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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  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.

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  Fast, Fun and Completely Comfortable - 2006 Acura RSX
  By Steve Sherwood - December 23 - 1:53 am

  I came to the RSX after finally deciding to retire my 1989 Acura Integra, which had 207,000 miles on it and was still going pretty strong. I cant say enough about my RSX. Its been even better than I anticipated. I considered the Honda Civic EX and the Scion but have been completely satisfied with my RSX. Its fast, fun and completely comfortable to drive, gets excellent gas mileage and has all those standard features that make Acuras such a solid bargain. Most of the online reviews mention that the RSX is not the fastest off the mark in first gear and thats true BUT it is more than fast enough! The cars a blast to own and drive, it makes me happy every time I get behind the wheel.

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  After 2 years, still lovin it - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Vince - December 15 - 9:08 am

  Overall, I love this car. It blends performance along w/ luxury in a very valuable package. Yes, the gearbox is a little finicky at times, but you just have to row thru the gears prior to driving, especially when cold. Yes, my car has many rattles. Ask any owner of a sport compact w/ a very stiff suspension. Its just the nature of the beast. Used to drive this thing 160 miles everyday for work. Road noise gets tiresome and stiff suspension causes backaches, but gets very good MPG. Compared to other cars, may not have the most luxury or features. Honda owner for life.

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  Sweet Ride - 2002 Acura RSX
  By zandrewh - December 3 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had my car RSX Type S for about 2 weeks now, it handles very nice. Traded in 2000 Celica GT-S, too many little problems with it. The engine has a nice quiet sound to it at slower paces, but if you want to hear it scream just floor it. Handles really nice around turns. Very pleased with purchase.

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  Fun car, some quality issues. - 2006 Acura RSX
  By Mark - November 29 - 9:15 am

  I chose this car over a few other performance cars that offered more features and/or were a better value - I liked the styling, and the fuel economy is excellent if you drive sedately. If you do push the engine up to 7k+ (no point buying a Type-S if you dont), youre in for a lot of fun. The ride is very stiff - if you need a comfortable ride, look elsewhere. Handling can be skittish when accelerating hard. Some quality issues: the shifter often didnt want to go into 3rd (mainly when the car was cold - solved by replacing the stock transmission fluid with a better quality one), lots of rattles (moonroof, dash, hatch), and the paint chips easily. The Bose audio system is awful (see below).

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  Shame that 06 is the last year - 2006 Acura RSX
  By Roland - November 28 - 9:34 pm

  I bought a 2006 RSX Type S in July of this year. A huge upgrade from my previous car! The firm but supple ride, well bolstered and supportive seats, responsive steering, sharp handling, rev-happy engine, and 6-speed gearbox just makes the car a blast to drive. It is comfortable enough for me to commute 100 miles round trip to school twice a week and 15 miles round trip to work 5 days a week. The gas mileage is great too, even when in lots of spirited driving time I still manage over 22 mpg all city. If I stick to ho-hum commuting I get just under 30 mpg with a 60/40 city/highway mix of driving. The only let down is that they discontinued production of this car for 2007 and beyond.

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  Wonderful Little Car. - 2003 Acura RSX
  By JDA - October 15 - 12:15 pm

  Picked this up used as a 2 year placeholder, and now Im rethinking the decision - in a good way - as in I might keep it longer than I thought. A great car. Excellent mpg, reliable, quick, handles great (for what it is), well-designed, sporty looking, low-emission vehicle. If you fold those back seats down, you can cram a lot of stuff back there. I feel like Im late to the party on this model and now it has been discontinued - what a shame. The only negatives - small back seat, and overall the car is really small and light. I worry about safety, especially when I drive my little girl. In sum: if you like to drive curves fast, but you need a commuter, you will like this car.

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  Not without problems, definitely a treat - 2002 Acura RSX
  By rsxland.com - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Tpre-S for two monthes now. It is a thrill to drive. I cant stay away from it. Thats why it betting annoying that its going in the shop for the third time in two monthes. The Acura dealership service department is great. They always give me another RSX to drive, but the Type-S makes all the difference in the world.

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  Buy it - 2004 Acura RSX
  By lasheric - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Figured I would review my car since so many other reviews helped me. Ive had no problems with this car since buying it a year ago. I have test driven to many cars to count, the Acura has the most amazing handling and engine power. You wont regret buying this car, just make sure you dont pay to much over invoice, like I did.

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  Amazing - 2006 Acura RSX
  By Matthew - September 30 - 2:18 pm

  This car is very quick, and peppy. The 6th gear is a bit tricky getting into if you are not used to having a 6th gear. Acura also fixed the 3rd gear problem with the 05-06 RSX Type S. It use to be notchy, or crunchy, but it is fixed now. The leather is very nice, and automatic climate control is a cery nice feature. The Bose upgrade is awesome!