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15 Forgotten Mazda vs Honda Models That Deserved More Attention in the 2000s

Cameron Eittreim June 11, 2025

The 2000s marked a transformative era for Japanese automakers, with Mazda and Honda pushing boundaries in engineering and design. Yet, as the spotlight gravitated toward a handful of best-sellers, many inventive models quietly slipped through the cracks. These vehicles blended performance, style, and forward-thinking features—but never found the mainstream recognition they deserved.
This listicle shines a light on those underrated Mazdas and Hondas, exploring what made each unique and why they’re still worth remembering today. Join us as we rediscover 15 models that truly deserved more attention in their time.

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1. Mazda Protegé5

The Mazda Protegé5 brought a spirited driving experience to the compact wagon segment. Its agile handling and practical hatchback design set it apart from rivals like the Toyota Matrix.
Despite strong reviews—such as Car and Driver’s praise for its balance of fun and utility—the Protegé5 never became a household name.
Today, it enjoys a cult following, admired for its reliability, stylish looks, and everyday usability. This overlooked gem still turns heads among enthusiasts seeking something different.

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2. Honda Insight (First Generation)

The first-generation Honda Insight stands as a true pioneer in hybrid technology, arriving in the U.S. even before the Prius. Its ultra-lightweight aluminum construction and teardrop design weren’t just futuristic—they delivered astonishing fuel efficiency.
Despite its groundbreaking nature and innovative features, the Insight remained a niche choice for eco-conscious drivers.
For those interested in its history and impact, Honda offers a great overview in their official archives. This Insight paved the way, yet deserved far more acclaim for its boldness.

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3. Mazda RX-8

The Mazda RX-8 was a bold experiment, boasting a high-revving rotary engine and an unconventional four-door coupe layout. Its balanced chassis and responsive handling rivaled the likes of the Nissan 350Z, yet mainstream car buyers never fully embraced its quirks.
Despite strong performance and positive press—see the Motor Trend review—rotary engine reliability concerns and niche appeal limited its success. Today, the RX-8 remains a fascinating, underappreciated chapter in Mazda’s performance legacy.

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4. Honda Prelude (Fifth Generation)

The fifth-generation Honda Prelude showcased sharp handling and Honda’s advanced VTEC engine, offering a thrilling drive that rivaled the Toyota Celica. Its stylish coupe lines and performance focus built a loyal fan base, yet shifting market preferences led to its discontinuation.
Despite its strengths, the Prelude was overshadowed by emerging sport compacts and SUVs.
For a look back at its legacy, check out Automobile Magazine’s retrospective. This Prelude deserved a better send-off and more lasting recognition.

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5. Mazda MPV (Second Generation)

The second-generation Mazda MPV delivered nimble handling and practical features, standing out among minivans for its car-like drive. Overshadowed by larger rivals like the Honda Odyssey, the MPV quietly built a loyal fanbase who appreciated its versatility and value.
Edmunds’ review praised its maneuverability and family-friendly design. Still, the MPV never reached the popularity it deserved, making it a hidden gem of the 2000s minivan market.

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6. Honda Element

The Honda Element stood out in the 2000s with its boxy shape and endlessly versatile, easy-clean interior. Designed for adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, it featured clamshell doors and a rugged, wipe-down cabin.
While its quirky styling limited mass-market appeal, the Element’s practicality and durability have led to a resurgence in popularity among used car buyers.
MotorTrend’s review recognized its unique charm, yet the Element remains one of Honda’s most distinctive, underappreciated creations.

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7. Mazda6 MPS / Mazdaspeed6

The Mazdaspeed6 (Mazda6 MPS) delivered turbocharged power and all-wheel-drive grip, making it a true sleeper in the performance sedan segment. Despite its impressive specs, it was often overshadowed by the Subaru WRX and other rally-inspired rivals.
Enthusiasts still rave about its blend of speed and subtlety, as highlighted in this Jalopnik feature. The Mazdaspeed6 remains an underrated choice for those who crave excitement without the flash.

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8. Honda Accord Coupe (Sixth Generation)

The sixth-generation Honda Accord Coupe offered a compelling mix of sharp handling and a robust V6 engine, wrapped in a sleek two-door body. It delivered driving excitement that set it apart from family-focused sedans.
However, as buyers shifted attention to sedans and SUVs, the Accord Coupe’s presence quietly faded.
CNET’s review praised its blend of style and substance, making it a standout that deserved a longer run in the spotlight.

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9. Mazda Tribute

The Mazda Tribute debuted as a compact SUV sharing its platform with the Ford Escape, but it carved its own path with a more engaging drive and athletic handling. Despite these strengths, the Tribute struggled to attract the same attention as its sibling.
Kelley Blue Book’s overview highlights its practicality and value, yet it remains an underappreciated option for those seeking a lively yet sensible SUV.

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10. Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 thrilled enthusiasts with its high-revving engine, rear-wheel-drive chassis, and precise manual transmission. Its razor-sharp handling and open-top excitement drew comparisons to the beloved Mazda MX-5, but the S2000 offered even more power and a truly unique character.
Despite critical acclaim from sources like Top Gear, sales remained modest, and it never achieved mainstream success. Today, the S2000 is revered as one of Honda’s greatest driver’s cars—a cult classic that deserved wider recognition.

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11. Mazda Millenia

The Mazda Millenia aimed for the luxury segment with refined styling and an innovative Miller-cycle supercharged engine. Its smooth ride and upscale features set it apart, but it was often overlooked in favor of more prestigious Acura and Lexus models.
AutoTrader’s analysis highlights its unique engineering and underrated status. Despite its merits, the Millenia never achieved the recognition it deserved, making it a hidden treasure among 2000s luxury sedans.

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12. Honda CR-X del Sol

The Honda CR-X del Sol brought open-air thrills to the compact sports car scene with its distinctive targa roof and nimble handling. Despite its playful spirit and practicality, it struggled to gain traction as tastes shifted away from small roadsters in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
Enthusiasts now appreciate its unique charm, as highlighted by Hemmings. The del Sol remains a memorable but often overlooked chapter in Honda’s sporty lineage.

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13. Mazda Familia / 323 (BJ)

The Mazda 323 (BJ), also known as the Familia, earned a solid reputation for reliability, value, and straightforward practicality. However, it lacked the visual excitement and brand cachet of rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
A Drive.com.au review highlights its strengths as a dependable daily driver. Despite its virtues, the 323 quietly faded into the background, deserving more recognition in the compact car arena.

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14. Honda Civic Si (EP3)

02 Civicsi 20 Source — Photo Credit: Creative Commons

The Honda Civic Si (EP3) marked a distinctive era for the Civic, adopting a hatchback design and a high-revving engine. Its unconventional looks and driving dynamics divided enthusiasts, especially when compared to the more traditional VW GTI.
Despite the debate, the EP3 offered a fresh, practical spin on the hot hatch formula and has since gained a loyal following.
For a deeper dive into its unique appeal, check out Road & Track’s review.

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15. Mazda MX-3

The Mazda MX-3 impressed with its compact proportions, agile handling, and the novelty of a tiny V6 engine—one of the smallest ever in a production car. Despite its sporty character, the MX-3 was often overshadowed by its more famous sibling, the Miata.
Today, it stands out as a hidden gem for enthusiasts seeking something unique.
For an in-depth look at its quirks and appeal, visit Classic & Sports Car.

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Revisiting the Underrated: A Second Chance for Forgotten Legends

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Mazda and Honda’s innovation and risk-taking in the 2000s led to a remarkable array of cars that challenged conventions—many of which slipped under the radar at the time.
Today, enthusiasts and collectors are rediscovering these overlooked gems, appreciating their unique character and engineering.
Take a second look at these models—they just might surprise you with what they have to offer.

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15 Forgotten Mazda vs Honda Models That Deserved More Attention in the 2000s

1. Mazda Protegé5

2. Honda Insight (First Generation)

3. Mazda RX-8

4. Honda Prelude (Fifth Generation)

5. Mazda MPV (Second Generation)

6. Honda Element

7. Mazda6 MPS / Mazdaspeed6

8. Honda Accord Coupe (Sixth Generation)

9. Mazda Tribute

10. Honda S2000

11. Mazda Millenia

12. Honda CR-X del Sol

13. Mazda Familia / 323 (BJ)

14. Honda Civic Si (EP3)

15. Mazda MX-3

Revisiting the Underrated: A Second Chance for Forgotten Legends

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