Mazda and Subaru

Question

Are Mazdas and Subarus really that good of cars? I know that both of these manufacturers have made some improvements from their previous makes and models but I feel like both of them still have some flaws. I want to take about long-term.

Kaizen · Accepted Answer

I must say, I am extremely impressed with Mazda’s build quality of the overall car. It seems better than Honda and Toyota. And they have better design sense than Honda and Toyota combined.

Subaru, IMHO, is very utilitarian. It will get the job done, but isn’t as sexy as Mazda.

Dan · Answer

Mazda is absolutely great.

For quite a while Mazda was Ford’s slightly cheaper brand, Mazda was dragged down by Ford refusing to develop an automatic gearbox for small vehicles (what Mazda mainly used to make) and the faliure of the powershift dual clutch automatic.

but that being said, their engines were almost always quite good, for example my Volvo is powered by a Mazda MZR (the same one later used in the Miata) and not only is that engine extremely reliable it almost does feel like it fits the criteria needed for an engine in a luxury car (silent, smooth, torquey, etc.)

Since Mazda broke away from Ford, their quality has went up drastically. They make the only small economy cars that probably will be able to easily last 200,000 miles with proper service.

(the others have terrible CVT transmissions that have no chance of lasting 200k miles with any consistency)

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Subaru is quite a different story, although they make alright cars, their LineTronic CVTs are quite a big issue in my opinion and I happen to not like the reliability and serviceability of their engines so they’re a pass for me.

I think Subaru in the early 2010’s was better (compared to their competition) then what they are now.

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as an honorable mention, another brand that went in a very positive direction is Suzuki.

About 10 years ago all what they used to sell is an odd old suv and a cheaply put together sedan (the interior of which feels like a fake cheap Corolla copy), neither of which was particularly good in any way.

A lot of modern Suzuki are actually great, I am particularly impressed by the 2020 Suzuki Vitara it has the great 1.6L M16A engine and the 6 speed TF-71SC gearbox (an overbuilt old school AISIN) - this combination can easily last 200,000 miles!

(Other Suzuki models like the Ignis are still econoboxes so I feel they still have a lot of work to do on their lineup)

Whatchamacallit · Answer

If talking newer vehicles, I rank them as follows: Toyota > Honda, Mazda (neck and neck) > Subaru.

If I was shopping for a newer vehicle (say 2017 model year and newer) and had to choose between a Honda and Mazda, I would go with the Mazda: the Honda powertrains don’t impress me with their smaller turbocharged engines (and oil dilution issues) and CVTs/9-speed/10-speed AT offerings. No question their reliability has slipped over the years, while Mazda has been improving. The Mazda 2.5L naturally aspirated I4 mated to the 6-speed conventional automatic is true and tried, and I’d seek that (or 2.5L I4 mated to a manual, even better). Definitely give the Mazda a look: just avoid the 2.5L naturally aspirated I4 with the cylinder deactivation (first introduced in 2018 model year): depending on the model, not all trims have the cylinder deactivation (so it’s an option), whereas other models it is standard across so trims (you have to check the model year’s online brochure to be sure).

Regarding Subaru, while their CVTs might be a little better than before, I am still weary owning their CVT long term, so I don’t even consider them. Their AWD is among the best however (true and tried, dialed in).