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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Tranny problems - 2004 Acura RSX
By hondalover - September 30 - 9:07 amI have owned Hondas all my life, every version of the Civic or Integra imaginable. This RSX Type S was very disappointing. The 6 speed transmission was a major problem for me, and I brought it back to the dealer several times. These cars notoriously grind 2nd and 3rd gears, and when I brought it back to the dealer they claimed that they could not "replicate the problem" Engine is awesome, suspension is killer, but the tranny is a huge problem! Beware when you purchase!
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Great Little Car - 2002 Acura RSX
By *El Ocho* - September 29 - 9:20 amThe RSX is a great little car. Ive had mine for over 5 years now & have had no problems what so ever. You just cant beat Honda build quality & reliability. The K20 may be the best engine Honda has ever built. It revs effortlessly to 8000 rpm & is highly tunable. The shifter is top notch & the car gives the driver great feedback. Tons of fun to drive
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Junk Tranny - 2003 Acura RSX
By ezputt - September 27 - 10:00 amOut 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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Doesnt get any better for the money. - 2006 Acura RSX
By Reggie - September 22 - 9:36 amI leased this vehicle in March 2006 and is due back this upcoming March, so plenty of time with the car. Great looking, reliable, quick little car. I have the black pearl and it looks beautiful when clean. 17" wheels support the handling. This car handles unlike any other I have ever driven. 210 HP and still getting over 30 MPG on the highway with Bose 7 speaker system. $275 per month well spent. Never had an issue with it through the 37k it has to date. Back seat it kinda tight so I dont recommend it for a family vehicle or if plan to have friends in and out. Seats keep you nice and firm when driving but not the greatest to take a lunch time nap in during work hours. Highly recommended.
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Bang for buck - 2005 Acura RSX
By chris - September 2 - 10:03 pmThis car is one of the best cars I have ever owned. Fast, fuel efficient, quiet, comfortable, and long lasting. 210 hp in a car that weighs under 3000 lbs. 6 speed tranny good for lower rpms at 80 mph, or higher top speed. Governor kicks in at 145. Worlds fastest front wheel drive NA car. And under 20k. Would love them to continue production. :-( they never should have stopped
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Not bad - 2002 Acura RSX
By R_L - September 2 - 10:00 amBumpy ride, interior space is tight, hugh blind spot, otherwise good car for the price.
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Just Perfect - 2002 Acura RSX
By Sophie - September 2 - 10:00 amSorry guys, but for me, its the perfect girly car... It looks like your boyfriends car, snuggs you in the comfy seats like your boyfriends arms, wrooooooooooms like your boyfriend, but it can be YOURS! - for less than other cars... Love the design, love the color (red), love everything. I hope Ill still love it after 100.000 miles and a few bumps. BTW, the sequetial gear box is great. I live in hilly SF and I need to force into 1rst gear up hill and down hill in my street. Works perferctly. My husband loves it too, whenever he wanna feel younger :-) He had an Integra and loves the RSX.
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05 RSX Type S - 2005 Acura RSX
By hydroride - August 24 - 10:00 amI love the improvements theyve put in the 05. Having owned an 02, I could feel the difference. The shifting is a little crisper and when it comes to cornering it sticks like glue. I cant believe the review that gave it a 1.0 is for real. Ive owned honda products for almost 20 years & never ever had any problems like that. If the review is real , it must have been taken off roading for a test drive.
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Great Sports Car - 2006 Acura RSX
By David - August 19 - 2:11 pmThis car is great, pretty fast for a 2.0L inline four. Quick on the acceleration and grabs corners like a magnet, rides smooth even over very deep pot holes and high speed bumps. At top speed is pretty smooth and stable along with shifting the whole way, pretty good for a 5M base but theres always aftermarket for those days when you wanna get up and go. Did lack a couple of interior options and design for an Acura but still being a sports car, its awesome. I would recommend for any driver, guess thats why after I bought mine, I now know 5 people who recently bought one as well. Cant go wrong with a Honda.
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Excellent car for the money - 2002 Acura RSX
By Nate - August 13 - 12:42 pmI just bought my 5 speed Acura last week in desert silver metallic for $10,300 w/42,000 miles on it. For being six years old this car is very stylish. I am a 20 year old just out of college. I needed a car for under $11,000 that looked good and got good gas mileage. The moment I drove the Acura I knew it was it. I was previously looking at wrxs and eclipses but this beats them both as far as the money to quality ratio is concerned. One word EXCELLENT!
