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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  Bought a RSX Type S - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Youngcrew84 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  My mom finally bought me the rsx type s and i love it. it fun to drive the shifter is incredible smooth. i love the high revving i-vtec engine. The dealer was really nice and gave me spoiler and wheelocks for free! I driven the WRX but the shifter is not nearly as smooth and the rsx type s is hella fun to drive.

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  RSX-S - 2002 Acura RSX
  By 0804 - January 17 - 8:50 pm

  nice car

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  Close to Excellent - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Scott RSX - January 15 - 2:00 am

  +fuel economy-I really am getting 33mpg on the highways@70mph +fun to drive-excellent pick up for a four cylinder +multi click drivers side window to go all the way up or all the way down-very handy for paying tolls and for parking lots -The turning radius seems large, so getting out a parking spot requires alot of steering wheel movement -bucket seats are not that well padded Minor defects: The drivers side map light was sticking, my dealership replaced it for free, and then noticed that after a month of driving, the bucket seat cloth was being pulled from its seams. They fixed that too without any cost.

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  Better Than Ever Possible! - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Russcom87 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car, awesome at everything. At a great price too.

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  rsx- satisfaction - 2002 Acura RSX
  By trevorr - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Car is excellent especially at highway speeds. Moves efortlessly and never looses its feel for the road, nor the sense tha you are in control even at very high speeds

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  Type-S has been great the past year - 2002 Acura RSX
  By nc-rsx-s - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for 14 months now and still love driving it. It is a very comfortable car on long trips (though the lumbar adjustment doesnt do much) and the gas mileage is exceptional. I have taken the car on racetracks (road courses in the SouthEast US) several times this past year and the car handles and accelerates as well as most cars and brakes better than most. It has been reliable and proven to be a great value. As I like to drive on-track, I would really like to see a Type-R version of this car come to the US, with limited slip differential, more power, even better brakes, and lighter weight.

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  Fun Car - 2002 Acura RSX
  By AGAJU - January 7 - 2:00 am

  A great all around car with good performance for an automatic. My commute really stinks, so I wanted the auto for all the stop and go driving. Its nice to be able to shift yourself when traffic isnt bad too. My only real complaint is that the seat bottoms are too hard. Guess Im getting old. The glove box needs adjusted, its not flush with the dash. Also, the seat fabric by the headrest is comming away from the plastic that surrounds the hole.

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  Fair rating - 2002 Acura RSX
  By n8236 - January 6 - 3:40 pm

  Being 01 as its first production year, its got a few bugs. But it is nothing to lose sleep over. Most of these are just minor little complaints you would have. Honda = reliablity. Overall this car is great. If youre a perfectionist when buying a car, buy the 2nd or 3rd production year ones.

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  RSX Rocks - 2002 Acura RSX
  By BriRSX - January 4 - 10:53 pm

  Great car cant say more about it

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  Great Car - 2002 Acura RSX
  By sdb - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Simply put the best car in its class. It has great value and is built great.