Mazda is a Japanese company that sells multiple styles of passenger vehicles in the United States. Its focus is on “zippy, engaging performance,” according to U.S. News & World Report. The quality of its performance paired with its interiors and value have earned Mazda awards over the years. In a recognition of the brand’s ongoing consistency, named Mazda as the best car brand of 2021.

Consistently named one of the best car brands

The award of Best Vehicle Brand from U.S. News is given to companies whose vehicles nearly all rank highly in their respective classes. Mazda won for 2021, its sixth time in a row being named the best car brand. It was recognized due to its “superb performance and upscale interiors.” The award looked at Mazda’s overall scores from U.S. News for its three cars. The overall score factors in opinions from the automotive press plus safety and reliability information.

Cars from Mazda are “well-built, well-equipped, and fun to drive,” according to U.S. News. They offer a great “combination of practicality and performance.” Jeff Guyton president of Mazda North American Operations responded to the award, saying, “We are honored that U.S. News & World Report has recognized Mazda as its ‘Best Car Brand’ for the sixth year in a row. Designed with the driver in mind, Mazda vehicles feature sleek, sophisticated exterior designs and thoughtfully crafted interiors as well as having an active approach to safety that can help deliver a more joyful, confident driving experience for our customers.”

Mazda’s sedans and hatchback models

While none of Mazda’s 2021 vehicles is currently named best in class, the Mazda3, Mazda6, and Mazda MX-5 Miata were all well-ranked in each of their classes. The Mazda3, available in either a sedan or a hatchback, was ranked No. 1 on U.S. News’ list of compact cars for 2020 and hasn’t yet been ranked for 2021. Last redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Mazda3 has “sharp steering and athletic handling.” It shifts smoothly with either its manual transmission or its six-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available, which is unusual for a sedan. There’s lots of room in the front seats plus high-quality materials.

The Mazda6 is a midsize sedan. The comfortable car provides “one of the most thrilling rides in the segment,” according to U.S. News. It offers an optional turbocharged engine, and the cabin has high-quality finishes. For 2021, U.S. News has ranked the Mazda6 third on its list of midsize cars.

Mazda’s sports car

Like the Mazda3 and Mazda6, the Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car is highly rated. The Mazda MX-5 Miata and MX-5 Miata RF are Mazda’s fun, agile, and affordable sports cars. U.S. News found that the car provides “precise handling,” and has “a four-cylinder engine that helps it accelerate quickly.”

The little car has high-quality materials in the cabin plus an easy-to-use infotainment system. It provides multiple standard advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. For 2021, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is ranked second on U.S. News’ list of sports cars. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is even one of the best-selling sports cars ever, according to U.S. News.

Looking only at consistently great companies can help simplify the car buying process. Car buyers can feel comfortable considering any of Mazda’s car offerings. People looking for something different might want to consider the Best Vehicle Brand winners for the other classes: Hyundai for Best SUV Brand, Ram for Best Truck Brand, and Porsche for Best Luxury Brand.