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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  Critical owner not disappointed - 2006 Acura RSX
  By HappyRSX-S - October 31 - 6:32 pm

  When this car debuted in 01, I knew I wanted one. Four years later and able to buy one I set out to fulfill my dream. It was hard not to rush in and just buy it but after visiting two different dealerships and driving two different cars (04 & 05), I knew it was what I wanted. I wanted a fun manual car. This is exactly that. The six speed is fun yet can be driven every day for commuting and for gas mileage (I get 28 with a 50 mile round trip commute). I wanted an attractive style that wasnt overpopulated on the road and I have seen 3 other Type-Ss in the 3 months of driving I have done. I wondered if the happiness I felt when I first got it would wear off, it still has not.

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  Type S - 2005 Acura RSX
  By Woe-D - October 28 - 2:21 pm

  I bought my type S in Feb. The car is just sick. It handles like no other car I have ever driven. The gear ratio is ridiculus. I can shift gears so quick it doesnt make any sense. I recently took it to the mountains and had a blast going around sharp curves at high speeds. Not even feeling like I was even going 15 miles an hour. It is a great car.

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  SLICK! - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Velma - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Acura and Im hooked! The RSX-S is well-built and has a lot of power, especially on the highway when passing. Its not as quick off the line as I had hoped, but it is still a contender. Nighthawk Black is hot to look at-- I have received lots of compliments on it. Handling is excellent. The red dash lights at night are awesome!

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  The Type S is the bomb! - 2006 Acura RSX
  By typesmike - October 23 - 4:59 pm

  i orginally was going to buy the non typeS but once I test drove it there was absolutly no going back. So you guys dont try the typeS if you plan on getting the 160hp. The 2005 typeS is one of the best front wheel drive Honda cars I have ever had straight out of the box and I driven almost of the Honda models. The TypeS is so good that this is the first time I thought I had to leave my opinion on a website for everyone to know!

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Acura RSX
  By Alex - October 20 - 6:28 am

  This car is the best thing thats happened to me! It shifts better than my Focus (which i traded it in for), is faster, quieter, and a 1000000000 times more reliable. The Magnesium Metallic exterior on Ebony interior gives it a sexy look (highly recommend it).

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  Lemons, but no Lemonade - 2005 Acura RSX
  By Unhappy - October 19 - 12:38 am

  I got a lemon. So far the dealer hasnt been the least bit helpful with helping me. Its had a new transmission, 3 batteries, a new alternator and now theyre telling me Im having axle problems!! Its a cute car, but its time to get something that wont break down on me five times in half a year!

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  Chic, sporty... - 2006 Acura RSX
  By kristy - October 18 - 1:02 am

  ...dependable, affordable, fun, fast, attractive, just awesome!!!

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  Thumbs up! - 2005 Acura RSX
  By DJHonda84 - October 17 - 12:16 pm

  My previous car was a Mazda MX-5 Miata. I enjoyed it a lot, however due to the need of more passenger and cargo room, I had to replace it. I wanted something that sacrificed as little of the driving experience I had grown accustomed to as possible. I wanted something with two-doors, 4-seat minimum, light-weight, sport-tuned suspension, decent cargo room and fuel economy. I chose the RSX for many reasons. It satisfied the criteria listed above, I had a good ownership experience of a Honda in the past, and the styling fit me. I chose the type-S trim for the same reason anyone else would chose it: more power and tighter suspension than the base model.

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  RSX - 2002 Acura RSX
  By MTOSVT - October 16 - 11:06 pm

  Great car!

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  Doesnt get much better - 2006 Acura RSX
  By John - October 11 - 9:20 pm

  I had a 2003 RSX-S and unfortunately drove it into a cement wall while going about 70 mph. The car held up great, it was totalled of course, but I was fine. I walked away, so I must say the safety on them is awesome. I liked the 2003 so much that I got the 2006 RSX-S for a replacement. Couldnt be happier, I went with Black on Black. Beautiful car. I love everything about it.