2002 Acura RSX Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2002 RSX had some large shoes to fill: the new entry-level coupe was relacing the popular Integra, which last rolled off the production...
The 2002 RSX had some large shoes to fill: the new entry-level coupe was relacing the popular Integra, which last rolled off the production line in 2001.
The engine on the 2002 RSX was a bit bigger than the similar I4 engine in the 2001 Integra. The base engine is a 2.0-liter I4 rated at 160 horsepower and 141 lb/ft of torque, while the Type S gets some tuning to 200 horsepower. Base mileage ranges from 24-27 city and 33 highway for the base, and 24/31 for the Type S.
Safety for this car is excellent, with five-star NHTSA ratings for both the driver and passenger front impact. Good thing, too, as this car is fast and fun to drive. While the base car is available in either a 5-speed automatic or manual, the Type S is available only as a 6-speed manual. Acura is definitely building these cars to be fun and exciting to drive.
Drivers love the driving part of the 2002 RSX; they praise its quick acceleration, smooth handling, and sharp cornering. Some have complained about cracking leather on the steering wheel and throughout the interior. Others do not like the base radio on the car, but do note that it is relatively easy to replace.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2002 Acura RSX are pleased with its performance, reliability, and fun driving experience. Many drivers appreciate its great acceleration and handling, making it a sporty option for the price. However, some lament poor fuel economy and stiff suspension, especially when it comes to ride comfort. Despite a few minor grievances, the consensus is that the RSX is an enjoyable and reliable car that holds its value well."
this is a great car to have fun in fast and sharp! has the best handling of any front wheel drive car i've driven. the 6 speed manual transmission is great for quick acceleration. i absolutely love the RSX Type S
December 27, 2013This badass Acura has 200 hp to the engine and 142 ft lbs of torque with 60K miles on it. The style is great and the interior has a awesome look! There are endless upgrades you can do to this car. Just becareful what you put on and how you do it because it could lead to some mechanical problems. The car is very fun to drive and is good on gas. Usually my tank lasts about 2 weeks and I get about 300 miles to the tank. I would recommend this car to anyone that wants something reliable but still has a sporty look/feel.
June 24, 2008I owned one of these and car was amazing, I put over 258k miles on mine and never had any issues, and when I did I didnt even notice them car still ran just as good and when I got to my location Id notice the issue, fix it and it was good to go again
November 24, 2022What owners say
this is a great car to have fun in fast and sharp! has the best handling of any front wheel drive car i've driven. the 6 speed manual transmission is great for quick acceleration. i absolutely love the RSX Type S
December 27, 2013This badass Acura has 200 hp to the engine and 142 ft lbs of torque with 60K miles on it. The style is great and the interior has a awesome look! There are endless upgrades you can do to this car. Just becareful what you put on and how you do it because it could lead to some mechanical problems. The car is very fun to drive and is good on gas. Usually my tank lasts about 2 weeks and I get about 300 miles to the tank. I would recommend this car to anyone that wants something reliable but still has a sporty look/feel.
June 24, 2008I owned one of these and car was amazing, I put over 258k miles on mine and never had any issues, and when I did I didnt even notice them car still ran just as good and when I got to my location Id notice the issue, fix it and it was good to go again
November 24, 2022I love my RSX. I've babied it since the day I bought it when I turned 16. It has great styling, everything inside and out is exactly where it should be, and it's very efficient without under-powered. It has been a great match to my personality. Car looks great, much better than the other coupes in its price range like the Civics, Cobalts, Focuses, Corollas, etc... The factory aero kit and side skirts on mine give it a nice sporty look without going too Fast and the Furious. Car has almost never been to the shop. In 90k+ miles, it has had one minor interior leather quick fix (under warranty), and one starter replacement after 70k miles. Maintenance on it is very easy. I've been changing oil and cleaning air filter on my own the entire time. As for performance, I believe it was MotorTrend that announced it as the best handling front wheel drive car they'd ever driven when it came out, and I can attest. It's wonderfully light and nimble, and the perfect balance between spacious and outright boat-like (like most of current generation cars are). Engine-wise, yeah, the 200 hp Type-S engine would be nice, but I actually prefer the 5-speed manual over the 6 in the Type-S, and as long as you're in the proper gear, the car has plenty of get up and go for real driving conditions (60 mph achievable in 2nd gear, 90 mph in 3rd). And last but not least, you have to love that it's relatively short production run has helped keep its resale value up. After 10 years I could still get nearly half of what I paid for it brand new. Good luck finding that in any other car!
March 30, 2012I have been driving and building hondas since i was 14 (now 20) and love the rsx. I have had a turbo civic, turbo integra, turbo crx's and this has to be the best car in a single package. It does miss a few un-necissary things like heated seats, but otherwise you can't argue. I have owned my rsx now for a year and love the sound of I-Vtec it just sounds SO MUCH better than ANY B SERIES motor! The car handles excellent, rides smooth, pretty quick with just intake and exhaust. If you want to stall All-Motor and go fast I would highly suggest KPRO. Not to mention honda/acura basically builds the car around the motor and suspention. To Conclude to whoever spelled "VTECH" should go buy a house phone, Honda enthusiast, "hit vtec, it makes everything better"
February 4, 2010loved this car to death wanted to keep it forever but it was totaled 6 speed manual quick no problems besides minor old car problems nothing major very sporty best car i ever owned that was perfect in the snow
August 6, 2009Its a Civic on steroids. Handles great, and handles even better at higher speeds. Hugs the pavement at 140mph just like it does 45mph. Fun to drive, shifts great, and comfortable as hell.
June 27, 2008excellent engine, best transmission, loads of fun
April 21, 2008Great car, purchased in Nov 2001 and driven until Aug 2012. No major maintenance problems or issues during the 120k miles I racked up on it. Sad to see it discontinued, but wouldn't be surprised to see a new successor pop up in the near future.
October 26, 2012Currently fastest car I have owned. Only has a CAI for now, was able to get a 14.8 out of it. Very solid car, nice interior/exterior. Better mpg than my integra which surprised since it's faster but I'm not complaining! Definitely fun to drive, but would be much more fun with mods!
February 19, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $20,995 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.0L 155 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 17.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,515 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.0L 201 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 17.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,145 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.0L 155 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
