Vehicle model
Acura RSX
The Acura RSX was launched in 2001 (2002 model year in North America) as the replacement for the Acura Integra, a sport coupe that had built a strong reputation among driving enthusiasts and the tuning community. Sold as the Honda Integra in several markets (Japan, Europe, Australia), the RSX represented Honda's Acura division in the compact front-wheel-drive sport coupe segment. It was built on a platform derived from the seventh-generation Honda Civic, but with a refined chassis and a low-slung, dynamic, and resolutely modern two-door body. The design broke away from the more angular style of the Integra, offering smoother, more streamlined lines, a fastback coupe silhouette, and a driver-oriented cabin. Under the hood, the RSX came in two main versions: the base model, equipped with a K20A3 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing around 160 horsepower, and the highly coveted RSX Type-S, powered by the K20A2 (then K20Z1 after the 2005 update) capable of roughly 200 to 210 horsepower. This high-revving engine, featuring the i-VTEC system, was paired with a six-speed manual transmission especially praised for its precision and quick shifts. In 2005, the RSX received a mid-cycle refresh including aesthetic updates (redesigned bumpers, new wheels), reworked suspension, and a power increase for the Type-S. The RSX positioned itself as an accessible yet refined sport coupe, offering a balance of performance, Honda's legendary reliability, and build quality above the segment average. Critical reception was very favourable: journalists praised the liveliness of the K20 engine, the rigidity of the chassis, the driving pleasure, and the quality of the finish. The RSX Type-S quickly became an icon among enthusiasts, frequently modified, track-prepped, or used in amateur competition. Its robust mechanicals and strong potential for improvement made it a favourite of the import community. Despite these qualities, sales in North America remained modest, in a market where compact sport coupes were gradually losing ground to crossovers. Acura decided to withdraw the RSX from the market after the 2006 model year, without a direct successor, marking the end of a lineage dating back to the first Integras of the 1980s. Today, the RSX, and especially the Type-S, enjoys near-collector status. Well-maintained examples are becoming rare and their value has risen, driven by nostalgia for the golden age of naturally aspirated Japanese sports cars. The RSX remains an important milestone in Acura's history and a symbol of Honda's expertise in high-performance engines and pure driving enjoyment. Its blend of everyday usability, mechanical durability, and engaging dynamics continues to make it appealing to enthusiasts seeking an analog driving experience increasingly rare in modern vehicles, cementing its lasting reputation.
History
History of the Acura RSX
The Acura RSX was launched in 2001 (2002 model year in North America) as the replacement for the Acura Integra, a sport coupe that had built a strong reputation among driving enthusiasts and the tuning community. Sold as the Honda Integra in several markets (Japan, Europe, Australia), the RSX represented Honda's Acura division in the compact front-wheel-drive sport coupe segment. It was built on a platform derived from the seventh-generation Honda Civic, but with a refined chassis and a low-slung, dynamic, and resolutely modern two-door body. The design broke away from the more angular style of the Integra, offering smoother, more streamlined lines, a fastback coupe silhouette, and a driver-oriented cabin. Under the hood, the RSX came in two main versions: the base model, equipped with a K20A3 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing around 160 horsepower, and the highly coveted RSX Type-S, powered by the K20A2 (then K20Z1 after the 2005 update) capable of roughly 200 to 210 horsepower. This high-revving engine, featuring the i-VTEC system, was paired with a six-speed manual transmission especially praised for its precision and quick shifts. In 2005, the RSX received a mid-cycle refresh including aesthetic updates (redesigned bumpers, new wheels), reworked suspension, and a power increase for the Type-S. The RSX positioned itself as an accessible yet refined sport coupe, offering a balance of performance, Honda's legendary reliability, and build quality above the segment average. Critical reception was very favourable: journalists praised the liveliness of the K20 engine, the rigidity of the chassis, the driving pleasure, and the quality of the finish. The RSX Type-S quickly became an icon among enthusiasts, frequently modified, track-prepped, or used in amateur competition. Its robust mechanicals and strong potential for improvement made it a favourite of the import community. Despite these qualities, sales in North America remained modest, in a market where compact sport coupes were gradually losing ground to crossovers. Acura decided to withdraw the RSX from the market after the 2006 model year, without a direct successor, marking the end of a lineage dating back to the first Integras of the 1980s. Today, the RSX, and especially the Type-S, enjoys near-collector status. Well-maintained examples are becoming rare and their value has risen, driven by nostalgia for the golden age of naturally aspirated Japanese sports cars. The RSX remains an important milestone in Acura's history and a symbol of Honda's expertise in high-performance engines and pure driving enjoyment. Its blend of everyday usability, mechanical durability, and engaging dynamics continues to make it appealing to enthusiasts seeking an analog driving experience increasingly rare in modern vehicles, cementing its lasting reputation.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The RSX was built on a front-wheel-drive platform derived from the Civic, with front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link axle for good handling. Its main strength lay in the K-Series engines: the 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder, whose K20A2/K20Z1 version in the Type-S reached around 200-210 horsepower at high rpm. The six-speed manual transmission, renowned for its precision, was complemented by a five-speed automatic on the base version. Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, and, depending on the trim, stability control contributed to safety. The cabin offered air conditioning, sport seats, and advanced audio systems for the era. The reliability of the powertrain and its tuning potential made the RSX a lasting technical reference.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Tire and wheel dimensions vary depending on the year and version (base or Type-S). Always check the exact size listed on your vehicle before ordering.
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