MAZDA vs Honda (Most Reliable New CARS) - Kevin Hunter The Homework Guy

Mazda vs. Honda: Which Automaker Is the Best Fit for You?
Is Mazda better than Honda? Are Mazda cars as reliable as Toyota and Honda? Are Mazda cars good quality? What Mazda is comparable to Honda Accord? Viewers and Members at The Homework Guy ask Kevin Hunter and THG team for advise on new cars and used cars to buy. In comparison to the popularity of Toyota and Honda, we feel that Mazda, and by extension, Nissan, can sometimes be overlooked by US consumers. Mazda USA deserves a look from car shoppers whether buying new or buy used cars.
Honda is one of the most venerable Japanese automakers in the world. Known for offering well-rounded vehicles that offer tons of value, Honda’s cars continually rank as some of the most popular vehicles on sale. Honda also has an excellent track record for dependability.
Another Japanese automaker that manufactures robust vehicles is Mazda. While Mazda isn’t as popular as Honda, it's always been known for making vehicles that are fun to drive. More recently, the brand has shifted toward offering premium vehicles that boast luxurious touches and high-end designs.
In this article, we'll compare these two brands head-to-head by examining how their vehicles compare in several categories and vehicle classes to name a winner.
All the information in this slideshow comes from U.S. News & World Report’s new-car rankings and reviews. Since we’re constantly updating our scores as new information comes out, some information in this article may not match what’s in our reviews.
When you think of quality vehicles coming out of Japan, Mazda and Honda come to mind right away. Both automakers have a long history of delivering cars, trucks, and SUVs that last for a long time. And they’ve been getting better and more high-end as each new model year comes out. In fact, Mazda is focusing on high-end SUVs as the company moves forward with production from 2023 onward.
In general, the asian automotive industry has been quite slow to recover from the global semiconductor shortage, which previously led to reduced inventory and higher prices. That is no longer the case with Mazda, with available cars easily exceeding 100 days of inventory. As the situation continues to improve, Mazda dealerships may have better inventory levels, allowing for more choice and potentially more room for negotiation.
Mazda is known for its KODO: The “Soul of Motion” design philosophy, which results in beautifully crafted vehicles that stand out for their aesthetic appeal. Coupled with the SKYACTIV technology, which aims to enhance performance and fuel efficiency without compromising on power, Mazda vehicles offer a blend of design and engineering excellence that's hard to match. To add to this, Mazda is consistently ranked among the most reliable brands.
Mazda vehicles often come with a high level of standard features that might be considered premium in other brands. This, combined with competitive pricing, means buyers can enjoy luxury-level comforts and technology at a more accessible price point.
So, what is the average Mazda price? Depending on factors such as model, year, and condition - the average used Mazda sells for just over $20K in today's market. This is -23.46% lower than the market average, according to CarGurus price index.
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[@WhittyPics]

Mazda dropped their partnership with Ford and has hooked up with Toyota. Looks like a good move for Mazda to me.

[@Natertater88]

I just bought my first new Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo in January. It’s so quiet and the quality really shows!

[@bp39047]

Excellent choice. Mazda makes about the only affordable and reliable cars out there (including 2024 Toyota's). Turbo is the best way to go by far as the non-turbo CX-5's I have test driven lack decent acceleration.

[@Natertater88]

Thank you for the comment! We are in high elevation so turbo is almost a necessity!

[@marilyngrube2417]

My 2013 Mazda 5 is 230,000 is still purring. Never had problem.

[@georgemartin1436]

We looked at the Mazda's and noticed that there were only TWO customers in the waiting room of the service department of the large dealer for tire rotations and oil change(s). Was surprised that the prices weren't insane for the features and gizmos they come with. Ultimately, I was able to convince her to keep driving the old car as long as possible, but we'll be back...some day maybe.

[@raulzavala4758]

Mazda made the best decision splitting from Ford. Since then, their reliability has improved substantially.

[@mikec1254]

In East Tenn I checked 4 Mazda dealerships for a New CX5 they would not take anything off MSRP and had stupid fees . Had to go 2-1/2 hours west to find one who would deal. With the knowledge I learned from you both. I think i got a fair deal. This dealership was a no pressure dealship. You never even had to see the finance person. From start to finish you dealt with one person. No pressure on buying all that other crap the finance preson tries and guilt you into buying. Could I have found a better deal maybe but how far was i willing to drive to save a few more $$. This is my 4th Mazda we have loved them all, great cars Kevin and Elizabeth your are doing great works Thanks

[@RFJersey]

How much did you get off sticker?

[@darlenecarman7644]

LOVE my Mazda 30 and the help I got from Liz!

[@gtech66]

Mazda vehicles will outlast Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Dodge and Jeep. Mazda doesn't use a CVT engine.

[@greggpurviance7252]

Transmission

[@zhila5958]

I live in a shithole where mazda 626 from early 90s are still racking up kilometers. Meanwhile 3 year old American and german cars are blowing engines left and right

[@RFJersey]

CVT Engine 🤣

[@nikkymathews1981]

I just bought a Mazda cx-5 a month ago. ❤❤❤

[@KevinHunter]

Hi @nikky What do you like about your new Mazda?

[@nikkymathews1981]

@@KevinHunter I like handling, sportiness and it’s great on gas. 😊

[@riesesg2946]

​@nikkymathews1981 good choice! Mazda's are reliable

[@ryoung6725]

Bought a new CX5 in July for about $31k out the door. Two recent appraisals are around $25.5 from Carvana and Carmax. Probably could get $28 on my own, but love it too much to get rid of it.

[@dystopia-usa]

My personal experience is that Mazda builds better quality vehicles than either Toyota or Honda these days. They have come a long way over the last decade or so.

[@JW-di2zj]

I purchased a 2024 mazda3 carbon edition for my daughter at the end of the year from a northeast Florida dealer. Much to my surprise, we had a great experience and were not pushed into extras. We used the "out the door" pricing method, so individual fees were not a concern. Other mazda dealers told us to grab the price we got because they couldn't come close. Regarding reliability, I bought my son a 2018 Mazda 3 new. He now has over 60k miles, and the only item replaced so far are the rear brake pads.

[@jaysmith179]

I hope she will pay you back. My father also gave me my first car when I was 16, but I had to work all summer for it. It was a 20 year old Buick but it showed me about working hard for what I want out of life.

[@JW-di2zj]

Agree. Money used to buy was college money saved via scholarships. All worked very hard and are engineers and all 3 earned full rides.

[@RFJersey]

@@JW-di2zjCan you share the dealership name and how much you got off sticker price?

[@JW-di2zj]

@@RFJersey the dealership was Mazda City of Orange Park, salesman Steve Devito. MSRP was 30,260, invoice was 29,503, our price was 27,977, and our out the door negotiated price was 30,700 which included a dealer fee and taxes, but not tags because we registered it in CT. As we negotiated, Steve asked us to name our price, which he accepted. This was the very end of November and they were behind on their quota.

[@Funexpected]

Way better without the background "music." I had to quit watching that video from a couple of days ago.

[@jaysmith179]

Bought a new 2023 Civic. Just got 300 miles on it and now have a recall to replace the steering gear assy. WTH.

[@genocidelves]

Bought a 2021 CX9 using a lot of your advice over the years. The doc fee was in the MSRP which was still the lowest in our area. Only thing that was added was the DMV fees which we got a check back from them for that anyway. They let me put over 10k on a credit card so the rewards points was nice.

[@sunnyta619]

I had an 87 323 that I bought used in 1991 for about $ 4500 with 45k miles. In 1999, 8 years later I traded it in with 188k miles for a 98 cavalier. It had finally blown one of the cylinders and was not worth the money to fix. Was a great car. It even survived being in the basement of the Murrah blg in OKC the day it was destroyed by a bomb. This was 95. Was able to drive it fine but it had rock chips in the paint from the building collapse.

[@Kevin-mk6jo]

6:21 "Delear"... huh. Very well. 😂. And yes, Mazda is a great company, had two of them in the past, looking at CX50... or Subaru Forrester.

[@michaelbloom5342]

I'm on my 6th Mazda with a total of 825,000 mostly trouble-free miles and counting. And my 93 Protege saved mine and my family's life. Because of that, I'll always have one in my stable.

[@Hikari3.0]

2017 and up Mazda 3 or hyundai elantra, which is more reliable, thanks

[@hctim96]

I have a first year CX-30..aka the taco.. It hs been a trouble free car. It's quick enough for me and handles very well. Great fuel milage. I like the "quick" some call "twitchy" steering and it is very quiet for what it is. Quality is a bit lacking. I have been a Honda guy (cars and bikes) most of my life and I'd say the Mazda is just a hair lower in fit and finish. The plastic front nose/cowl paint does not match with the metal hood. Just a shade off. Some panels don't align just right. Interior door trim is a few millimeters off. Other than those picky things Its a good vehicle..

[@lightcapmath2777]

One questions Elizabeth and Kevin. My last new car purchase was in 1998 (Chevy Malibu 2.4L 4 cyl). What best option would I pick to buy a new car (many of us like this..old and poor) and only continue to watch your videos? Either way I personally will watch all! Peace to the three of you... David AKA DVD:)

[@ogjk]

If Mazda and Honda combined I would not be mad, they could synergize well.

[@mindfullymellow2323]

Plenty of drivers jumping over to Mazda after years of Toyota, including me. Just bought a CX 5 last week.

[@RFJersey]

How much did you get off sticker?

[@mindfullymellow2323]

@@RFJersey - almost 10% off sticker. It was the end of the month, and the one I wanted was pushing 90 days on the lot.

[@richardburnheimer8759]

I'd like to buy a Mazda but they make their cars too small with no head room. I'm 6ft tall and my son is 6'3", we fit in the CRV and Rogue but not the CX-5 or CX-50.

[@rightchristianvalues]

I love this channel 👍 keep spreading awareness 👏 and good job.

[@jefff6167]

The Mazda SUV’s gear selector and entertainment controls are extremely difficult to use.

[@mikezupancic2182]

I would be driving a new CX-90 right now if their supposed 3rd row could even fit a 12 year old.

[@steved0123]

I cannot understand how either these cars, with GDI, will not have a carbon buildup on it's intake valves at around 30,000 miles. That is an expensive service to have done at such a low mileage. I've read that both Ford and Toyota, employ both multiport and GDI in their vehicles. That should prevent the problem from arising until 200,000 miles.

[@user-vk2cd9qw7i]

I believe they offer a valve cleaning service option for a decent price. From my understanding they don’t have to take the head off.

[@amritparmar7347]

now Mazda for sure.

[@henryrifleownerpa1813]

I love the cx5 but the gas mileage doesn't work for my 92 mile commute.

[@user-vk2cd9qw7i]

hybrid rav4 or corolla cross might be a good option for a 92 mile commute.

[@fredhenry426]

Which Mazda competes with Honda CRV, wheelbase that is?

[@sycomantz]

CX-5

[@beltycat5490]

Will your Buyer Assistance Program work with a MotorTrend Dealer? …you know who 😊

[@gmorganhome]

All of the super annoying "safety" features are the main reason I'm not getting a new vehicle of any kind. There needs to be a button that PERMANENTLY turns off all that crap.

[@POSS99]

I can't believe people are still buying hondas. None of their north american lineups are made in japan, and the reliability has been going downhill every year. Toyotas are overpriced & overrated brand.

[@lealand07]

What do you drive?

[@donsmnc5319]

If you can get the best deals then the price of the service should be worth it, but it has to be way lower than these hyper inflated prices, ie trucks/suv's listed at 70-90K, they are not worth it and we will not pay it period, no matter what service can buy them, either get them reduced or sell nothing

[@TomDavisVideo]

I wish mazda had a flat towable

[@jorgecampos9659]

Just by rankings Mazda is ahead of Honda

[@brotherjoll1802]

Mazda

[@carloslozoya4732]

A lot of reported cracked cylinder heads on cx-9s that require up to $10k in repairs! Mazda won’t stand behind the defective engines.

[@donaldhollingsworth3875]

I have over the last 2 years that dealerships are not willing to discount the MSRP, additional equipment & dealer market adjustments of $5.000.00 - $15,000.00 at my local Ram, Chevrolet, & GMC dealerships. I have noticed that The GMC dealership has reduced some of their prices by 1-2%. I had tried to order a Chevrolet ZR@ & a GMC ATX4. then when the trucks came in I was presented with a selling price along with a over inflated selling price due to the dealer additional equipment & market adjustments of $15,000.00 even though I had already negotiated the prices of the trucks before I ordered them. I was then told that they were willing not to move product since they knew at some point of time a sucker would be more then willing to pay full retail price.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Great review Liz and Kevin! I looked at Mazda (CX-30) and walked away. Here's why. Only ONE Mazda dealer local to me, which means they are being jerks with add-ons and lack of inventory (yup, their lot is 1/2 full). You can shop around for a vehicle, BUT you don't want to drive an hour away for servicing (oil changes, etc. covered under warranty). Therefore, I decided to skip Mazda and either lease another Hyundai or maybe go KIA. I gave up on Toyota only because snagging a hybrid at or below MSRP is almost impossible in my area.

[@Billsfan2012]

Guys, this sounds like a commercial? I sure hope not. But you got to do what you have to. Well, I kept listening, amazing Liz talked about dealers still being jerks.

[@SS-lt3mh]

Toyota is the most reliable car brand.

[@greggpurviance7252]

Used to be

[@mindfullymellow2323]

True. Now they’re overpriced, and the interiors on many models are cheaply made. No regrets leaving the brand after 20+ years.

[@ryoung6725]

Ditto on leaving.

[@user-vk2cd9qw7i]

@@greggpurviance7252Who’s better 😂

[@Jasona1976]

I'll take my new Lexus ES 350 thanks very much. 🤩

[@user-ln5ip9bk3o]

I don't need to watch the video to know that mazda is nowhere near the quality of a honda.

[@Kevin-mk6jo]

Hmmmm I had about 6 Hondas... 2 Mazdas. Both.... Zero issues.

[@user-ln5ip9bk3o]

@@Kevin-mk6jo Wish i could say the same. Lol

[@briangrandy5190]

Nothing but a paid advertisement.

[@justsomeone6835]

Honda has gone down hill that 1.5 Turbo will have oil delusion after time and they like to blow head gaskets just facts do some research

[@mindfullymellow2323]

I had a Mazda MPV van in the early 2000s, during the Ford years. Around 80k miles, it really showed. Major repairs on transmission and other stuff I can’t remember. Got rid of it in 2007 and drove Toyotas until recently. Decided to revisit Mazda after extensive research and seeing my bestie’s 2017 CX 5 has been trouble-free.

[@brunellom8914]

This is a commercial for Mazda, sounds scripted.

[@dicknodnfs]

I believe Mazda engineering and design sets them apart from the other Japanese car companies. I love my German car, but these guys are the closest to that engineering.

[@pepeshopping]

This was just an ad which lowered your credibility. $1000 dlls for your services? Unless you are going to negotiate $2000 under sticker, to save 1000, I don’t see the savings. Latest Mazda’s may be a bit less reliable than before. Let’s check their scores in 6 months.

[@KevinHunter]

You haven't been here long enough to know we don't do ads for anyone. So much ignorance in your comments, it's mind boggling. First, we are unconcerned about a person who watches our show and thinks a completely unbiased report on a given brand of vehicle damages our credibility. Totally false. Secondly, you don't see the savings from our service because you haven't ever used Stuart. Everyone who buys this package is over the top delighted! Those testimonials are coming shortly! Who would have thought that a car buyer could be $6,750 ahead on a Honda Accord deal? Clearly not you, and you'll miss out on this opportunity because you're too short-sighted. Any opportunity, no matter how good it is, will never be suitable for everyone.

[@ryoung6725]

@@KevinHunter Ditto