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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  S-type Ride - 2002 Acura RSX
  By WWard - December 16 - 2:00 am

  Overall an excellent vehicle. Well built, nice features and styling. Very responsive and fast, need to watch speed on highway.

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  Luxury Economy Car - 2004 Acura RSX
  By EddieRSX - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have the Base RSX Automatic. I love the car! I have had the car about 2 weeks now, and I have had no problems driving it. I can take it through fast turns, and it stops on a dime. The A/C is automatic everything, so you name the temp. and it does the rest. Its got really cool mirror defoggers and its comfortable to ride in. I had the integra before, and this car really is better then ever.

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  The Best and Affordable Sport Car - 2002 Acura RSX
  By angusregina - December 5 - 10:00 am

  no comment

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  love my car! - 2004 Acura RSX
  By cusoon - December 1 - 2:00 am

  had a honda accord lx for 11 years. It now has over 300,000on (my niece drives it). Bought a mazda millenium,hated it! traded it in for rsx type s. love my car. it handles great, good gas and most of all its a lot of fun to drive.

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  RSX - 2002 Acura RSX
  By mto rsx - November 28 - 6:03 pm

  this car is one of the best ive every driven

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  Fun Coupe - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Honodan - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for 6 months now and still greatly enjoy driving it. It has good exterior looks, acceleration, fuel economy, and comfy interior. The automatic climate control is nice for maintaining a constant temperature without having to mess with the controls all the time. Interior lighting is impressive. Acceleration is best in manual mode with the standard coupe (non S-type). Only minor complaint is that the steering is a bit stiff. Otherwise it is a great car comfortable for commuting but lots of fun on an open country road.

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  great car butt... - 2002 Acura RSX
  By clonggator94 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  this is a truly well put together car, but after only 1year of use and less than 6000mi the trade-in value is about $10k less than i paid. i added sporty 18" rims and low profile tire as well as the stock fog lights, but dealers dont want to add on to the trade-in value.

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  Love This Car! - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Desert Silver - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Just bought 2 weeks ago, love my new car. ive been planning my car purchase for 10 months now. Looked at almost every car under 25K, and this was far and away the best car in its class. A comparably equipped Celica is thousands more, I dont like the exterior look of the WRX, and Mitsubishi Eclipses are more expensive and arent exactly known for reliability. I did my homework and got the car for 200 hundred over invoice (Base model). Unlike some others, I love the exterior styling of the car. The interior is awesome, made with high- quality materials. Auto-Climate Control is nice added touch. Highly recommended!

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  Excellent Value - 2003 Acura RSX
  By rezrsx - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 4 months and I can honestly this car is a ball to drive and has amazing build quality. As a previous 99 Mustang owner I can honestly say this is own of the best coupes for the money on the market right now. The only real drawback is it uses premium gas and occasionaly I get a liitle bit of tranny grind going from 2nd to 3rd. If your looking for a 2 door of any kind at least test drive the RSX-Type-S.

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  Id buy it again - 2002 Acura RSX
  By greengopher - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the handling, the interior is nice with the leather. I definitely like the auto with speed shift. I have not had one problem with it