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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  6 Months of RSX-S - 2002 Acura RSX
  By RSX02S - June 14 - 7:30 am

  The RSX Type-S is an ideal car for entry level luxury, sporty performance, usefulness with the hatch, and high levels of reliability, all at a reasonable price.

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  Loud Ride - 2003 Acura RSX
  By alrdythr - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I really love my RSX-TypeS but have a few wishes for improvement. The road noise is too high particularly on the highway and the radio sound system is sub par. The 6-cd in dash player is great but the sub woofer and speakers are lousy for the level of luxury I expected from Acura.

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  2003 Type S - 2003 Acura RSX
  By S^S - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I felt the type S was the best combination of practicality (FWD, hatchback, MPG) and fun available for a reasonable price. The engine is smooth and revs like a sport bike, but makes no torque. Power is: Econo car <3000, Adaquate 3000-6000, Small Block 6000- 8000. Sounds fantastic when approaching red line, but can get tiresome on long trips. Im getting 26- 30 mpg while driving it hard. Great trans except it grinds going into 2nd when cold and shifted quickly. Interior is ergonomically near perfect with superb sport seats and 3 spoke wheel. Good feel to steering with sharp turn-in, but brakes are a little soft.

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  Good Car - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Hwoalang - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for about 2000 miles. i had no problem with it. good accelation, nice break. and GREAT HANDLING. it can stick the road and do whatever you want to. it will stay with you and not losing control. and it has good gas mileage. interior and exterior looks great. very neat. and automatic climate control is easy to use and works great.

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  Great Car Bad Stereo - 2003 Acura RSX
  By rob217 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. Its quick, fun to drive & the six speed is the best Ive ever driven next to the NSX. Gas milage is fantastic for a car with this amout of power & performance. Its hard to find more bang for your buck in this price range. Driving this car gives me a zen type felling that I havent had since I sold my Corvette.

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  GSR--->Type S= Perfection - 2003 Acura RSX
  By flyin_swo - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I was the proud owner of the original Acura pocket rocket- a 1996 Integra GSR. I was worried that Acura would mess this one up, but my hats off to them. WOW!!! The GSR is all grown up, but it is still fun as ever to drive. This is my third "Integra" to own, and I am so glad I bought this. The RSX has all the underpinnings of a sporty coupe, but is much refined over the previous DC2 platform. It is smoother, quieter, faster, and more comfortable to drive. Acura did their homework with this one.

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  Noise - 2003 Acura RSX
  By P Bart - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with vehicle. One problem, at 140km/hr(85mph)a low frequency noise eminates from somewhere on the drivers side of vehicle. It is not a constant noise but intermitent. The dealer thinks its wind noise, but it sure doesnt sound like it because it is not high pitched. Has anyone had this problem. Thanks

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  amazine - 2003 Acura RSX
  By mike saasa - April 17 - 10:00 am

  this car is reliable and you will never get board of drining it its 200 hp engine is hella strong. and with full skirt pacage and high spoiler the car looks outstanding from the outside. not to mention a bose stereo system and subwoff.great leather and the 6 speed trany is fun to. this car is a 20 0n a scale of 1-10. for the money and its class the acura rsx type S is THE BEST ........GO PICK ONE UP YOU WONT BELIVE THE FUN YOU WILL HAVE...THE CHICKS LIKE IT TO.

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  Covers The Bases - 2003 Acura RSX
  By pdean - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. It combines the practicality of the hatchback, good gas milage and moderate price with the prestige of the Acura Name and a great ride to the office.

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  Best Sports Car Value Available - 2004 Acura RSX
  By bauhaus01 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I have now had my RSX Type S for over a year and am currently approaching 28,000 miles. So far I have not had a single problem. I have made two long distance road trips and averaged 32 miles per gallon on each. I normally average 24 miles per gallon combined city and freeway driving. I split the freeway/city driving about 70/30. Everything about the car is pure, clean and crisp. I was looking for simplicity when I searched for my car. There is nothing complicated about the RSX. It has pure clean lines, a simple ergonomically correct interior and simple, pure, smooth power. This car begs to be driven hard and fast.