2002-2005 Acura RSX Type-S

Pros :
- Excellent handling for a FWD chassis.
- Linear power build-up, unlike old Integra's VTEC.
- Great interior with high level of standard equipment.
- Acceptable fuel economy.
- Quick-shifting manual transmission.

Cons :
- Not much low-rev grunt.
- Front suspension is good, but double wishbones will be missed.
- Looks a little too tall for a sporty coupe.
- Tight back seat.
- Limited luggage space.

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
Since its debut in July of 2001, the Acura RSX sports coupe has been an unqualified success, winning an array of industry awards including being named to Car and Driver's "10 Best" and Ward's "10 Best Engines" lists. To maintain the RSX's position as the benchmark in its class, Acura's dynamic sports coupe receives substantial performance and styling enhancements for 2005 that update its dynamic looks, refine and modernize the interior and make it even more fun to drive.
The Acura RSX is powered by advanced engines that feature i-VTEC "intelligent" valve-control systems, combining VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) with VTC (Variable Timing Control). The i-VTEC system delivers enhanced performance across a broad power band in addition to superior fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.
For 2005, the high performance Type-S model receives engine and exhaust system modifications that boost horsepower from 200 to 210 and torque from 142 lb.-ft to 143 lb-ft. Engine output was optimized by applying high performance camshafts and enlarging the diameter of the intake duct by 10 percent. A larger diameter exhaust pipe and free-flowing catalytic converter helped to boost horsepower by increasing exhaust flow by 10 percent.
Remarkably, given their considerable power, RSX engines meet stringent CARB Low Emissions Vehicle-II (LEV-2) standards and are designed to run for 110,000 miles before the first scheduled tune-up.
The Type-S is equipped exclusively with a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission for quick, responsive shifting. For 2005, the final drive ratio on this transmission was lowered to provide even quicker acceleration while shift feel was improved by applying carbon synchronizers on fifth and sixth gear.
To meet the demands of the true driving enthusiast, the chassis features track-tuned suspensions and steering systems for exceptional handling precision, outstanding cornering grip and a smooth, controlled ride.
A unique Control-Link MacPherson strut front suspension and a compact double-wishbone rear suspension system help deliver quick, confident handling, and a smooth, compliant ride while maximizing interior room. On the Type-S, the track-tuned suspension is optimized with firmer springs and dampers, a front strut tower bar and a rear performance rod.
For 2005, the suspensions on RSX models were optimized through an assortment of modifications designed to enhance handling while promoting an even smoother ride. Suspension enhancements for 2005 include a revised geometry, reduced ride height, retuned bushings, thicker stabilizer bars, firmer damper settings and inversely wound front coil springs that neutralize unwanted steering input caused by spring windup. On the Type-S model, the strength of the performance rod was also increased to help maintain precise suspension geometry, while the front damper top bushing was replaced by a bearing, for smoother steering response.
Standard 4-wheel disc brakes with a 3-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) help to provide secure stopping power. To match its additional performance capabilities, the RSX Type-S uses larger 11.8-inch ventilated discs up front. For 2005, a larger diameter master cylinder was applied to increase hydraulic pressure, the rigidity of the brake pedal increased and the pedal stroke was reduced. These enhancements combined to both enhance stopping power and improve braking feel.
The RSX utilizes a high-mounted rack-and-pinion power steering system that provides enhanced tracking stability, and toe control as well as a linear steering feel. This system was enhanced for 2005 by applying a quicker steering ratio, a more rigid steering column and by increasing pump flow by seven percent to provide more responsive steering and an even more linear, on-center steering feel.
To further enhance the Type-S model's handling prowess for 2005, restyled 17x7-inch alloy wheels and Michelin 215/45R17 all-season high-performance tires were applied.
The exterior styling of the RSX communicates a message of power and precision through short front and rear overhangs, sweeping curves and sharply chiseled accent lines. For 2005, Acura updated the styling to make the RSX look lower, faster and more aggressive. In front, the fascia has been redesigned with lower, rectangular air ducts, aggressive-looking tri-beam headlights and a new Acura-family grille. Side sills on the RSX are now body colored, while the side sills on the Type-S are more substantial, and wrap further around the car to highlight the new wheels and tires. The rear of the RSX was redesigned with new taillight assemblies, a new bumper, larger diameter exhaust tips and, on the Type-S, a deck lid spoiler.
The 2005 RSX is available in the following exterior colors: Taffeta White, Nighthawk Black, Satin Silver Metallic, Vivid Blue Pearl, Premium White Pearl (Type-S only), and Milano Red. Four additional exterior color options added for 2005 include: Magnesium Metallic, Vivid Blue Pearl, Jade Green Metallic and Blaze Orange Metallic, which replace Artic Blue Pearl, Eternal Blue Pearl and Desert Silver Metallic.
The interior of the RSX features a driver-oriented cockpit that has been updated for 2005. The seats have been redesigned with more supportive side bolsters and a thicker lower cushion for increased comfort on long drives and support during aggressive cornering. Titanium accents have been added to the integrated headrests and to several key points around the cabin including the step garnish, the shifter boot ring (models equipped with manual transmission) and the hand brake.
Standard safety highlights include Acura's innovative dual-stage, dual-threshold airbag system, which deploys the airbags at different rates depending on the severity of the collision and seatbelt usage. The RSX also includes side airbags with passenger seat height and position sensors, and dual seatbelt pretensioners on both front seats.
Standard amenities on all RSX models include an Automatic Climate Control System, power moonroof, high-output audio system with in-dash CD player (Acura/Bose Audio System on Type-S), keyless entry system with anti-theft engine immobilizer, heated power sideview mirrors, power windows with an auto-up/down feature on the driver's window and a leather- wrapped steering wheel. Perforated leather seating surfaces are standard on the RSX Type-S.
Like all Acura models, the 2005 RSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
Honda USA

The 6-speed gearbox is outstanding. Shifts are incredibly smooth, bordering on clairvoyant. Moving the lever through the gates can be done with two fingers, the lever notching into place with a satisfying click at every short throw. It has to be the best linkage ever found in a front-wheel-drive production car. It even displaces my former number-one manual transmission — the one found in the Acura NSX. No matter how hard you drive the RSX, you get the sensation that you will never even come close to missing a gear. This becomes even more impressive considering the tight shift pattern found in most 6-speed manuals.
Gone from the front suspension are the double wishbones. In their place are MacPherson struts, a much more compact packaging solution that allows for greater room in both the engine compartment and cabin. Initially skeptical about this switch in suspension philosophies, I was amazed at just how good this setup really is. It offers great feel and control. Out on the test track we were equally impressed with the chassis’ overall balance and excellent front-end grip.
Car and Driver

The Acura RSX has essentially the same dimensions of the front-drive Integra. But this two-door hatchback has a cab-forward design and minimal front and rear overhangs for better interior space utilization. There's more headroom up front, and a revised rear suspension helps provide a flat floor back there. Styling isn't especially distinctive, but the RSX does look racier than its predecessor coupe with its broad stance, sharply raked hood and compound-curved window glass, which is thinner than the Integra glass to save weight.
Acceleration is rather sluggish at low engine speeds. But the engine comes to life when the tachometer needle hits about 3000 rpm because it has dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves, a free-flow exhaust system and complicated valve timing and control systems. A downshift is needed with the manual from top to third gear for the best 65-75 mph passing. And quick moves in freeway traffic can't be made in top gear.
Surprisingly, Acura didn't give the Type-S larger wheels and tires, which is virtually standard procedure with a higher-performance version of a car. Not that the 55-series tires on 16-inch wheels are small, but larger ones would be appropriate for the Type-S.
Fuel economy is pretty good: in the low 20-mpg range in the city and in the low 30s on the highway, although the engine revs at a high 3400 rpm at 75 mph in sixth gear. The Acura RSX is based on Honda's Global Compact Platform also used by the Honda Civic. That results in the RSX losing its race-style double-wishbone front suspension, which is replaced by a damper strut setup. However, the new front suspension does allow more interior room, and there is a new highly compact double-wishbone suspension at the rear. Despite the front-strut setup, RSX has sharp handling, although it's awfully nose-heavy; pop the hood and you'll see that the engine is set so far forward in its surgically neat compartment that it almost seems to reach the front bumper. The power steering is quick and precise, although rather heavy. A supple suspension and fairly long (for a subcompact coupe) 101.2-inch wheelbase smooth out the ride, although the Type-S naturally rides a bit harder with its firmer suspension. The Type-S also has a front tower bar and rear performance rod for more agile handling. The brake pedal has a nice linear feel and stopping distances are short with the all-disc brake setup and standard anti-lock system. The standard RSX has larger brakes than the Integra, and the Type-S has bigger front brakes than the standard RSX. A stiffer body structure and good amount of sound insulation results in a quiet interior. The dashboard curves toward the driver and comfortable front bucket seats hug you in corners and contain integrated side airbags. The thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel provides good grip.
But there is no center armrest and the rear roofline hinders visibility; it's a good idea to use the rearview mirrors a lot. The rear-seat area is tight and hard to enter or leave. But there's decent room for a medium-height adult behind the right-front passenger. And cupholders are molded into rear armrests. The cargo area is large, but has a high opening that won't be appreciated when heavy objects need to be put in and taken out. The 50/50 split-folding rear seatbacks fold forward easily and greatly increase the cargo area.
MSN Autos

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History:
1994-2001 Acura Integra GS-R
1,797 cc / 170 hp / 128 lb-ft / 2667-2764 lbs / 0-60 mph 7.1 sec.