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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  Cant stop smiling - 2003 Acura RSX
  By JAV - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is so much fun. When the iVTEC kicks in, the power and sound are wonderful. It is so much fun to run through the gears that I actually dont mind stopping at traffic lights. I have found a new route home from work that incorporates the most curves. My wife and two teenage boys love it too.

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  i love my car - 2003 Acura RSX
  By pinchee - October 5 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever driven. fast, fun, my dream car.

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  Type-S - 2002 Acura RSX
  By UA - September 20 - 2:00 am

  A really great car as Integra replacement!

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  fun car - 2004 Acura RSX
  By arlozoe - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this little car. It is fun to drive! I drive it, my teenage daughter loves to drive it and all her friends want one. I hiighly reccomend this for a fun, sporty, fuel efficient car!

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  Great car - lousy subwoofer - 2002 Acura RSX
  By eric_n_dfw - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car for a week, but it is already tied for the most fun car Ive ever driven. (Tied with a 90 CRX-si I used to own) Everything is very well put together and the 6 speed is the best shifter Ive ever used. I drove a base model with the automatic as a loaner yesterday and am very glad I opted for the Type S. The automatic, combined with the lower horsepower, was noticably slower and the step-tronic shifter seemed silly. Gear shifting without a clutch just lacks the feel needed on a sports coupe. My only real beef with the Type S is the inexplicably weak subwoofer. From some searching on the internet, it seems that a lot of other owners agree.

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  My first car. . . . . - 2002 Acura RSX
  By RadSuperXtreme - September 10 - 10:00 am

  Oh my god this car is freakin AWESOME ! Its fast and I love the sportshift.Looks great on the outside and its kind a all right on the inside.The leather seats is very comfortable.And the red lights in the controls are awesome at night.I wish they would have made the back seat more head room cause my passengers keep bumping their head on the sides.Overall this car is awesome way better than the celica and oh yeah the new CELICAS look like freakin RSX how cheap very cheap.Thats all.

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  Awsome >two thumbs up> - 2002 Acura RSX
  By ant0258 - September 10 - 10:00 am

  Perfect for all types of people. I drive mine to school and i got all the ladies. And i added lots of attachments to it.

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  Can you say Best in Class? - 2002 Acura RSX
  By walk - September 3 - 6:53 am

  Its predecessor, the Integra, was already highly praised. Well folks the RSX is all those things that made the teg great, and more. Faster, better handling, quieter, more comfortable, more room, safer, and better looking! :) There is absolutely no question, the RSX is best in its class, and its not an easy class to say that. The Celica, the WRX, the Eclipse, all are fine cars, but the RSX is just a notch higher than any of those. Highly recommended!

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  Luxury Performance Nirvana - 2002 Acura RSX
  By antrey - August 16 - 9:06 pm

  The RSX TypeS fits my needs perfectly as a powerful, high performance, practical daily commuter than can seat four and get great fuel mileage. Styling is very modern inside and out and while the exterior styling has been criticized as too conservative I believe it will age much better than more aggressive styling as seen on the celica, eclipse, cougar, etc. Timeless styling was very important to me as I plan on keeping the car for more than ten years. My 89 integra went 185,000 miles before I sold it.

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  My Best Car Yet - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Eternal - August 16 - 11:53 am

  I currently own the base.... my review is to challenge anyone to test drive one themselves!!