I purchased my 2002 Acura RSX 5 speed last year used (Certified Pre-Owned). My car was and still is in pristine condition with only 45,xxx on it now (it had 40,xxx when I purchased it). I feel after driving it for a full year I can give a very thorough review on it, and possibly help some readers out.

To start off, let me give you the reader a little background on my situation. I had a 1994 GMC Jimmy a couple years back which was my first car. It was nice having the extra room but once I finished HS and entered college, I found myself riding solo or with only one other passenger more and more. I had though of getting a "new to me" passenger car. Well after I got into my car accident due to the 'mediocre' brakes on the Jimmy, I never felt safe in it again. During this time gas prices we're starting to raise significantly, so I luckily sold it after 3 months and saved my money while researching my future buy. During that time I debated between an 00-01 Nissan Maxima or the Acura RSX. The decision wasn't easy, but I finally made it. Overall I wanted something sporty, manual transmission, easy to work on, good on gas, reliable and not require premium gas. I still like the Maximas a lot, but I feel at my age and current situation the RSX was the way to go.

If your reading my review and are considering the RSX be informed there are two different models (Base, Type S). The Type S is the higher model. The main difference between the two are the engine. Although they are both 2.0 liter I4, the VTEC is designed differently. The Type S engine produces 200hp and the base model engine only 160hp. There is quite a difference in power especially the higher RPMs between the two, as they are essentially the same car with one having 40 more HP. Other features of the Type S, not found with the base are; better suspension, leather seats standard, 6 CD in dash/cassette Bose system with mini sub woofer, 6 speed manual transmission standard and premium(91 octane) gasoline required. The base model comes with cloth seats or leather seats as an option, 5 speed manual or optional 4 speed automatic transmission, CD player with optional cassette player and doesn't require premium gasoline.

Other then that it would be hard to distinguish a Type S from a base model (2002-2004), other then the little red S. The 2005-2006 models have a little more variation between the base and Type S model (rims, interior, etc.)

I opted for the base model for the following reasons; I'm not a fast driver at all, I wanted better gas MPG, I didn't want to use premium gas and insurance was cheaper for the base model then the Type S. If you do enjoy going a little fast or plan on tracking/modifying your car the Type S is a no-brainer. I know plenty of base owners who regret their purchase. The Type S also holds it value a little better. Because I wanted a manual transmission this turned out to benefit me. I ended up getting mine relatively cheap compared to the autos. This is because a majority of the people either want the fast Type S or the base automatic; leaving lots of 5 speeds unsold.

Now that I gave you a little history; I'll go into my review of my 2002 Acura RSX 5 speed.


Exterior

The exterior styling is very nice, and is what won me over. It's a little sporty, yet still has a classy look to it. Keep in mind that's purely subjective. Mine came with the optional rear spoiler, but most RSX I see on the road don't have one. I think it makes the car look a lot better, but the non-spoiler look isn't too bad on this particular car. My only real gripe with the exterior is the paint. As an automotive detailer the paint is very soft. That means it acquires scratches and swirls very easy. My car is Nighthawk Black Pearl (Black) which is the worse for this and I always go crazy keeping it clean. Because I was searching used, I couldn't be picky; and don't regret my purchase. If possible I'd recommend a lighter color if color isn't a preference. A lighter color is much easier to maintain and doesn't show flaws (scratches and swirls) nearly as bad as a darker color.

One thing I wish Acura would make standard on this car is fog lights. A lot of domestic cars and trucks have them, I'm not sure why Acura doesn't equip them on most of their cars. I guess it doesn't get foggy in Japan? LOL
I rarely see RSXs with the fog light option. Instead they have the cheap plastic "cheese grater" inserts on the bumper. I finally ordered an OEM set on eBay a couple weeks ago and installed them myself. It definitely makes an improvement with visibility, plus it makes the car's front end look complete.


Interior

The interior is nice, and it's size is what got me curious in this car, or else I'd probably have a Maxima in my driveway. I sat in the back while my friend test drove one and I had more than enough room. I'm not super tall or super short (5'9"). Considering the car I was in I was more then pleased with the room. Don't get me wrong, I'd never road trip with it, but the backseat is definitely usable.

My RSX came with the cloth interior. I'm actually happy I have this instead of the leather, from what I understand the leather Acura uses with this car as well as other models isn't the best. I know people on CRSX as well as other car forums have noticed premature cracking or wrinkling with it. If you don't maintain the leather, it will probably get messed up early; opposed to cloth. If buying used make sure to give the leather a good inspection. This isn't to slam just Acura, most car companies today use a cheaper leather material, and it's not as comfortable or plush as traditional leather. My 1994 GMC Jimmy had leather, and it was extremely soft, plush and well made compared to newer cars with leather.

All RSXs come fully loaded from the factory with plenty of amenities; Sunroof, CD Player, Power Windows, Power Mirrors, Power Locks, Remote Keyless Entry fob, Immobilizer Anti-Theft Alarm System and auto climate control so you don't have to worry about getting all the options, as all RSXs come with them. I haven't had a problem with any of the electronics yet (knock on wood). The only interior option I didn't get aside from the leather was the cassette tape player, which I don't see being too popular as cassette tapes have been dated.

Now comes the cons of the interior. The first, and probably most annoying is the rattles I get. I mainly hear rattles coming from all along the dashboard, as well from the rear hatch. This problem seems to be a design flaw from Acura as I know there is a TSB for the problem. There is a gap where the dash meets the windshield which causes the dashboard to rattle against the glass. This problem is dominant in the winter with colder temperatures, but I still get in now and then with the very rough and pothole filled roads of North NJ.
I'm an active member on CRSX (ClubRSX.com) a car forum devoted to the RSX and everybody there experiences this problem too, and nobody really has gotten it solved or repaired by Acura :(
Many people on CRSX have come up with ways to bridge the gap in the dash with foam or other materials. I have tried lining the dash with a foam caulking this summer which didn't do much to help the rattles. It's very unacceptable that an ACURA has so many rattles. My family's cars are an 88 Toyota Corolla, 96 Ford Escort and 93 Ford Aerostar. None of these cars come close to rattling as bad as my RSX.

My next biggest gripe which also involves the interior is the road noise this car produces, mainly at high speeds. The cabin is very noisy when I travel on the highway(55-65 mph). It seems different roads (concrete) are worse then others (asphalt). The asphalt roads aren't too bad, but concrete can get very annoying, even with the radio up. The noise is bearable, but definitely another interior flaw. I though maybe the tires we're to blame, but the dealership put on 4 brand new Goodyear Eagle LS tires when I bought it. These tires are categorized as "touring" tires which means they should be quieter than the performance tires that Acura equips it with. I also know another RSX owner who experiences the same thing with the stock Michelin tires, so I'm more inclined to say its the car not the tire.

The rear cargo area is quite impressive. It far exceeded my expectations. It's not that much smaller than my GMC Jimmy, plus the rear seats fold down if I really need the extra space. As I said before I'm a car detailer and sometimes need to go mobile. I've had no problem fitting two big Rubbermaid plastic containers, two 5 gallon buckets and 1 5 gallon Shop Vac in my hatch.

The air conditioning is great in this car. I always get compliments on how fast it cools up in the summer, as well as the heating and defogger. I really like the auto climate control feature. This allows you to set a desired temperature and the car maintains it, which is very nice instead of turning on and off the AC/Heat.

The layout of the dash is very nice. It really puts you "in" the car as if you we're in a race car or something similiar. The gauges are nicely lit and easy to read. My next con for the RSX is the inaccurate gas gauge. From what I experienced with it is once you fill it up, the needle doesn't move from the "F" for a while. Once it does the needle goes down at a pretty fast rate. I don't know why the gas needle is inaccurate in moving. Not only is this a popular problem with the RSX, but this seems to be a reoccurring thing with all Hondas, from what I gathered on the internet forums. This is my first and only Honda so I can't elaborate on that. My simple solution is to just always fill it up. Once it gets to or around 1/2 tank of gas I fill it up, that way I know I won't run out of gas. I guess as a constellation Acura has their Roadside Assistance (TLC) program with every Acura. If you do run out of gas you can always call them and they should be able to help out, although I've never used their service so I don't know how good it is.

Lastly, safety is one thing Acura didn't cut corners with it. Aside from the two main air bags in the front, the RSX is equipped with side airbags in the two front seats. There was actually a thread on CRSX where people we're posting pictures of their RSXs after accidents, and it was amazing to see the RSX so smashed up and people getting away with minimal injuries. I really feel safe in this car. Hopefully I'll never been in the situation where I have to test the safety of it though.


Driving

Driving this car really is a pleasure. The 5 speed manual transmission is a joy to use, as Hondas are known for very easy to use trannys. There is a little problem with it though, and from what I gathered on CRSX it's very common. People complain of a 2nd gear grind and 3rd gear pop out with the Type S. I don't have a Type S, so I couldn't say, but I do get a little "notchiness" with my 5 speed, and sometimes it's not the easiest to engage into 2nd. People on CRSX said changing the tranny fluid helps reduce the extra pressure, for smoother shifts. I have done that and really didn't notice a difference. IMO the shifter is still extremely easy to use and bearable. I've driven other manual transmission cars and they don't compare to mine in terms of easiness. I think people overemphasis the 2nd gear problem.

Another problem I've recently noticed was a 'grinding' when the clutch isn't fully pressed down. I know the clutch should always be pressed down, but this problem has arisen out of nowhere and I've been driving the car the same way ever since I've owned it. I mainly get it when putting it into 2nd or 3rd and on a rare occasion 5th. I'm not sure what the problem is, but if it happens more often I will have to take it to the dealership.

Power wise the car is great. I have the base model (160 hp) and it's more than enough for me. It's very peppy around town for a 4 cylinder. I do admit I miss the torque from my truck, but the less trips at the gas pumps make me rethink how much I "needed" the torque. More weight obviously affects it's performance but not anymore than any other 4 cylinder car. I've driven on the highways with two other friends, all of us around 160 lbs and had no problems passing people in 5th gear (60 mph), granted I wasn't going extremely fast.

If your a fast driver here is where you'd appreciate the Type S, as it's the same size engine as the base model, but creates 40hp more due to it's "true V-TEC design", not the "watered down version" in the base model.

Field of vision is very good with this car. I was originally really concerned with blind spots, but I'm now fully adjusted and don't have any problems with them. The rear passenger window provides you with enough vision to see if anyone is there.

Mechanically my car has been very good to me. I haven't had a problem with it (knock on wood, again). A nice part is Honda designed these cars with low maintenance. The owner's manual advises long intervals for oil changes, tune ups and coolant flushes, which IMO is nice, although I do all of these things religiously. I know Hondas are known for their high reliability, so hopefully I'm a case of this.


Final Thoughts

I really enjoy driving my RSX. It's not the fastest, most comfortable or smoothest car; but it's a great compromise. When I originally bought it I'd figure it would be a good car for me for a couple years, since I'm young and wanted something sporty and good on gas, but the more I drive the car I really have no desire to sell it. Aside from the dash board rattles and road noise; you'd be hard pressed to find major flaws with the car. The only reason I can see someone not being satisfied with it is if they don't like two door hatchbacks.

I'm very happy with my purchase, and feel it was a wise decision.

If you have any questions about the car that I might have missed, or anything else you want to know I can be reached via e-mail jackal82984@yahoo.com
Amount Paid (US$): 13,500
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: Base model, 5 speed