Long-term reliability should be one of the key factors when buying a car. Nobody wants to buy a vehicle requiring constant repairs, depreciation, and parts replacements. RepairPal data shows Mazda ranking 5th out of 32 automakers for most reliable vehicles. But with those real owner reviews in mind, we found the most reliable Mazda models in 2023.

1. The Mazda CX-3 is the most reliable Mazda

The Mazda CX-3 is a small crossover SUV that combines comfort, efficiency, and spunky performance. It has a punchy 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 146 hp, and pairs with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Weighing less than 3,000 pounds, the CX-3 has responsive and agile handling. According to RepairPal, it will only cost you an average annual repair cost of $345. The CX-3 earned a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for reliability, making it one of the most reliable vehicles in its class.

2. A used Mazda2 is a reliable choice

The Mazda2 is the automaker’s smallest subcompact hatchback offered in the U.S. until 2014. It comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 100 horsepower, but its lightweight frame makes it a zippy subcompact. Like the CX-3, it has a six-speed manual or automatic transmission that delivers 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the automatic and 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the manual.

Owning a Mazda2 is relatively easy on the wallet, as most owners only spend an average of $449 annually for repairs. It has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating for reliability, ranking it third out of 21 for most reliable subcompact cars on the market. And if you want a more modern equivalent, Toyota badge-engineered the 2015-2020 Mazda2 as the Scion (later Toyota) Yaris iA.

3. Midsize SUV mastery sets Mazda CX-5 apart

The Mazda CX-5 perfectly reflects the Japanese automaker’s reputation for athletic performance. Its near-luxury interior, spacious cargo room, and artful exterior design make it a strong competitor in the midsize SUV arena. Underneath its hood, you’ll find a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

The optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine gives it more power at about 256 hp. Despite its size and power, it will only cost an average of $447 annually for repairs. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in reliability, the CX-5 ranks first out of the 26 midsize SUVs.

4. The Mazda3 is as reliable as ever

Available as either a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback, the Mazda3 is a practical option for most drivers. It also has two different engine options, a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that produces 186 hp and a 2.5-liter turbocharged with 250 hp. According to RepairPal, the Mazda3 has an average annual repair cost of $433, making it affordable to keep on the road. It ranks ninth out of 36 reliable, compact cars, earning a 4.0 out of 5 stars rating.

5. Mazda MX-5 Miata is the most reliable sports car

While old-school sports cars typically come with hefty repair bills, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is an exception. The most recent model of this classic roadster is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. It also has excellent fuel efficiency at 30 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. And if you have any doubts about its dependability, the Mazda MX-5 Miata race car uses the stock engine for full-tilt racing alongside IMSA GT and Prototype events.

This sleek and agile car will only cost you an average of $429 annually in repairs, making it one of the most reliable vehicles in its category. It ranks eighth out of 21 subcompact vehicles with a 4.0 out of 5 stars reliability rating.

6. A Mazda6 is a reliable used midsize sedan

In 2018, Mazda launched a new generation of the Mazda6 midsize sedan with a refined interior and exterior. Its high-class cabin is filled with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and luxury materials. Under the hood is a choice of two reliable Mazda engines. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 187 hp, while the optional turbocharged engine offers 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.

Even with its impressive performance, most owners only pay an average of $481 annually in repairs. In RepairPal’s ranking, the Mazda6 lands sixth out of 24 midsize sedans with a 4.0 out of 5 stars reliability rating.

7. Remember the Mazda Tribute?

The Mazda Tribute is a reliable compact SUV with plenty of interior comfort and room. In 2008, the second-generation Tribute was released with an upgraded interior and exterior design. It also revamped the powertrain options base engine to a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 240 hp.

Owning a Tribute won’t break the bank, as most owners only spend an average of $523 annually for repairs. It is also recognized as one of the most reliable compact SUVs, with a 4.0 out of 5 stars reliability rating and a 10th position out of 26 vehicles ranked in its class.

8. The unrivaled Mazda5

With very few rivals in its class, the Mazda5 is an excellent option for those who need more space for a minivan but need more than a compact car. It has plenty of cargo space and enough seating for up to seven people. Its engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 157 hp, mated with either a five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda5 won’t cost you an arm and a leg in repairs, as it has an average annual repair cost of $581. It ranks at number 22 out of 36 compact cars, with an above-average reliability rating.

The most reliable Mazda cars all have one thing in common

Mazda’s engineering isn’t just good for making reliable cars. Sure, the most reliable Mazda models will go the distance, but they’ll let you have fun along the way. These cars and SUVs offer surprising driving dynamics along with their penchant for dependability.