Zoids, as it is currently known in the US, is actually the second series of the Zoids franchise, which stemmed from a popular line of toys. Zoids, produced by Tomy, were assembled models of gigantic fighting robots that resembled animals.
This is a great introduction into the world of Animation from Japan. I found this series, a very complete and wonderfully detailed story.
Not saying the New Century 0 cartoons are bad. Those are the ones following Bit Cloud.