2002-2006 Acura RSX: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2002-2006 Acura RSX and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Instruments/controls
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration
Cons
- Rear-seat entry/exit
- Noise
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced for 2002, the front-drive RSX replaced Acura's entry-level Integra. Though similar in dimensions, the RSX featured new styling and promised more power. The new model came only as a two-door hatchback coupe, whereas the Integra had been offered in coupe and sedan body styles. Acura's RSX came in both base and sportier, performance-oriented Type-S trim. Each used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 160-horsepower base model could have a five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission. In the Type-S, the engine made 200 horsepower and was available only with a six-speed manual gearbox. The Type-S had a firmer suspension, but the same 16-inch wheels and tires as the base model. Both versions included antilock four-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags, plus automatic climate control and a sunroof. Leather upholstery was standard in the Type-S and optional for the base RSX. The Type-S also contained an in-dash CD changer. Competitors included sport coupes like the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Toyota Celica, as well as the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen New Beetle. Acura is Honda's luxury/premium division.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Acura RSX Type-S Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2002-2006 Acura RSX. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2002-2006 Acura RSX.
Year to Year Changes
2003 Acura RSX:
Except for one new paint color, the RSX coupe was unchanged for 2003.
2004 Acura RSX:
Heated mirrors became standard for 2004, but other changes were few.
2005 Acura RSX:
Freshened styling, sporty-model upgrades, and 10 more horspower for the Type-S model mark Acura's entry-level car for 2005. The Type-S also gets a standard rear spoiler and 17-inch wheels for '05. Both trim levels get revised suspension, steering, and brakes, plus a minor facelift, more heavily bolstered front seats, and extra interior accents in chrome and faux titanium.
2006 Acura RSX:
No significant changes for 2006 RSX.
Our road test for the 2002-2006 Acura RSX includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2002-2006 Acura RSX and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2002-2006 Acura RSX is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
An RSX can feel sluggish at low rpm, but delivers impressive power above 3000 rpm. Acura claimed that the base model with manual transmission did 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds. A test Type-S accomplished that task in 7.8 seconds. As expected, the base model does not feel quite as quick, and an automatic transmission dulls performance somewhat. Fuel economy is appealing. Type-S test models have averaged 24.9 to 26.2 mpg, including city/highway driving and performance tests. This suggests base models will also average close to EPA city ratings. Acura recommends premium fuel for the Type-S and regular for the base model. A Type-S coupe rides slightly firmer than the base RSX, but a stiff, rattle-free structure partly compensates. Both versions feel firm, but not harsh or punishing. Steering/handling in impressive on the base model, while the firmer-damped Type-S is slightly more athletic yet. Both have minimal body lean and good grip. Steering is quick, precise and nicely weighted, delivering good road feel. Brakes are powerful, especially on the Type-S with its larger front discs. These coupes aren't the quietest for long trips. Marked tire roar is always evident, accompanied by slight wind noise at highway speeds. The engine has a nicely refined note, but best performance requires staying above 4000 rpm, where engine and exhaust can get annoyingly loud. Instruments and controls are legible and handy. Climate and audio controls are thoughtfully angled toward the driver, but slightly awkward for passenger use. The automatic climate system is less distracting to set than most rivals'. Cockpit materials are good quality, with a sporty, reasonably upscale feel--especially the Type-S with its perforated leather seats instead of cloth. Workmanship has been terrific on test Type-S coupes. An RSX is small-car snug up front, but comfortable. Front legroom is good, though headroom is limited for tall adults. Seats are firm, with prominent side bolstering, but are well-shaped and supportive. Small rear side windows, thick roof pillars and a tall deck hamper rearward visibility. The back seat is cramped for adults, but okay for kids on short trips, though headroom is very limited. Rear entry/exit is typical of small coupes: an awkward squeeze between the front seat and doorjamb, although the tip-slide right front seat helps. Cargo space is useful but not generous. All told, this is a versatile load carrier, with hatchback design and easy-fold split rear seatbacks, but high liftover is a minus. Cabin storage is slightly subpar, too.
Value for the Money
The fun-to-drive RSX was priced competitively when new, but fairly strong resale value keeps secondhand prices on the high side. The base version delivers most of the Type-S's thrills for slightly fewer dollars, This Acura is better executed than its primary rivals, the Eclipse and Celica, though its high-strung engine may not appeal to those seeking relaxed day-to-day transportation.
The fun-to-drive RSX was priced competitively when new, but fairly strong resale value keeps secondhand prices on the high side. The base version delivers most of the Type-S's thrills for slightly fewer dollars, This Acura is better executed than its primary rivals, the Eclipse and Celica, though its high-strung engine may not appeal to those seeking relaxed day-to-day transportation.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Acura RSX Type-S Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Acura RSX includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Acura RSX .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Check-engine light:
The variable valve timing control valve may stop working and turn on the check engine light, requiring a new valve.
Clutch:
The master cylinder for the clutch system may leak fluid onto the driver's side interior, requiring a new master cylinder.
Exhaust system:
Exhaust odors, particularly rotten egg odor from catalytic converter, enters cabin. Rubber flappers in tailgate drain holes usually corrects it. (2002-04)
Paint/body:
The front inner fenders tend to crack and, when replacing them, modified clips must be used.
Steering noise:
The serpentine accessory drive belt may squeal because of poorly machined grooves in the power steering pulley.
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $690 |
| Alternator | $440 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,120 |
| Brakes | $320 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $675 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,640 |
| Exhaust System | $745 |
| Radiator | $995 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,250 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $590 |
Our price chart for this generation Acura RSX details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| RSX | $15,500-16,800 | $14,100-15,300 | $9,900-10,800 |
| RSX Type-S | $17,000-18,300 | $15,600-16,800 | $10,900-11,700 |
| 2005 | |||
| RSX | $13,200-14,500 | $12,000-13,200 | $7,700-8,400 |
| RSX Type-S | $14,700-16,000 | $13,400-14,600 | $9,100-9,900 |
| 2004 | |||
| RSX | $11,300-12,500 | $10,200-11,300 | $6,200-6,900 |
| RSX Type-S | $12,300-13,300 | $11,100-12,000 | $7,000-7,600 |
| 2003 | |||
| RSX | $9,500-10,500 | $8,600-9,500 | $4,900-5,500 |
| RSX Type-S | $10,500-11,300 | $9,500-10,200 | $5,600-6,000 |
| 2002 | |||
| RSX | $8,000-8,900 | $7,200-8,000 | $4,100-4,500 |
| RSX Type-S | $8,700-9,500 | $7,800-8,600 | $4,500-4,900 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Acura RSX include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 172.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2721 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 17.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 30.1 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 43.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 29.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engines have been available in the RSX. Base models used a 160-horsepower version, while the Type-S got a 200-horsepower variant, which grows to 210-hp in 2005. Only a six-speed manual gearbox came with the Type-S, but base coupes could have either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 200-210 | 142 | 6-speed manual: 24/31 | 6-speed manual: 24.9 |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 160 | 141 | 5-speed manual: 27/33 5-speed automatic: 24/33 |
5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Acura RSX include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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