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Acura RSX Review

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2006 Acura RSX
2007 Acura RSX A-Spec

The Acura RSX was introduced into the Acura lineup in 2002 to replace the previous model Integra. Designed for the car buyer who’s looking for a classy sport coupe, the RSX offers refined build and great performance at a reasonable price.

Thanks to its easily upgradeable platform and well made naturally aspirated engine, the RSX has also become a favorite amongst import tuners. Because of its large enthusiast following, a booming RSX parts industry has been created and it can easily be seen on the road as either a classy sport coupe or a track-ready canyon carver.

See also the main fact sheets for the Acura RSX.

High Points

  • Excellent build quality, fit, and finish (New Car Test Drive)
  • Crisp and accurate shifts (New Car Test Drive)
  • i-VTEC high revving engine (Car and Driver)

Low Points

  • Bumpy ride (USA Today)
  • Loud road and tire noise (Edmunds.com)
  • Engine needs to be reved highly for performance (The Car Connection)
  • Styling is "Honda" generic and simple (The Car Connection)

Performance and Handling

Acura i-VTEC Engine

The Acura RSX is all about driving, and in both versions, it's a blast. Acceleration is brisk in the RSX, darn quick in the Type-S. All the controls work well, with solid brakes, accurate and sharp steering, and predictable handling.

The suspension settings create a car that feels sharp and finely honed. While it is more compliant, the ride is still stiff. However the benefits in handling are immediately noticeable. Overcook a corner and the car understeers, but a gentle easing of the throttle or a moderate tap of the brakes will tuck in the nose and help rotate the rear end. The RSX is one of those cars that rewards skilled drivers, and feeds a lot of rope to the unskilled ones before they hang themselves.

The shifter is a joy, placed perfectly next to the wheel. The feel of the shifter in the Type-S shows even greater crisp and accurate shifts.

Step on the brakes and you're rewarded with solid pedal feel, thanks to a large master cylinder and a more rigid pedal. The standard ABS helps slow the car quickly and without fade. The Type-S gets bigger front and rear rotors for even better braking performance.

The engines in both RSX models are very sophisticated, with variable valve timing, overhead cams, four-valves per cylinder and all-aluminum construction. Both models use Honda's i-VTEC technology, which combines a cam-phasing valve timing (VTC for variable timing control) with VTEC, which actually changes the valve lift. However, it works differently and for different goals in the two models. The RSX's system is tuned more for emissions and fuel efficiency, while the Type-S is designed for power. The base engine develops 160 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 141 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm, same as last year. Thanks to improved intake, exhaust and cams, the Type-S gains 10 horsepower, for 210 at 7800 rpm and 143 pound-feet of torque at 7000 rpm. Both engines meet strict LEV-II emissions requirements, and while premium fuel is required for the Type-S, it's only a suggestion for the RSX.

To get the most from the base engine, it's best to stick with the standard five-speed manual, a slick-shifting unit with ratios that maximize power from the engine. The automatic features Acura's Sequential SportShift, a mode that allows for manual shifting of the gears. It works well, giving the driver full manual control, refusing to shift up or down unless directed by the driver (although it won't let you do something stupid, like start from a dead stop in fifth gear). Left in Drive, Grade Logic Control keeps gear hunting to a minimum on long uphill stretches. But it's still not as quick to respond as a true manual, and fuel economy suffers a bit as well.

The Type-S is a whole other beast. The redline is much higher (8100 rpm vs 6800 rpm in the RSX), and those extra revs are where much of those additional 50 horses play. Acceleration is smooth and quick, with a surge at the top end when the cams switch to their high lift. The revised higher redline lets you stay in it longer and keep the engine in this high-lift range. It also sounds sweet at high revs, especially when the high-lift cams come online, and that in and of itself is a good enough reason to wind it out at every opportunity. The torque band is very usable, belying the reputation of small four cylinders as being gutless.

The transmission and final drive ratios in the six-speed manual take advantage of the new power in the Type-S. About the only dynamic flaw is the lack of a limited-slip front differential. As a result, the inside front wheel spins madly under power in sharp turns under full throttle, sometimes making it difficult to get the most from the engine.

Gas Mileage

As seen on Autos.com, in the near-luxury car MPG rankings, the 2006 Acura RSX is in 1st place with 27/34 MPG.

Safety

The Acura RSX comes standard with the following features:

Reliability and Maintenance

Interior and Comforts

Exterior

Styles and Options

The Acura RSX is available in 2 trims: the base model and Type-S.

Base

2006 Acura RSX i-VTEC engine

The base model comes standard with:

Type-S

2006 Acura RSX Type-S interior

The Type-S includes sportier accessories and performance including:

  • 201 hp K20Z1 motor
  • 6-speed manual transmission
  • Sport seats with leather-trimmed interior
  • Titanium finished gearshift knob
  • Acura/Bose AM/FM tuner, cassette, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, 7 speakers, including Richbass woofer audio system
  • 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
  • Body-colored hatch spoiler
  • Sport-tuned suspension
  • Billet-style exhaust outlet

Main Competitors

External Links

WikiCars Contributor Favorites

Acura Manufacturer Sites

Community Sites

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