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2003 Acura RSX Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2003 Acura RSX Review:
2003 Acura RSX Review
The entry-level car at Honda's premium division is unchanged for 2003. RSX is a 2-dr hatchback coupe sold in base and sportier Type-S trim. Both have 2.0-liter 4-cyl engines. The 160-hp base model offers a 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission. The 200-hp Type-S comes only with a 6-speed manual. It also has a firmer suspension but the same 16-inch wheels and tires as the base model. Both versions include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags, plus automatic climate control and sunroof. Leather upholstery is standard for Type-S and optional on the base RSX. The Type-S also comes with an in-dash CD changer.
Competition
Our only Best Buy in this class is the fun-to-drive Acura RSX. It offers plenty of thrills for the money with impressive acceleration and great handling.
Formerly a Best Buy, Volkswagen New Beetle still features interesting blend of styling, comfort, performance, and economy. If raw performance is what you are after, we Recommend Toyota Celica. This car offers a lot of bang for your buck, but, like all sporty coupes, may not be the greatest daily driver. New to the class is the Mini Cooper, a well-mannered small car, with sophisticated driving dynamics spoiled only by a ride that too easily becomes harsh on imperfect pavement. Because it is new and available in limited numbers, dealers are not discounting.
Formerly a Best Buy, Volkswagen New Beetle still features interesting blend of styling, comfort, performance, and economy. If raw performance is what you are after, we Recommend Toyota Celica. This car offers a lot of bang for your buck, but, like all sporty coupes, may not be the greatest daily driver. New to the class is the Mini Cooper, a well-mannered small car, with sophisticated driving dynamics spoiled only by a ride that too easily becomes harsh on imperfect pavement. Because it is new and available in limited numbers, dealers are not discounting.
News
Helped by mostly good early reviews, RSX drew some 46,500 sales from launch through the end of 2002--not spectacular even for an Acura, but welcome extra business for dealers. Though this car is still in its early days, industry moles already forecast a fairly major freshening for 2004 or '05. A sportier Type-R could be part of it. This model is already available in Europe and Japan, and could doubtless be adapted for American needs with fair ease. If a Type-R does come here, look for around 240 hp, plus appropriate chassis upgrades and specific cosmetic touches. A full redesign shouldn't happen before mid-decade.
2003 Acura RSX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Noise |
| Steering/handling | Rear-seat room |
| Instruments/controls | Rear-seat entry/exit |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Can feel sluggish at low rpm, but impressive power above 3000 rpm. Acura says base model with manual transmission does 0-60 mph in 7.7 sec. Test Type-S did 0-60 in 7.8. Automatic transmission dulls performance somewhat.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Type-S | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 7 | 5.9 |
Can feel sluggish at low rpm, but impressive power above 3000 rpm. Acura says base model with manual transmission does 0-60 mph in 7.7 sec. Test Type-S did 0-60 in 7.8. Automatic transmission dulls performance somewhat.
Fuel Economy
Type-S test models averaged 24.9-26.2 mpg with city/highway driving and performance tests. Base models should also average close to EPA city ratings. Acura recommends premium fuel for Type-S, regular on the base.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Type-S | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Type-S test models averaged 24.9-26.2 mpg with city/highway driving and performance tests. Base models should also average close to EPA city ratings. Acura recommends premium fuel for Type-S, regular on the base.
Ride Quality
Firm but not harsh or punishing. Type-S rides slightly firmer than base RSX, but a stiff, rattle-free structure partly compensates.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Type-S | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 |
Firm but not harsh or punishing. Type-S rides slightly firmer than base RSX, but a stiff, rattle-free structure partly compensates.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Impressive on base model; firmer-damped Type-S slightly more athletic. Both have minimal body lean, good grip. Steering quick, precise, nicely weighted, and has good road feel. Brakes are powerful, especially on Type-S with its larger front discs.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Type-S | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.7 |
Impressive on base model; firmer-damped Type-S slightly more athletic. Both have minimal body lean, good grip. Steering quick, precise, nicely weighted, and has good road feel. Brakes are powerful, especially on Type-S with its larger front discs.
Quietness
Not the best for long trips. Marked tire roar always, slight wind noise at highway speeds. Engine has nicely refined note, but best performance requires staying above 4000 rpm, where engine and exhaust can get annoyingly loud.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Type-S | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.2 |
Not the best for long trips. Marked tire roar always, slight wind noise at highway speeds. Engine has nicely refined note, but best performance requires staying above 4000 rpm, where engine and exhaust can get annoyingly loud.
Controls
Legible, handy. Climate and audio controls thoughtfully angled toward driver, slightly awkward for passenger use. Automatic climate system less distracting to set than most rivals'. Materials are good quality with sporty, semiupscale feel, especially Type-S with its perforated-leather seats instead of cloth. Terrific workmanship on test Type-S.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Type-S | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
Legible, handy. Climate and audio controls thoughtfully angled toward driver, slightly awkward for passenger use. Automatic climate system less distracting to set than most rivals'. Materials are good quality with sporty, semiupscale feel, especially Type-S with its perforated-leather seats instead of cloth. Terrific workmanship on test Type-S.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Small-car snug, but comfortable. Good leg room, though limited head room for tall adults. Seats are firm with prominent side bolstering, but are well-shaped and supportive. Small rear side windows, thick roof pillars, and tall deck hamper rearward visibility.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Type-S | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Small-car snug, but comfortable. Good leg room, though limited head room for tall adults. Seats are firm with prominent side bolstering, but are well-shaped and supportive. Small rear side windows, thick roof pillars, and tall deck hamper rearward visibility.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Cramped for adults, OK for kids on short trips, though very limited head room. Entry/exit an awkward squeeze between front seat and doorjamb, although tip-slide right front seat helps.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Type-S | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.1 |
Cramped for adults, OK for kids on short trips, though very limited head room. Entry/exit an awkward squeeze between front seat and doorjamb, although tip-slide right front seat helps.
Cargo Room
Useful but not generous. Versatile load carrier, with hatchback design and easy-fold split rear seatbacks, but high liftover a minus. Cabin storage slightly subpar.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Type-S | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Useful but not generous. Versatile load carrier, with hatchback design and easy-fold split rear seatbacks, but high liftover a minus. Cabin storage slightly subpar.
Value within Class
The fun-to-drive RSX is priced competitively, and the base version delivers most of the Type-S's thrills for less money. This Acura is better executed than main rivals Toyota Celica and Mitsubishi Eclipse, though its high-strung engine may not appeal to those seeking relaxed day-to-day transportation.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Type-S | Class Average |
| 9 | 8 | 8 | 6.1 |
The fun-to-drive RSX is priced competitively, and the base version delivers most of the Type-S's thrills for less money. This Acura is better executed than main rivals Toyota Celica and Mitsubishi Eclipse, though its high-strung engine may not appeal to those seeking relaxed day-to-day transportation.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Type-S | Class Average |
| 57 | 54 | 54 | 47.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 32 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 59 |
2003 Acura RSX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/09/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door hatchback, manual | $19,975 | $18,215 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door hatchback, automatic | $20,875 | $19,035 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| Base w/leather 2-door hatchback, manual | $21,050 | $19,194 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| Base w/leather 2-door hatchback, automatic | $21,950 | $20,013 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| Type-S 2-door hatchback | $23,270 | $21,215 | $500 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder 160-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, remote fuel-door release, intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Base w/leather adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery.
Type-S adds to Base w/leather:
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder 200-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2003 Acura RSX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Acura RSX 2-door hatchback |
| 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. | 43.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 30.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 29.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /122 | 2.0 /122 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 160 @ 6500 | 200 @ 7400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 141 @ 4000 | 142 @ 6000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 27/33 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 24/31 |
| 5-speed automatic | 24/33 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Acura RSX 2-door hatchback |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Acura RSX Review:
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