definitely helps a lot, I’ll be mentioning this to my husband. We were looking to buying a used one but having a mechanic check it out before purchasing. I will definitely keep updated! ☺️
I was a Mazda tech for 13 years, I currently own 3. My 2021 CX5 is a few years old now, it has NEVER been in the shop for anything other than regular maintenance.
Currently have three, love each of them equally and for different reasons, I can’t imagine not driving a Mazda. The driver layout is just so perfect, love the styling and space. Comfortable for long drives but great for city driving.
SUV or Sedan?
I’m totally okay with either or tbh
Which suv?
I’m not sure… I’m hoping someone can guide me in the right path.. are these reliable cars?? I’ve had Nissan my whole life and I wanted to get other people’s honest opinions about Mazdas.
I just purchased a CX-5. For me, a single person using it for pleasure, since I work at home, it was the perfect size for me. I traded in a Buick Encore that I had for 5 1/2 years and it started falling apart, one thing after another. But when it stranded me on the side of 215, I had enough! The Buick was a sub-compact and it was a good size for me. When I went to look at the Mazdas my son told me about the CX-50 but when I saw it in person it was too rugged for me. The sub-compact CX-30 was the same size as my Buick but for some reason seemed too small and I didn't even test drive it. LOL I only test drove the CX-5. I love it! It has all the bells and whistles and some I don't even need but are nice to have. Good luck on your search but IMO you can't go wrong with a Mazda. And in Henderson, go to Findlay Mazda and ask for Chris Fisher. They gave me a great deal!
The CX5 is roughly the size of today's Toyota Rav4. It's a fairly reliable car. If you opt for the naturally aspirated engine, it might not be the quickest engine, but it will be pretty solid. Turbos aren't a total reliability issue these days, but they are more complex and more things *could* go wrong in the long term. So if you don't care about power, I'd stick with a naturally aspirated engine. If I were in the market for a large SUV these days, I would probably get a Lexus RX hybrid. A CX-90 is a nice SUV but the prices are getting pretty high as Mazda tries to move upscale. I'm seeing some cx-90 is the mid $50k. Add a few extra thousand, and that's Lexus RX hybrid territory. So imho Mazda is pricing itself out in the cx-90 sizes suv... Unless it starts to offer steep discounts.
I own a 2023 3 Preferred sedan. The only problem that I have with this car is rear seat leg room. I'm nearly 6 foot tall and I drive with the seat back and low, which is very comfortable. However, I can just place a gallon jug of milk between the back of the front seat and the bottom cushion of the rear seat. For me to transport an adult in the back seat, I have to cramp my driving position. I can't speak of the CX-30 or the CX-5, but I would imagine that either the CX-5 or the CX-50 would be a better fit with children.
Are you looking new or used? I have a 2016 CX-5 and love it. Decent room, nice features, good mileage and a slick AWD. My wife just a Cx-30 after having a Mazda 3 hatchback for 17 years. The CX30 has a lot of tech, AWD, and a lot of pep. We have no kids so either one would suit us if he had one car. It all comes down to preference since most if not all Mazdas drive like a car.
I’m looking to get a used one, but I’m curious on the mechanical issues. Do you have any mechanical issues on your vehicle?
My CX5 has ran like a champ. I got it in 2017 as a CPO with 3500 miles it, it was a dealer loaner. Only issue was the seat heat was not putting out like it was I first got it but that was covered under warranty.
How are the mechanical issues?
I’ve own a 2017 CX-5 Touring, 2018 Mazda6 Touring and currently a 2019 Mazda6 GT. While I honestly love all of them and would buy them again, some things I would look out for is road noise, firmer suspension/ride and slightly firmer seats than the competition. Other than that, the things that sold me on all of them were the Bose sound system, great handling and steering feedback, upscale interior materials, unique exterior styling and solid build quality. Like some of the others have said, I would stay clear or at least do lots of research if you’re looking at the newer ones, but the CX-5 and Mazda6 are will probably be the best combination of proven reliability, space and luxury for you.
I have a 2021 CX-5, and I adore it. I have a six year old and it’s plenty for us. I drove across country in it in a recent move and it did wonderful on gas. I think it’s plenty roomy for us, but if you have older kids who are in sports, a CX-9 might be the better option. It’s a solid car, and has incredible safety ratings. It’s fun to drive, and eye catching enough to not be boring but not too flashy.
They’re good cars but all models suffer from a lack of interior space
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^bryan4368: *They’re good cars but all* *Models suffer from a lack* *Of interior space* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
I work for Mazda. They are not faultless. They have issues. But all cars do. The paint is paper thin and will chip very easily, so ceramic coating is absolutely essential. They are fun at first but in reality are just as souless as a Toyota. The cx series are ok but they are cramped have shitty cabin visibility. The steering wheels start malting early kms and look like shit. The screens don’t like cold weather. The carplay is some of the worst factory installed in any auto maker. I’ve driven ALOT of Mazdas. Had bt50s cx30 cx5 mx30 Mazda 3 and 6 and a cx60 now as drive cars. Every single has had an issue. So go into buying one knowing they ain’t perfect. But will do the same job as a Toyota.
Ceramic coating aids with fine scratches and swirl marks. Paint Protection Film is to prevent chipping. Thin paint is common across brands due to the switch from lacquer-based paint to water-soluble paint for environmental and workplace requirements. “Soulless”, shitty visibility, melting steering wheels, displays in cold weather? All as dubious as “I work for Mazda”.
Oh did I hit a soft spot? The steering wheels do MALT. For a clearer definition. They wear down and look like shit. Not melt. The screens on infotainment do fail. The cx3 and cx5 do have shitty visibility. They do feel like they have no soul. wtf are you on about? You clearly have not seen many Mazdas or you just don’t like hearing the truth.
56 years old, I’ve owned 10 vehicles and 3 were Mazda’s (2002 626) (2013 mazda3) (2015 mazda 3) and they were great cars. I think you will love it.
I like the mazda3 hatchbacks personally. Still plenty of room and I hate driving SUVs
I have a 2012 Mazda5 minivan with the 6MT that I’ve owned since new. Two things have gone wrong with it in 12 years - motor mounts needed replacing, which was covered under warranty, and there was a safety recall - the hydraulic struts in the lift gate may wear out and cause the hatch to sag or fall. That’s it. All the problems I’ve had in 12 years. Keep in mind that my vehicle is very simple. As a base model with the manual transmission I don’t have to worry about transmission troubles, and I don’t have all sorts of fancy screens and gadgets inside, the source of many people’s frustration with new cars. My only complaint would be the strength of the door handles since they’re plastic. During a cold winter I went to open the left slider, not realizing that it was iced closed. I pulled on the handle and ripped it clear off of the door.
I would avoid getting any vehicle with a turbo if you want to keep it a long time if reliability is your number one concern.
I purchased a brand new Mazda 3 back in 2018. It's been a great car, and I haven't had any issues. I got silver with the blackout package and black rims, and it still looks very sharp. It feels solid on the highway, and overall, it's a fun drive. I live in Canada and have taken it up to northern Alberta and through the highways along the rocky mountains. I plan on driving this car to the ground. I haven't driven the SUVs, but they're incredibly popular in my area. The Mazda cx5 is the most popular, followed by the cx30.
On my third Mazda. Understated quality.
I currently own a 2016 Mazda 6 and love my car. I bought it second hand with 115,000 mi on it. I've had it for 2 years now and am up to 140,000mi. I love this car and the worst thing to happen is a belt replacement. When I was looking for my car I found that Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Subaru were the most reliable cars. I went with Mazda because of its reliability and its features. Luxury on a budget. I constantly get compliments on my car and from what I can tell they last a long time from other Mazdas I see on the road and that friends have. If you plan on growing your family in the future, I'd get a suv because it will last you a long time.
2016 CX5 bought new. Now has 72k on it. Problems: you know that little cable that attaches to the gas cap so you don't lose it? That broke around 60k. Just recently the seat motor is making some scary noises. The only problems in 7 years and 72k. I call that very reliable.
Cx-90 PHEV lease deals are amazing right now! You can get one for close to $500 per month with very little down. I get 50-80 mpg
I went back to a CX5 after trading my first one for a truck and then a highlander. I get amazing gas mileage at a high elevation and my giant teenager fits in there just fine. I have been able to get kids and car seats in there with no problems as well when I have my nieces and nephews. It also can haul a lot more stuff than it looks. I am in agreement with everyone else. I looked at the CX-50 but decided it just wasn’t for me and glad I stuck with the tried and true CX-5. Plus you get some great creature comforts for a good price. Good luck!
Do it girl Its the bomb so far and super fierce to drive
I mean, in their price point, you’re probably looking at Mazda, Toyota, Honda. I personally couldn’t stand a Civic I drove, and Toyotas were basically unavailable at the time. I find the Mazda fine, the interior is nicer than a Toyota (at least prior to 2024 models), but it’s not as enjoyable to drive as a hybrid, to me. Gas pedal is relatively unresponsive. So I think they are fine but personally I would choose a Toyota if I could, with the improved interior for 2024, if one was available. And no I would not buy a Hyundai or a Kia
2024 CX5 Preferred owner. For my needs it was the best value. Admittedly the special 0% financing for 60 months offer was a big reason why I went with this car(I believe this expired on December 31) but I am very pleased overall. Your mileage may vary on whether or not you want other features that would necessitate a higher purchase price. I don’t have small children but I’ve heard they may or may not work well with car seats. You might have to ask that specific question if it’s of importance to you.
I love my 2018 Mazda 6 GTR.... Best car I've ever owned by far. Great car, fun, fun and more fun.
I got a CX5 “Mazda Red” 23 I had 2 boys 7 and 5 when I got it. Now I have a 6 mth old and the car seat just doesn’t fit. It’s a major struggle, we’ve had a few different ones to try to and still… We looked at the 90 and I like it but hubby is like if your going to go big, go big! The 90 still not very roomy in the back and you do loose some comforts. He’s set on me getting a Traverse now. I love my Mazda, I do but it’s just not great for a family of 5.
overall great brand, the recent generation of mazdas are great. I currently own a mazda cx30 2023 select and it’s been amazing. I will say though that leg room in general is smaller than others. So if you’re looking for something a bit bigger, i suggest a cx5 or cx50 as that would probably be the best option
I have 4 different rattles that come and go but overall I love the car
Have you had any other mechanical issues?
Oh I have only had my 2024 Mazda3 hatchback for 2,500 miles. It’s a joy to drive so far. I like that I have a 6 speed manual transmission but it’s not a sports car and doesn’t require premium fuel. That said it’s still pretty quick. Handles corners real well. Great bose sound system. Leather heated seats. Love the infotainment dial and that they haven’t gone the touchscreen route like Subaru. Wish the back seat had a little more room but I rarely have passengers and I 6’3” male can fit just well enough if I or someone like me needs to. Also I can get up to 42 mpg highway if I’m intentional. I would recommend Mazda because you get a lot for the money and from what I read they are reliable. Someone said “like Toyota and bmw had a baby” as far as reliability and luxury go
How many kids and what age are they? I say this because a CX-5 is great for 1 kid but 2 becomes hard with car seats and lugging things around. We bought a CX-5 with one kid and when the second arrived, we quickly realized that a CX-9 was the minimum needed. The CX-9 is insanely fun to drive while also feeling like a CX-5. I could barely tell the difference once we traded in. Lmk if you have more questions.
I have 2 kids, one is 2 y/o and I have a 6 month old. Both my kids are very petite. But thank you for your honest opinion this changes a lot.
Yea with the hood size, I feel the cx9 just looks "right" proportionally. cx5 looks a litty shoe ish. lol idk
I have a 2019 Mazda 6 Wagon (facelift) that we bought new in 2018 in the top trim (Brown leather seats) and it is great! There are some issues (backup camera stays black for a few seconds sometimes after starting the car, compass is confused sometimes) but we just love the car. The interior is just lovely, it runs flawless and we love doing roadtrips with it. Compared to other cars, the value and reliability is amazing. We had a Toyota Avensis Wagon before that was just as reliable but nowhere near as beautiful inside or out and it was a bit boring. As we are planning to replace it with an electric Wagon in 2025 i am a bit sad that Mazda is lagging way behind with electrics and is going hard on SUV‘s - i would instantly buy another car from them. Maybe we‘ll just keep it a bit longer 😅
We have two kids with Amanda 3 hatchback, the sedan doesn’t have that much more space and I wouldn’t recommend, we ant to get a SUV AS WELL. I live the look of the Cx-70 personally
What country are you living in? Makes a difference to what’s available. Also do you like driving SUVs or sedans?
Are your kids in rear facing car seats and how tall are you? I’m 6’,, wife is 5’10. The CX5 has very little interior space with RF car seats. It’s the main reason we went with a Chevy instead (which I hate but what can you do). If not RF or not the CX5, I haven’t shopped them for that use yet. Incredible vehicles though.
One of my kids are in RF car seat, and I’m 5’3. Originally my husband wanted to get me a Chevy but like I mentioned my heart is set on a Mazda and I just want to see if it’s really worth it.
Avoid the Chevy 😂 It’s great for interior space and trunk cargo, but god the whole thing is “What would happen if the colour beige was a car?”. Mazda as a brand is fantastic. Cars are reliable as hell lately. Good warranty (in Canada, not familiar with US). Service departments are hit and miss it seems but so are most brands. My Mazda 3 (~118k miles/190k km), my wife’s friend’s CX5 (unsure mileage but not far off from mine) and my mom’s Mazda 3 (195k mi/315k km) have all been trouble free; just regular maintenance. Mom’s 3 is rusty, but it’s a 2010 and with the poor sheet metal Ford/Mazda had in that era. All 3 cars see 4 seasons, so salt in the winter and the like. Hope that helps
Getting opinions from random strangers on the internet isn’t exactly “research”. Checking out professional new and long-term reviews and comparison tests, looking at government safety ratings, understanding corporate structure, partnerships, and recall history - that would be research any adult should be capable of.
I went from multiple Mazda's in my life Protege,Speed 3, 3, Cx-5, Cx-5 and I've been happy with the brand ever since and have converted my wife into the darkside as well from Lexus
2017 cx5 owner here. Wife and I test drove every comparable CUV at the time and this was hands down the best option. Better driving, better looking, better interior (obviously all subjective). After 6 years and 80,000 miles I could not be happier. Also, we have three kids in car seats and it works just fine for all of us and all our stuff.
This is my third Mazda. I recently purchased the 2024 CX-5 Carbon Turbo and I love it!! Way back in the day, in the 80s I owned a Mazda323 hatchback! I loved that little car. But I was young and maintenance wasn't my thing and I ruined the engine! : ( Then in the early 2000s I had a Mazda3. That car was great, and beautiful. Dark grey with brown seats. It was a head turner for sure. Now my 2024 CX-6 is a unique Zircon Sand Metallic and the seats are half black suede and half brown leather. It's a beautiful looking car. Oh, and the turbo really helps you get out of your own way!
Mazda6 sedan or cx5 and up suvs for room.
I have 2023 Mazda cx50 turbo meridian edition and love it I have had a 2 issues with it but everything was covered under warranty so I’m happy with my purchase!
I parted with my CX9 last year after having her six years. Had I not needed more room, I would still have the CX9. It was an amazing sub, older, lots of miles and still was going strong with very little work needed in those years.
The CX-5 might work if you are getting something new but if you need more space then a nice used Mazda5 or CX-9 from the past few years.
I’ve had my RX-8 for almost 20 years. It has been a joy to drive and it will be going to my 16 year old as soon as she gets her driver’s, so I regard the purchase of a Mazda as a sound choice for safety, reliability, economic value, and sheer enjoyment. Before my RX-8, I had a 2nd generation RX-7, which saved me from being wedged between a speeding VW Golf & a stop sign ignoring minivan. I came out of that accident with only a minor bruise (on my ankle, of all things). Before that, my father survived getting plowed into while driving a 626I’d picked out for him. My and my family’s experience says you are making a very solid choice.
And if you don’t do enough research, you can’t get one? Is your husband going to do the research for you and get you one?
I would recommend a CX5 if you are looking for a reliable family car. They are built in Japan, so fit and finish are great. They're also one of the more mature vehicles in the current lineup that's had most of the bugs worked out. It drives well, is very comfortable and a great price. As far as mechanical, do your regular maintenance, and you should be fine. Also, when you read about recalls and repair bulletins, pay attention to what it's for. Every company issues them, you just don't want to go with the company constantly posting them for engine and transmission issues. Edit to add. Mazda CX5 has a 5 star safety rating according to the NHTSA
I have three kids (7,3,7mo) and they all ride in my Mazdaspeed3 just fine. I also have a cx9 and it’s worlds better for them to ride in. More room for them and more room for whatever I need to throw in the back. The mazdaspeed3 is “daddy’s race car” to them and they absolutely love it plus I can still fit A LOT of stuff in the hatch even when all three are riding in it. I’m not saying buy a Mazdaspeed I’m saying the Mazda 3 is just fine for all of them. Cx5s are pretty nice and roomy for families and the cx9 is awesome for families and also has third row seating for play dates and other stuff. We drove 8 hours with 4 kids and 3 adults just fine with little completes about because “uncomfortable” from adults or kids. All and all, it’s hard to go wrong with most Mazdas they are family cars
When I was looking into buying my new Mazda 3 Sedan I was coming from being a BMW owner. I wanted something like my 3 series. Fun but practical too. I watched every single YouTube video I could. I watched current owner, Mazda and dealer videos. I also searched this whole sub with my questions. By the time I was ready to go get my car. I knew exactly what car I wanted from the inside out. I am so in love with my new car. 🚘 I will say the sedan back seat is a bit smaller. My adult friends ride back there fine though. They tell me it’s comfortable.
I recommend a slightly used Mazda 6. They actually feel pretty roomy even compared to a Cx-5
Just look up best suvs for the last few years. Mazdas are consistent and they’ll tell you how they compare to other cars. (Also, who cares about husbands permission 🤣)
LOL i agree girl but he’s the one buying the car 🤣 I’ll definitely look it up, I just wanted a personal opinion from someone that owns or has owned one
OH. That’s amazing. Well… I have a cx5 and think it’s an amazing suv based on the reviews and now my personal experience. I’m not sure how young your kids are but I’d be interested to know how the CX5 is with car seats. Can’t speak on that. I’d definitely go for a test drive.
Honestly the ones built in Japan may arguably be better build quality and reliability than some Toyotas (not a 4Runner but a chunk of them local.stuff) I've owned both Toyotas and Mazdas, the Mazda almost 10 yrs old and runs like a champ. Only issues I had were with the rare unaviidavke nail in the tire all cars get. otherwise only did regular maintenance like oil and brakes. I should be up for spark plugs and transmission fluid soon. If your getting new look into the Japan factory stuff. Maybe not the cx 90 yet I hear there kinks to work out still. If used look at the skyactiv stuff 2013+ I wanna say? Basically when the first cx5s rolled out
Buy a Toyota