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As Consumer Reports noted, Mazda’s entire lineup benefits from shared powertrains and in-car tech features. The company only makes modest changes each year, which is the critical factor in its success. CR gave each Mazda an above-average ranking for reliability.

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/how-mazda-outranked-toyota-and-lexus-as-the-most-reliable-car-brand/

I was focused on engine life expectancy.

toyota corolla engines are as tough as nails
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Corolla/2004/

i'm in the habit of steel-manning my own counter-argument

compare my reference to the equivalent ford focus

Ahh, very well, that's the best I got.
The overall engine longevity. Not
many companies are competing
in the space of engine longevity.
I mean once the engine is shot
the shell is nice but pointless
unless you are a mechanic.

you've got the right idea