The MZR generation includes gasoline and diesel powered engines ranging in displacements from 1.3 L to 2.5 L. All gasoline-powered MZR engines feature an all-aluminum block construction with iron cylinder liners.

There are three specific engine families within the MZR which include: The DISI turbocharged MZR L3-VDT was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 3 consecutive years for 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The Ford Motor Company co-developed the engines with Mazda during the period where Ford owned a controlling share in Mazda.

Ford retains perpetual rights to build and use the MZR generation of engines.

Ford has sold the MZR engine under their Duratec brand name for global service in its vehicles since 2003.