Mazda 3 vs. Honda Civic: Which is More Reliable?

Mazda 3 and Honda Civic are two of the most recognizable small, sporty Japanese cars that have been around for a while and have maintained their impressive reputations. The vehicles have seen several changes, and while SUVs and pickup trucks are becoming cars of choice for modern users, the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic have proven to be a force to reckon with in the industry.

If you plan to own any of the Mazda 3 or Honda Civic and do not know which is more reliable, this article is for you.

This article contains the reliability ratings for Mazda 3 and Honda Civic. At the end of this article, you should know which one has a higher reliability rating.

1Mazda 3

Mazda 3 vs. Honda Civic: Which is More Reliable? Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 (Reliability Rating)

Mazda 3 has been redesigned three times to increase its reliability score. According to Consumer Reports, the car was first redesigned in 2010 while the second and third redesign was in 2014 and 2019.

According to the data released by Consumer Reports, the 2010 redesign was the most awesome. While the 2010 redesign featured four models, only three models could earn a full five-star rating. The 2014 redesign had five models, out of which three were scored 4 points out of 5 possible points, and the other two earned 3 points each.

This shows that the two redesigns are reliable. However, the story is not the same for the latest redesign of the Mazda 3, as it is not as reliable as the previous generations.

The latest redesign has two models: 2019 and 2020. The 2019 model was evaluated with a reliability rating of three points out of five, while the 2020 version is still under evaluation but with a predicted reliability score of three as well. This shows a significant drop in the level of reliability of the latest generation against the previous generations.

Consumer Reports gave two reasons for this drop in reliability score: the declines in the parts' and in-car electronics' reliability ratings.

2Honda Civic

Mazda 3 vs. Honda Civic: Which is More Reliable? Civic

Honda Civic (Reliability Ratings)

While Honda is a reputable name in the industry, its Civic is also nothing new. It has been around for decades and has seen several changes to increase its reliability score and earn hearts.

However, with the increase in the number of issues recently reported about Honda Civic, prospective buyers are skeptical about buying the car. The fear is if the car still maintains its high-reliability score or has shed some points. Here is what Consumer Reports has to say about the Honda Civic reliability score.

Honda Civic Reliability Score by Consumer Reports

According to Consumer Reports, the Civic has a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5 points, a rating based on consumers' reports.

The problem started with the 2001-2015 hybrid versions, which struggled with battery issues and continued into the next generation. The next generation (2006 to 2011) did have not only battery issues but also saw other issues, such as with the heating system, air conditioning, and body paint.

While these issues seemed to be solved in the next generation (2012 to 2015), this generation witnessed issues with the brake system. However, the generation has been relieved of the body paint but retains the climate system issues until 2017. Also, the latest generation has been reported by consumers to have issues with in-car electronic systems.

However, Consumer Reports recommends the Honda Civic for lovers of compact cars.

Comparative Conclusion

The final decision of which is more reliable is not far-fetched. While Mazda 3 is redesigned to have a premium interior, the suspension and the lack of standard safety technology are major setbacks shedding some points.

The Civic is an excellent choice for those looking for a sporty car and can deliver on most features expected from a sporty car. Its most valued assets are the standard equipment and the premium interior.