2002-2006 Acura RSX: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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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 |
Year to Year Changes
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
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 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 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 |
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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 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| 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: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%.








