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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  Waited long enough! - 2006 Acura RSX
  By ken - July 23 - 3:51 pm

  The RSX-S was well worth the wait for me.Its got the power and handling I was looking for and the lease for $239.00 monthly was the best Ive seen!

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  RSX Review - 2004 Acura RSX
  By BobG - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent overall design and comfort. Dealer was the best Ive ever dealt with. Fun and exciting to drive. Engine preforms like cars costing 2 times the purchase price. Six gear transmission is tight and smooth with little excessive play. A little more of a consol would be nice but the interior is very attractive.

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  i love it - 2004 Acura RSX
  By marcos4 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  its the best car ive have yet. and i do have a is 300 from lexus, and this car its so much funner then my lex. this has the hors power that i need just stook its so fun the best car..

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  Great car, great value - 2006 Acura RSX
  By Albee - July 20 - 8:47 pm

  Just bought a new Type S and couldnt be happier. If youre looking for top performance (i.e. extremely fun to drive) at a very reasonable cost, get this car. It has great acceleration and handling, and working the clutch is extremely easy. The 6 spd is great for the hwy mpg (city mpg is not 23 btw unless you drive real slow. figure about 18-20). Couple issues with the car is it can be a bumpy ride on non-smooth roads due to tight suspension. Also, engine gets loud at high rpms (redline starts at like 7500). In terms of construction, the car is a rock. The Type-S is 100% made in Japan (most Acuras are made in the USA now).

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  Few Problems - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Lisa - July 19 - 8:49 am

  I have had this car a year tomorrow and have had nothing but problems and Acura cannot figure out what is going on with the car. When taking off from a stop it sometimes does not go and act as though it is going to stall out. The car also races RPMs for no reason. I have had the radio replaced in the car 4 times since I have had it as well. I loved my 92 Integra and decided to upgrade but after this 04 purchase I may have to stick with the 92 or change the make of what I purchase. If Acura could fix the problem instead of throwing their hands up, I may consider buying another Acura in the future. Until then I will stick with the 92.

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  Fun little car - 2005 Acura RSX
  By TJG - July 15 - 1:00 pm

  Peppy 4-cyl. Only performance issue is accelerating up a grade, but hey its a 4-banger. I am more than satisfied in the difference I get in fuel economy. I bought the car pretty recently, so maybe the racing seats will grow on me, but I dont really like them so far. The sport-shift works great, especially for mountain roads or gridlocked traffic. I put in an Alpine reciever to play my iPod, and it sounds great on the factory speakers, but not so much on volume level 20 and beyond. Of course, real audiophiles will tear out everything factory anyway. Bottom line, I am very satisfied with my purchase.

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  BABY BOOMERS RSX-TYPE S - 2006 Acura RSX
  By Phil Epps - July 12 - 2:23 pm

  This car smokes. Great pick up and plenty of power. All aspects of car feel just great. Sound system will blow out the windows. You can hang meat with the A/C going and still get 30-32 mpg on the freeway. A little hard for this 57 year old to get in and out but once in the comfort is unbleveable. Little or no noise from outside. Tight steering and ultra close gears in the 6 speed. Feels great to drive and always has enough power.

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  The RSX is the best small sporty car - 2006 Acura RSX
  By jake c borunda - July 9 - 7:25 pm

  Quite simply put the RSX Type-S is simply the best small sporty car offored in todays maket, and will be for years to come. Nothing in, or near its price range is even close to offeringing the RSXs level of refinement, luxury, sportieness, and refinement with a five year fourty thousant mile warrentee. Not to mention the level of seviced recived when purchaseing an Acura. The closest thing out the is Civic Si, and you cant put that and luxury in the same catagory. Not that it isnt a great car. Its just that its not as nice as the Acura, in Type-S form. After this you have to step up to BMW, Infinnity, or Lexus.

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  Fast Junk - 2005 Acura RSX
  By Time 4 a change - July 7 - 11:22 am

  I had a 2002 RSX base that I loved. Then got hit by a red light runner which wasted the car. I went out and bought a 2005 Type S thinking it would be even bette. WRONG! This thing is junk. Ive had it in the shop more times that I can remember. The struts have been fixed/replaced at least 5 or 6 times, the moonroof stopped sealing and had to be replaced, I have numerous rattles in the dash and doors. All this started at 750 miles and it now has 10,000 and is still going. Ive had to file a lemon law claim as one deal just stopped returning my calls. I have well over 40 days of shop time and I can say that the TL is junk too since Ive had it as a loaner car all this time too.

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  Great Car... except strut problem - 2006 Acura RSX
  By MKB - June 28 - 8:36 am

  The perfect blend of a daily driver and a back road driver with the ability to exhilerate. This car can be driven as two different cars, below 4k rpm and above 4k rpm. Take your pick and you wont be disappointed. Be aware though that the RSX and from what I have learned the TSX have issues with the front struts. The right front strut on my car began making noise at 500 miles, now at 7200 miles and no fix yet from the minds in Japan. Other than a minor paint blemish this is the only fault Ive found with the car. Seats are great, providing a comfortable driving position, although extended drives become somewhat tiresome. Auto headlamps would be nice.