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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  this car is *almost* perfect - 2003 Acura RSX
  By used 03 rsx - April 27 - 2:00 am

  performance - acura rates this car as having 160 hp. dont be deceived. the peak hp is delivered around 6000 rpm, which you wont normally access unless youve got the pedal stomped to the floor. comfort - these seats are the best stock seats ive ever rested my cheeks on. the seats literally wrap around the driver to keep you in place through twisting turns. fuel economy - im getting nearly 27 mpg in mostly city driving!! build quality - the build quality is a 50/50 mix of being excellent / suspect. overall this car is EXCELLENT. test drive a few other cars for the sake of comparison, but this car is a GREAT buy.

• 

  Pretty Basic - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Jersey~Girl - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive, but pretty basic features. Car lacks outside temperature display, lighted visor mirrors, stereo controls on steering wheel, good interior lighting and trip odometer. EXTREMELY NOISY AND BUMPY ON HIGHWAYS - NOT A CAR FOR LONG DRIVES. Tires that come with the car are noisy and have fair traction.

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  God what a great car! - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Lex - April 23 - 8:10 pm

  Everything just the way I wanted it!

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  GOOD CAR - 2002 Acura RSX
  By CINDY - April 23 - 2:00 am

  THIS REALLY IS A GOOD CAR. FUN TO DRIVE. ITS ACTUALLY GOOD WITH GAS. ACTUALLY AS OF TODAY I AM AT A HALF A TANK AND 200 MILES. NOT BAD WITH GAS PRICES GOING UP!

• 

  nice car - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Luca - April 19 - 2:00 am

  i-vtec engine is powerful spitting out 200 horses at 7400 rpms and is quite intelligent.

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  great - 2002 Acura RSX
  By MrBurner - April 18 - 4:20 am

  love the car so far...great tranny and as the weeks pass, more and more aftermarket co. are coming out w/ tons of stuff for the car

• 

  The ultimate driving machine - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Seanpen - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This care is just great. Its unmatched

• 

  Exactly what I wanted - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Grinner - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I like small cars and needed something with an automatic (I have a bad knee), that would hold its value well, good performance, gas mileage, comfortable on long trips and able to occasionally carry bulky items, like a 32" TV set. I found the RSX to have the best combination of a small engine with an automatic I have ever seen. Its not a racer but it is quite lively and extremely smooth. I also get as much as 32 MPG on the highway but only 16-18 in town. (Heavy right foot, my fault.) In all, its the perfect car for me.

• 

  2002 RSX Type S - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Kilo - April 7 - 10:30 pm

  An outstanding car for what it is intended to be. The motor is amazing and the transmission is one of the best shifting manuals I have ever used. Seats are extremely supportive, and the interior is very functional and very attractive at the same time. If you are looking for a smaller sports based car, this thing rocks.

• 

  Go Buy One! - 2002 Acura RSX
  By The Doctor - April 2 - 7:43 pm

  The Type-S is flat-out the most fun car I have ever owned/driven. The ride is smooth, and there is plenty of power under the hood. The interior is one of the most impecibly designed in a sub-$30,000 vehicle I have seen. And because Honda makes it, I know it will last a long, long time with few problems.