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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  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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  Awesome car - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Mike Dr - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Very good car. Amazing handling, very good acceleration for the price and very nice design. Visibility is a bit limited as with most sport coupes. BAD sound system. Horrible radio reception and not very good sound quality overall even with CDs.

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  Great - 2002 Acura RSX
  By TimO - December 27 - 10:00 am

  After researching similar cars in this class, I decided to go with the Acura RSX. The design is sporty and yet conservative and elegant. The automatic transmission is reponsive and gives shifts with necessary power when climbing steep hills. The sports shift mode is great, if you want to drive the engine and override the manual transmission. The sound system is clear and crisp (it doesnt have that distorted mid range bass that some cars have or ear piercing highs). So far Ive gotten excellent gas mileage though im still breaking the car in so I havent hit VTEC yet. Overall a good investment.

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  I Love this car! - 2002 Acura RSX
  By RSX2002chicago - December 8 - 9:03 pm

  I bought my car new on October 8th, 2001. To date I have had only 1 problem with the car and that was a faulty O2 sensor at 79,000 miles. Thats it. Everything else has been routine maintenance( fluid flushes, filters, brakes, wipers). This car has been so reliable. Ive driven it to Texas and back and in the mountains in Colorodo near Longmont/ Estes park and back to Chicago. This car is super reliable. Handling is great. Steering feel is perfect. You cut the wheel and the car responds instantly. Perfectly weighted steering. Fuel economy is 30s highway, 24 to 26 city. Drops to 17 to 19 in the winter (idling/warm up).

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  Loves to redline! - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Adam - December 7 - 12:13 pm

  Bought my Type-S used with 29k miles in 06. 3 years later and now with 83K miles the car still drives great. Very reliable, great on gas, with few bolt ons car will give you a run for its money. I have driven the car hard for 3 years and never gave me any problems.

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  Great Engine - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Bison - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This is probably one of the best 2.0 liter engine in the world. Even with an automatic it has enough power to move the car, and its smooth until you get close to the redline. Unfortunately, Im to big to fit under the standard sunroof. I spent about an hour in one, but finally decided it was a no go due to the lack of headroom.

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  greatttt - 2002 Acura RSX
  By sol - November 9 - 10:00 am

  excellent car, with great exterior looks, i am glad that i bought this wonderful import from acura i wanted a bmw but saved a lot more money on this wonderful car

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  Very pleased with my RSX-S - 2002 Acura RSX
  By vanderskills - November 8 - 4:46 pm

  This car is a whole lot of fun for the money. It handles very well and the engine sounds great (especially when the vtec kicks in). The interior is very nice and the stereo sounds pretty good too. The Type S has every available feature standard and in my opinion it is the nicest sports coupe available for ~23k. Highly recommended!

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Bob Gillette - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 and 2003 Acura RSX and Acura RSX Type-S are top-notch cars. I, myself, own a type-s model and have found no problems at all with it. It performs well, has great acceleration, great fuel economy, and is an outstanding car overall. Number one on my list is maintenance also, and I find this car to be right up there. I have had no problems with the engine or any part of the car at all. I change the oil and Im done! 10/10 Stars

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  Sweet Ride - 2003 Acura RSX
  By hansbuby - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a sweet car. Engine at high revs makes a sweet sound. So far, very reliable, no problems.