2003 Acura RSX Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2003 RSX represented the second year in production for Acura's entry-level coupe. Available in standard trim or as the sportier...
The 2003 RSX represented the second year in production for Acura's entry-level coupe. Available in standard trim or as the sportier Type-S, the replacement for the Integra continued to impress its drivers with its sporty ride, tight suspension, and relatively low price.
The engine for the standard coupe is a 2.0-liter I4 rated at 160 horsepower, while the Type S upped the compression ratio from 9.8:1 to 11.0:1, gaining 40 extra horsepower (up to 200 horses). Mileage for the automatic transmission is rated at 24/33; the base 5-speed manual gets 27/33; the Type S gets 24/31 mpg.
Drivers love driving this car. They laud its quick acceleration and tight handling. However, there have been complaints about rattling and noise, especially at higher speeds. Some have also complained about uncomfortable seats, especially when driving longer distances.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers of the 2003 Acura RSX love its sporty performance, stylish design, and fun driving experience. Many owners appreciate the engine's high revving capabilities and handling, especially in the Type-S model. However, some drivers have pointed out issues with the motor mounts and limited rear seating space as downsides. Overall, it's seen as a reliable, exciting car for those seeking a blend of performance and everyday practicality."
Front-wheel drive and plenty practical while very sporty. While it is not a mid-engine supercar, it is really fun to drive fast. The car is also really kind to every-day activities like parking, sitting in traffic, buying stuff, putting stuff into your car, and even taking friends places. It's not luxury sedan, but has room for a couple of average sized people in the back. The regular RSX is quick and the RSX Type-S is fast. However, the regular old RSX tends to feel faster around town since it's engine is geared for more torque- so you get more ooomph from the engine right away. That means no waiting for the power to build with the rpms. However, IF you get the Type-S, it rewards you with intensely high revs and great handling. The Type-S also has a really fun and friendly gearbox and clutch that just beg to play. Both are great, but I would opt for the Type-S.
February 26, 2008Great overall car right out of the box. Great for anyone looking to get into better than average performance. The Type-S is able to reach 140 mph in its stock form. This car stock is better than pre K20 Civic SIs. The Good: -Close the sunroof and feel the car get slicker as it loses resistance climbing ever higher towards its top speed. -The Stock 6 disk CD changer and cassette by BOSE complete with 8" Sub that mounts in the hub of the spare tire. -Leather interior, 6 speed manual, steering that tightens as you go faster, and wipers that do the same. -No more timing belt - K series uses a chain that doesnt have to be replaced for the life of the engine. The Less than Good: -The cable shift is a little finicky - just by itself - Honda did better with the cable shift 5 speeds. -2nd gear in the tranny tends to grind if your not careful how you shift. (2nd gear kits are available aftermarket.) -Spark Plugs are expensive - the correct ones last forever but will run you over $15/each. -CV Drive Shafts are impossible to find Aftermarket - be ready to get OE parts from Acura/Honda dealers. (hopefully this changes before long)
October 28, 2009acceleration for a 4cylinder is good, braking is decent, and handling is above average. build quality is better than german or american cars, though the doors sounds like an empty can when you close it. cost owndership is low. avg mpg is 27 and no reparis required so far at 100k other than regular maintenance. it is fun to drive!
August 16, 2009What owners say
Front-wheel drive and plenty practical while very sporty. While it is not a mid-engine supercar, it is really fun to drive fast. The car is also really kind to every-day activities like parking, sitting in traffic, buying stuff, putting stuff into your car, and even taking friends places. It's not luxury sedan, but has room for a couple of average sized people in the back. The regular RSX is quick and the RSX Type-S is fast. However, the regular old RSX tends to feel faster around town since it's engine is geared for more torque- so you get more ooomph from the engine right away. That means no waiting for the power to build with the rpms. However, IF you get the Type-S, it rewards you with intensely high revs and great handling. The Type-S also has a really fun and friendly gearbox and clutch that just beg to play. Both are great, but I would opt for the Type-S.
February 26, 2008Great overall car right out of the box. Great for anyone looking to get into better than average performance. The Type-S is able to reach 140 mph in its stock form. This car stock is better than pre K20 Civic SIs. The Good: -Close the sunroof and feel the car get slicker as it loses resistance climbing ever higher towards its top speed. -The Stock 6 disk CD changer and cassette by BOSE complete with 8" Sub that mounts in the hub of the spare tire. -Leather interior, 6 speed manual, steering that tightens as you go faster, and wipers that do the same. -No more timing belt - K series uses a chain that doesnt have to be replaced for the life of the engine. The Less than Good: -The cable shift is a little finicky - just by itself - Honda did better with the cable shift 5 speeds. -2nd gear in the tranny tends to grind if your not careful how you shift. (2nd gear kits are available aftermarket.) -Spark Plugs are expensive - the correct ones last forever but will run you over $15/each. -CV Drive Shafts are impossible to find Aftermarket - be ready to get OE parts from Acura/Honda dealers. (hopefully this changes before long)
October 28, 2009acceleration for a 4cylinder is good, braking is decent, and handling is above average. build quality is better than german or american cars, though the doors sounds like an empty can when you close it. cost owndership is low. avg mpg is 27 and no reparis required so far at 100k other than regular maintenance. it is fun to drive!
August 16, 2009Great engine, great steering feel, great seating position and ergonomics. Amazingly fun to drive. Sad they discontinued it.
July 1, 2008I leased the RSX-S for three years and absolutely loved the car. Externally it's beautiful: very sleek with clean lines. The deep metallic blue color was especially striking, and always stood out in a crowd. Inside the car had great leather seats and a modern silver with red backlight instrument cluster. I wish the US models came with heated seats, but it appears that only the Canadian models had that feature. I also didn't like the bucket seats - it was impossible to reach into the back seat to grab something. But I think the bucket seats add to the sportiness of the car. The engine was really exciting, and I'm not one to normally get excited about engines. It revs up really high, especially when you have the stick-shift model that I had, and it was a lot of fun to drive. I think the RSX is a great quality car. It's a relatively affordable car that you can feel cool driving up to any club or restaurant's Valet service.
October 26, 2006This car is amazing!!! I wouldnt give it up for the world. Handling on this car is wonderful and I have an I-Vtech engine with 2.0L DOHC engie its pretty solid... It was a solid investment and now i enjoy driving it.
October 12, 2009Great turning radius, good accel, quality interior, decent gas milage for the style, alittle cramped minimal back seat room. plenty of cargo room. Very well priced. a lot of fun to drive. Sturdy suspension, good visibility. Very much worth it.
August 19, 2009There is a reason Tuners choose this one for Turbos. This car is well balanced, good mannered, and fun to drive. It has quick ratio steering, a perfect suspension, and with the correct tires is a rewarding experience, on the Parkway or Exit Ramps......
June 20, 2012Performance- Really strong because of the conversion k20a2 head and k24a4 bottom end. Appearance of the car is nice silver with black rims and type r wing. The Rsx type s is a fun car to drive because it has the torque from the k24a4 bottom.
February 8, 2012I love this car. I wish I had another so that it wouldn't get worn out from all the daily driving.
March 22, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $23,770 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $20,475 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.0L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,550 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.0L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
