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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  Best Lookin Bang for your buck! - 2006 Acura RSX
  By MiKoLoR - August 1 - 12:03 pm

  So much fun to drive. The fastest N/A 2.0L inline 4 on the market. I love corners and quarter miles but hate speed bumps, steep driveways and large pot holes. Amazingly reliable and takes the beating of burnouts and high revs! 8100 RPM redline!

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  Rock solid car. - 2006 Acura RSX
  By Farage - July 24 - 2:22 pm

  I live in New York City and as an everyday commuter sitting in heavy traffic, the automatic makes perfect sense. It is a great looking car and very comfortable for 2 people. The handling is excellent and the sequential sportshift 5 speed is tons of fun. It is a little underpowered but that is why there is a Type-S. I upgraded to the 17 inch wheels from the type-s for better handling. The stock 16s lack style in my opinion.

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  A Great Second Car - 2005 Acura RSX
  By Hondalover - July 7 - 12:09 am

  This is my second vehicle. As a younger driver I find this car absolutely perfect for me and the things I like in a car. Easy, fun, good enough on gas, sharp style, commanding appearance, and amazing handling.

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  Sold On Honda Products - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Dan Chapman - July 6 - 7:40 am

  Ive had my RSX for a year and a half now and I am so happy with how well my car drives. It handles as tight as a brand new car and I have 53000 on it now. Comfortable seats. Sport tuned suspension. Powerful yet fuel efficient engine. The car corners like a bat outta hell! Im sold on Honda.

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  Great Car, Fun to drive - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Luvmyrsx - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I cant wait to wake up every day to drive it, and I have had it almost 2 years! I usually trade my cars in every year, and there still is nothing even close to this one so I am keeping it even longer!

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  Great car - In love with it - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Sid Arora - July 1 - 10:21 am

  I bought this car in 2002. This car has been my first sports car right from the dealership. I loved it on the first day and still have admiration for it. Car has cute reddish dash board thats eye pleasing. Secondly car has been extremely reliable. The car currently has 93000k miles and only changes I have done is brake jobs, tires, emission issue. At 93000 car still feels like new with same amount of acceleration as it was new.

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  AC........ On IT!!!!!!!! - 2004 Acura RSX
  By JON_JON - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Driving the car is an experience.

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  RSX type s - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Jeremy T. - June 16 - 2:00 am

  well so far, as this car being my first manual car to drive(and the first car ive ever owned), It has been good to me so far(1500 mi). If you have experience in shifting, the transmission is smooth(except 2nd gear, see below). it also has impressive handling as well. The reliability is, obviously, well-known to be the best out there. the engine was built strong and tough.

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  Great car, fun to drive. - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Adam R - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Its a sharp looking car, with a sporty feel to the drive, great acceleration. Nice standard features like moonroof, sport seats, short throw stick shift, auto ac fan speed throttling, side airbags.. Lots of fun to drive it around. If you get it, get used to people in Civics challenging you to race all the time!

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  I luv my car! - 2004 Acura RSX
  By robynrmlf1 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Had a 93 integra 2 yrs. ago, loved it, crashed it, got a new eclipse,wanted an acura but got sucked into the triple zero deal, loved it, crashed it (neither accident my fault, my luck sucks!), finally got a 02 RSX, silver, high spoiler, the works. Only complaint, the stereo could be louder, and road noise is annoying(but I knew that and it didnt deter me. Herb Chambers sucks at cust. service, never gets back to you when they say, (i had some issues and it took months to resolve) once they had my money (19950.00 CASH) they dont wanna know you. But I love my car!