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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  RSX - 2002 Acura RSX
  By ColdS - August 11 - 6:50 am

  Needs torque! Acura made the car height too high and this hurts its already unsporty appearance. Interior is great but the stereo was no good coming from a brand name Bose. Ride quality is ok and the engine makes sweet noises running through the gears but it does get annoying after awhile. A Celica GT-S can keep up with the Type-S and so can a ITR. Not good. So performance isnt even satisfying for 200hp. Its an overpriced Civic.

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  its a great car!!! - 2002 Acura RSX
  By bycar - August 9 - 3:40 pm

  the RSX typeS is a really fun car to drive. the interior design is great to look at and comfortable with all control & knob at easy access. The handle cant be beat. I driven sports car before like the BMW M3, even though you cant compare the two, but the RSX is just in a class of its own. Respond really well

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  Best value for the money in class! - 2003 Acura RSX
  By DaveCCC - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I have 7500 miles on my RSX-S. Love it! Two things that set it aside: First, once you start adding options to match the "Type-S" package, all of the competitors (except Tiburon) end up costing more. Second, its more more upright, more refined, less "boy racer". Its not v-8 fast, but I have skunked Pontiac supercharged v-6s before. This is THE best deal-for-the- dollar in its bracket.

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  GO Girl. - 2003 Acura RSX
  By banshi - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I love the suspension and horse power. The car was worth waiting for to get the color I wanted which was the blue RSX. Buying it through the Fleet dealer was the only way I would go. The stick shifts fast and is set square to the car so I never scratch gears! The airbags in the side of the seats are measured to the wieght of the passanger. They work or the light on the dash will set and tell you disabled. Great Coupe.

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  Sweet Car - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Jimi - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car! Obviously its an Acura. Only complaints would be the tires, but i already had 18s ready for it before i bought it!!!!

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  AWESOME RSX - 2003 Acura RSX
  By JAY05 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I would absolutly recommend the RSX Type-S to anyone looking for a sporty coupe. In fact, the only thing I dislike about the car is the lack of interior storage space (ex. there is no center counsel) Fun to drive, fast, and very good on gas. I love it.

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  Total package - 2003 Acura RSX
  By LuckyGuyDC - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Fit and finish - great. Quiet inside, great sound system. Powerfull and fast - fun to drive.

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  rsx rocks - 2003 Acura RSX
  By carmelo toledo jr - July 27 - 2:00 am

  if your looking for a fun car this is the car that your looking for. it has it all style , class, fast. i love and wouldnt trade it in for nothing!!!!

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  Nice But Noisy - 2002 Acura RSX
  By argentum - July 27 - 2:00 am

  We replaced a 2000 Eclipse GT with this RSX-S. While this car has a sweeter sounding though less powerful sound system and very nimble handling, I still miss the the Mitsubishi. You cant beat a torquey 6 for power and smoothness. This 4 will get you there ok but the revs combined with a choppy ride and cabin noise is just too busy for my taste. There are some mechanical and logistical kinks that need to be worked out. The low gears are balky in cold weather, our right side inner CV joint boot keeps coming off which allows axle grease to splatter onto the hot exhaust and the engine oil filter is poorly situated which guarantees a mess after service.

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  Beware of Rattling - 2003 Acura RSX
  By phxrider - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This car has been wonderful except for the rattling that has been consistant ever since I bought it. The rattling seems to come from the gauges, also, be aware of a high pitched whinning noise that appears to come from the gauges also.