This paper presents a fuzzy adaptive speed controller that guarantees a fast dynamic behavior and a precise trajectory tracking capability for surfaced-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (SPMSMs). The proposed fuzzy adaptive control strategy is simple and easy to implement. In addition, the proposed speed controller is very robust to system parameter and load torque variations because it does not require any accurate parameter values. The global stability of the proposed control system is analytically verified. To evaluate the proposed fuzzy adaptive speed controller, both simulation and experimental results are shown under motor parameter and load torque variations on a prototype SPMSM drive system.