We all have our favorite vehicle manufacturer that we think is the best. Many brands get love, whether it’s Toyota, Honda, Chevy, or Ford.
Mazda, however, is often missing from such lists. Why? That’s what we intend to find out. So join our discussion below to learn the top 11 reasons why Mazda isn’t popular.
Why Is Mazda Not Popular?
1. Lack Of Name Recognition
Mazda is a Japanese automaker that’s been around since the 1920s. In that time, they’ve produced some incredible vehicles, and unfortunately, they haven’t been able to make a name for themselves.
This is largely because they’ve never had a significant presence in the United States, and Mazda started selling cars in America in the 1960s. But they’ve always been a bit of a hidden gem.
As a result, many people simply don’t know about the brand. You’re unlikely to buy its products when you don’t know about a brand.
That said, those who do know about Mazda are generally quite fond of their vehicles, and Mazda makes some fine automobiles that are serious contenders to top brands like Toyota and Honda.
Moreover, Mazda makes some excellent luxury vehicles that rival the likes of BMW and Audi. So, if you’re in the market for a new car and are willing to consider something other than the mainstream brands, give Mazda a look.
2. Poor Resale Value
One of the biggest reasons people buy Mazdas is because they’re relatively affordable. Mazda’s lineup consists primarily of economy and compact cars.
While their vehicles are affordable, they don’t hold their value very well. In fact, Mazdas have some of the worst resale value in the automotive industry.
This is due to various factors, but it largely comes down to the brand’s perception. Mazda isn’t as well-known or respected as other brands, so their vehicles don’t hold as much value.
Mazda has made an impact in the United States in recent years. So we may start seeing their resale values increase. But for now, they remain one of the least valuable brands on the market.
3. Limited Model Selection
Mazda only offers a limited number of models in the United States. While they have a few SUVs and sedans, they don’t have the same variety as other brands.
This lack of selection makes it harder for people to find a Mazda that fits their needs, and it also means that Mazda doesn’t have a vehicle for every price range.
Consumers like to have options. When a brand doesn’t offer many options, it can be a turn-off. Mazda is working on expanding its lineup, but the automaker still has a ways to go.
4. Small Dealer Network
Mazda has a small dealer network compared to other brands. This limits consumer choice and makes it difficult to find a Mazda dealer near you.
It also makes it harder to get your Mazda serviced or repaired. If you live in a rural area, you may drive quite a distance to find a Mazda dealer.
Drivers don’t want to deal with this kind of hassle. They want to be able to buy and service their vehicles without jumping through a lot of hoops.
Mazda’s small dealer network is a disadvantage the automaker must address.
5. Poor Reliability Ratings
Reliability is an essential factor when choosing a new car. After all, you want your vehicle to last for many years, and many brands offer cars with a proven track record for longevity and reliability.
Mazda has poor reliability ratings compared to other brands. This is due to various factors, but it’s mostly because their vehicles are relatively new.
As time passes and Mazda’s vehicles get older, we expect their reliability ratings to improve. But for now, they’re not the most reliable brand on the market.
6. Lack Of Safety Features
Mazda used to be known for its lack of safety features, especially for its older models. But in recent years, Mazda has made safety a priority.
Even so, their vehicles still don’t have as many safety features as other brands, and this is because Mazda focuses on affordability.
As a result, they often cut corners when it comes to safety features. This is something that Mazda needs to improve if they want to attract more buyers.
7. Unattractive Designs
Mazda’s designs are polarizing. Some people love them, while others think they’re ugly. This is a matter of personal preference, of course.
But it’s worth noting that Mazda’s designs are often very different from other brands. This can be a turn-off for some consumers who prefer a more traditional look.
Mazda is trying to change this perception with its newer models. But they still have a long way to go before they’re considered one of the most stylish brands on the market.
8. Poor Fuel Economy
Mazda’s fuel economy ratings are poor compared to other brands. This is due to a variety of factors, including their designs and engine choices.
Mazda has made some improvements in recent years. But they still have a lot of work to do if they want to compete with the leaders in fuel economy.
This is an even more significant concern in light of rising gas prices. Drivers want a vehicle that won’t break the bank at the pump, and Mazda needs to improve its fuel economy ratings if they want to stay competitive.
Mazda has crossover selections, which helps bridge the gap between their cars and SUV selections. There are also electric vehicle options that ensure drivers don’t have to pay as much at the pump.
If Mazda can improve its fuel economy ratings, it will be a big selling point for its vehicles.
9. Lagging Infotainment System
Mazda’s infotainment system lags behind other brands. It’s not as user-friendly or feature-rich as systems from other manufacturers.
This is a major drawback for consumers who want the latest and greatest technology in their vehicles. Mazda needs to catch up to the competition if they want to attract more buyers.
10. Limited Warranty Coverage
Mazda offers a limited warranty compared to other brands. This is a significant disadvantage for consumers who want peace of mind when they purchase a new car.
Mazda’s warranty coverage is especially disappointing when you consider the fact that their vehicles are often more expensive than other brands.
11. Limited Markets
Mazda is only available in a limited number of markets. This limits their appeal to consumers who live in areas where Mazda isn’t sold.
If Mazda wants to expand its customer base, it must enter new markets. But for now, the automaker is only available in a handful of countries.
American drivers still don’t know a lot about Mazda, which doesn’t help the company’s sales.
If Mazda can improve its image and enter new markets, it has the potential to become a more popular brand. But for now, Mazda remains in the shadows of automakers like Toyota and Honda.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why Mercedes is so dominant in F1, why F1 is so boring, and why NASCAR is so boring.
Conclusion
These are some reasons why Mazda isn’t as popular as other brands. This automaker has made some progress in recent years, but they still have a lot of work to do.
If they can address these issues, they may be able to attract more buyers and become a more mainstream brand.
Interesting that you would say Mazdas are not reliable? They have been consistently rated in high reliability over the past decade, true, they’re not as popular as Toyota or Honda, but they are considered just as reliable or real close and definitely more reliable than Nissan, Resale values are below Toyota and Honda but not that bad if compared to the Korean manufacturers, it has also been stated by some sites( not by you) that mazdas are cheaper to buy, that’s not really true, I bought a Toyota Camry XSE fully loaded for the trim and it was cheaper ( MSRP) than my Mazda 3 hatchback premium trim fully loaded for the trim.