Overview & Reviews

The Acura RSX is a two-door sport hatchback. Replacing the Integra coupe, the RSX served as Acura's entry-level car from 2002 until 2006, when the brand decided to move itself more upscale and the car no longer fit into the company's scheme. Nevertheless, as a used car, both versions of the RSX should appeal to consumers desiring a reasonably affordable car that offers sporty coupe-like styling and accessible performance. Like most Acura vehicles, the RSX boasts a high level of refinement as well as a reputation for above-average reliability, competitive pricing and strong resale value.

In road tests, our editors found the RSX's main performance strengths to be nimble handling and responsive steering. The Type-S was particularly rewarding to drive. Throughout its production run, the Acura RSX was one of our favorite sport hatchbacks, but toward the end, several new and redesigned competitors of both versions usurped our favor.

Most Recent Acura RSX

Nearly every feature on the Acura RSX was standard, which makes finding a preferably equipped vehicle easy. Throughout its lifespan, there were two trim levels available: base and Type-S. The base model should work well for consumers interested in having a fun-to-drive car that's comfortable for daily commuting. The RSX Type-S has mechanical upgrades that increase the car's performance potential.

The base RSX came standard with the majority of convenience features expected for this class of car. Highlights included automatic climate control, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, a CD player and a moonroof. A smooth-revving four-cylinder was standard, and it came mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The base RSX initially produced 160 horsepower, but new SAE horsepower ratings in 2006 changed the number to 155. Leather seating was the only option.

The RSX Type-S added an in-dash six-CD changer, standard leather seating, 17-inch wheels, a more firmly tuned suspension and more powerful brakes. The Type-S also had a four-cylinder engine tuned to produce extra horsepower (200 hp, later increased to 201). A six-speed manual was the only choice for a transmission.

Because of its four-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive layout, the Acura RSX boasts better fuel economy than many other sport hatchbacks and coupes. Front-seat occupants will be comfortable, but adults sitting in back will find headroom lacking. The rear seat is split 60/40 and can be lowered to increase cargo capacity. So configured, the RSX boasts nearly 18 cubic feet of luggage space.

Consumers interested in a used or pre-owned RSX should not have a problem finding one that matches their desires. Only minor changes were made after the car's debut. The most significant of these occurred on the 2005 RSX model, when Acura revised the suspension and steering for better feel and response, updated the exterior styling and slightly increased the Type-S's horsepower output to 201.

Past Acura RSX Models

The RSX replaced the Acura Integra. Shoppers interested in a used Acura sport hatchback previous to '02 will want to research this model.

User Reviews:

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  A better idea 12 years ago - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Gilbert Frey - January 2 - 2:57 pm

  Car is not overly comfortable on long road trips. Rear visibility is poor. Blind spots are bad for lane changing. Backup camera is a must (I added this myself). Rear seats are small and cramped and uncomfortable. Hard to exit the car gracefully. Parts are noticeably expensive (had to replace starter recently).

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  Great car, ruined by Honda bean counters. - 2002 Acura RSX
  By thr33wayclimax - December 30 - 6:36 pm

  Ive owned this car since I was 16, and am now 26. Bulletproof reliability, only the A/C compressor has failed, twice. RATTLES/RATTLES....and more rattles. Maybe I never noticed or cared when I was younger, but this thing rattles like no other, the Tweeters, dash, trunk, doors, glove compartment I could go on, they all rattle. I feel like the car is going to fall apart when I hit a pothole. 2002 stock seats are terrible, NO support Hard seat bottoms. Replaced with seats from a 2005, much better! With all these issues, I cannot get myself to let it go, I dont think Ill ever sell this car.

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  Last Acura I will ever buy - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Bub24 - March 11 - 12:00 am

  I absolutely hate this car! It has been nothing but an expensive lemon. 1st the oil pump went bad ($800) then the vtec pressure switch $74, then the vtech actuator. Now the timing chain is stretched. 83,000 miles are you serious? Oh and forget about finding replacement parts at your local autoparts store. Almost every piece of this abomination is special order or my favorite "dealer only $$$$ part" I am done with Acura and there overpriced crap.$1366 to replace a timing chain!What!

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  No more acuras/hondas for me - 2006 Acura RSX
  By dan - February 4 - 11:48 am

  I bought this car used only to have problems with it since the day i bought it. First when i got my first tire rotation the stud broke it wasnt a big deal then water kept getting into my tail light and the dealer said it had a bad seal. After that the struts went bad. Then finally around 40,000 miles the motor had a catastrophic failure. A rod bent causing two 3" holes in the block and basically they said it needed a new motor which would cost 10,000 dollars to install. And since the dealer could not find what caused it they said the warranty would not cover it. So i just simply let them have the car back bc i wasnt paying for a piece of junk car.

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  Not what I expected - 2002 Acura RSX
  By aspen9120 - January 5 - 4:39 pm

  This is my first Acura and I was buying it for the quality, both in reliability and solidity, but Ive been disappointed in both. With under 50,000 miles Ive already had two sensors go out, both of which were extremely expensive (think 10x more than other cars Ive had!). The other complaint I have is with the noise level. I really expected this car to be solid as a rock and it was when I bought it in the summer. In the winter the dashboard sounds like it may fall off whenever I hit a bump. This seems to be a common problem with owners though Acura has never heard of it. I really had high hopes for this little car and maybe I was just unlucky.

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  Junk Tranny - 2003 Acura RSX
  By ezputt - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Out of the door the tranmission would grind, had it back in shop within 250 miles, told that transmission needed to be broken in. 2600 miles, transmission is being replaced. Car squeaks and creaks like my 94 Ranger.

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  Good car, bad people - 2004 Acura RSX
  By IDriveALemon - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have never been to such horrible dealerships in my life. The people are just horrible, they dont care about the customer, they are willing to say just about anything just to be able to deny (warranty on) your claim on problems and issues with the car. The warranty as far as Im concerned is completely irrevelent, since they dont car to abide by it. If you want a car without a warranty, this is the car. But you might as well buy it used for that matter.

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  Reliable but rattles are annoying - 2003 Acura RSX
  By SFarchie - February 12 - 1:08 am

  This is a great car for young people under the age of 30. Older than that you probably would want more comfort and luxury. The car has never failed to start up or have had any mechanical issues. Handles beautifully. Now the bad stuff: the car rattles around the dash and hatch considerably. Multiple visits to the dealership did not rectify this problem. Also, I do not get very good gas mileage. Approx. 25 mpg overall. Another complaint is the cheap leather seating and easy to scratch up interior plastic trimmings. Oh yeah, and the car is loud (tire noise) when driven on the highway.

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  Noisy & Cheap! Never Again! - 2006 Acura RSX
  By Hardy - December 31 - 11:41 am

  The Acura RSX is the most overrated car in America. The car lacks any insulation resulting in road noise. You need a powerful stereo just to avoid hearing the road noise. That said, the stereo lacks any sounds quality. The "leather" seats are partially vinyl which crack very easily. The ignition lock is placed in the lowest part of the steering column. As a result, my legs hit the keys. The design of the door windows is really solid... not. When you roll up the windows, the side of the door moves. In short, the car has poor insulation, flimsy door windows, illogical ignition lock design, faux leather, and a front windshield that rattles. I will never buy an Acura again. Cheap car!

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  Have Clutch? - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Johnny Rotten - December 26 - 3:39 pm

  This vehicle was the right car for the right price, wanted something with good gas mileage and fun to drive. At 3000 miles the clutch slipped, took it in, couldnt find a problem. At 20,000 miles the clutch was shot, they replaced under a good faith warranty. At 40,000 miles clutch slipped again, couldnt find a problem. At 49,000 miles the second clutch is shot, had to be replaced. Told me it was a wear and tear item and I had to pay for it. $1400 later, Im getting my one year warranty out of the clutch and then getting rid of it. It likes to go fast, but doesnt like to stop. Brakes need improvement. The Bose sound system could be a lot better. Ive heard Bose before, this is no Bose.