Is Mazda, Honda Or Toyota More Reliable?

Posted by Lukkeren@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 41 comments

I'm going to buy a new car this year, and have decided to go for a hybrid. From what i've understood, mazda, honda and toyota are the three most reliable car manufacturers, so i've also decided that one of them will win me over. I've been dealing with a volkswagen for years now that have done nothing but cause me trouble, even though it feels great to drive. As much as i love the feeling, i want more reliability and FAR less time and money spent on my car. So which should i choose? And which gives me the most bang for my buck?

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Separate-Athlete-802@reddit

TOYOTA.

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bill__19@reddit

Most bang for the buck? Most certainly Mazda. Reliability is arguably pretty similar across the board. Too hard to give any of the brands a massive edge over the others. Mazda has been moving up, Honda has been going down, and Toyota has had their fair share of issues with some of their 2025 releases. Toyota will probably give you the best resale value.

Go test drive someone and chose the one you like best. You really can’t go wrong.

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ak37@reddit

Yeah, that's fact especially last sentence...

I had my mind set on a particular bike model based on internet stuff when I was buying one, but was convinced to test drive a few models.

I just liked the feel of one of the alternates so much, it was like 232% better to ride.

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Numerous_Teacher_392@reddit

Around here, it seems that Subarus are reliable, reasonably priced new, yet hold their value well ) lots of mountains and outdoor recreation people here). Their AWD system is still the best.

Mazda is still priced decently.

Toyota quality is questionable now, in some vehicles, and these same vehicles seem overpriced. I'm keeping my old Tacoma as long as I can, because Toyota can damn well keep the new one.

Honda has apparently faltered a bit, too.

Again, Toyota and Honda "bad" might be another maker's "good."🙂

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cwnorman@reddit

Reliability wise, with these brands, I would stay clear of any mild hybrid or toyotas i-force max system. They are usually coupled to a turbo engine and the electric motors are there to deliver extra performance rather than just fuel savings.

Honda and Toyota hybrids are similar as far as reliability is concerned. However, Toyota will give you better fuel mileage, while Hondas are funner to drive.

The new Mazda CX50 also uses Toyotas hybrid system.

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Sufficient-Bee5923@reddit

Toyota doesn't use any turbos on their small cars to my knowledge.

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cwnorman@reddit

I never said that they did. The iForce max system is used on their trucks and large suv's, tacoma, tundra, 4runner, sequoia etc.

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JustAChubbyWife@reddit

Hybridwise I would say Toyota.

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Capable-Cream-1648@reddit

I'm pretty sure Mazda uses Toyota's hybrid systems for their hybrids

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JustAChubbyWife@reddit

I think they started with the 2025 models. From that I head on reviews, they are lackluster, could have been more powerful. I know Toyota wanted their soul red color as part of the deal.

At least mazda for away from Ford engines.

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durrtyurr@reddit

Toyota wanted their soul red color as part of the deal.

Can you blame them? With the exception of Toyota's own structural blue, it is probably the best looking paint color in production right now.

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PetriDishCocktail@reddit

Lexus has an excellent red on its own: "infrared".

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TraditionalTackle1@reddit

I just bought a CX-5 in that color and I get so many compliments on it.

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durrtyurr@reddit

Get PPF, that paint is gorgeous but chips like mad.

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thepatrickkent@reddit

I stupidly let my mountain bike fall into my door and chipped the paint. No one feels like they can blend it. So there are downsides to that red.

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JustAChubbyWife@reddit

I definitely don't blame them on that color. More manufacturers need to bring back. The "Candy" paints and fuck these greys and cement drab colors

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bill__19@reddit

The cx50 hybrid is Toyota but I don’t think the cx90 PHEV is Toyota. I actually think there’s been some issues with the phev, not to sure.

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NothingLift@reddit

Correct for cx90. Not 100% on the cx50 but I beleive youre correct there too

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skinisblackmetallic@reddit

Those brands are pretty neck & neck these days. Honda may have a slight edge with some recent Toyota issues.

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treegee@reddit

The Japanese Mazdas might be alright, but I wouldn't put the American-made ones in the top ten. Out of these options, I'd take a Toyota. Much more capable (especially regarding the trucks and SUVs), cheaper to buy, better resale, and at least as if not more reliable than Honda. The only thing Honda really has going for it is aesthetics. They generally look a little bit sportier, insofar as one generic, underwhelming, soulless silver bubble can look sportier than another.

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Medical-Pear@reddit

I'm not at all convinced Toyotas are cheaper to buy than Mazdas at all, new or used.

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lightning71@reddit

Good god I would not put mazda in anywhere near the same tier as honda or toyota. Only my experience, but I would put them more in the “Nissan” category

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AnonyMouseSnatcher@reddit

Mazda in the Nissan category? That's a low blow. They may not be in the Honda-Toyota tier, but no way are they that bad

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lightning71@reddit

Must be a sample bias because i have had two mazdas and my brother has had one, and I could rant all afternoon about what shitboxes they were

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utvols22champs@reddit

I put Toyota in the Nissan category but that’s just because they are boring cars and I’ve never driven one that I liked. But that’s just because doesn’t make it true.

IMO, Mazda is the best of the three and I’ve owned all three.

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lightning71@reddit

I put raw reliability at the top of my priority list. Ive never had honda cars but ive owned many mazdas and never seen them age well like a toyota. Mazdas perform a lot better to be fair.

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RvCampers@reddit

They all have issue these days

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attractivekid@reddit

which VW did you have?

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Upstairs_Square_8665@reddit

Yes

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Tuques@reddit

Toyota > Mazda > honda

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loskubster@reddit

It’s Toyota

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revocer@reddit

For Hybrid, Toyota is the most resilient hybrid. They have been at it for a quarter century. The only caveat is to stay away from their body on frame truck based hybrids (Tacoma, Land Cruiser, 4Runner…) as this is a totally different unproven technology.

Honda is a good second choice. They have gone through different iterations of their hybrid technology, and their latest is basically an EV powered by gas. It’s been out a few years now, and seems relatively resilient. It doesn’t have the Toyota rack record though, but still pretty descent.

Mazda has TWO different hybrid technologies, a mild hybrid, which is a start/stop mechanism. And a hybrid powertrain borrowed from Toyota. That latter one is the one you want when it comes to hybrid. Specifically the CX-50 hybrid. Same drivetrain as a RAV4 Hybrid.

Most other “hybrids” are start/stop systems. They really aren’t hybrids in the way that Toyota and Honda makes them.

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Unpainted-Fruit-Log@reddit

Toyota definitely excels with hybrids.

Outside of that, if you asked me “Should I get a Honda CR-V, a Mazda CX-30, or a Toyota RAV4” my answer would be “Yes”.

Seriously, the build quality and longevity on all three is so high that you could determine which one to buy based on which has the prettiest color or the best styling.

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I believe some Mazda hybrids actually use Toyota technology.

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EndurancePony@reddit

Mazda

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brokefixfux@reddit

Consumer Reports Article from December