Acura RSX-- What's all this hype-S about anyway?

When Acura introduced its 3rd generation Integra, I was not convinced that it was worthy of its high sticker price, especially in its performance trim levels. Cars like the Integra Type-R and the GSR were quick and very fun to drive, but only offered a minimal amount of amenities and had a whopping MSRP of almost $25,000 (Type-R); quite a bundle of cash back in late '90s. When the RSX came out in 2002 as a replacement for the Integra, I was impressed with what Acura had done with the Integra's successor. The new RSX Type-S was just as fun to drive as the Type-R, had a seriously improved interior, and the MSRP of the new RSX was even less expensive than the previous top of the line Type-R. Back in 2002 the RSX was one of the best buys in its class; can the same still be said in 2005?

For the 2005 model year the Acura RSX comes in one body style; a 2 door coupe. Two trim levels are available; Base and Type-S. While a 160 horse 2.0 4-cylinder powers the base model, Acura uses a more potent DOHC 2 liter powerplant producing a healthy 210 horsepower (10 more than last year) in its Type-S model. Only one transmission is available in the Type-S; a slick 6-speed manual.

Driving Impressions 2005 Acura RSX Type-S:

Keeping with the tradition of the late GSR and Type-R, the 2005 Acura RSX offers excellent acceleration. Even though the RSX Type-S doesn't boast a turbo or a supercharger, its 2-liter 4-cylinder offers more than enough giddy-up to satisfy most speed freaks. With an ability to scoot from 0-60 MPH in around 6 seconds (Car and Driver, 2005), the RSX is one of the quickest cars in its class. Though totally different in character, the RSX Type-S feels just as fast as the supercharged Chevy Cobalt SS that I drove the same day. A hard stab at the throttle in 1st and 2nd gears pins you back in the RSX's leather seats and unlike many FWD cars, it does so without a hint of torque steer. Like the majority of high powered Japanese engines on the market, the RSX's 2-liter 4 banger loves to rev. While most cars' tap out at 6,500 RPM, the RSX is just getting started. Some buyers may cringe at the thought of the RSX's peak power being reached at a whopping 7,800+ RPM, however this engine is more than happy to go all the way to its 8,100 RPM redline. On take-off, not all drivers will appreciate the RSX's racy exhaust note, however those who enjoyed the late Integra GSR and Type-R will be happy to know that this car is a real screamer beyond 6,000 revs.

The RSX Type-S's 6-speed manual transmission is excellent; perhaps one of the best 6-speed manual gear boxes out there. The throws are short and the gear ratios are very close enabling you to get the most of the RSX's rev happy engine. The positioning of the shifter is also excellent. This excellent positioning really comes in handy when attempting to shift through each of its 6 gears as quickly as possible. Unlike my experience with cars like the Subaru WRX and the Neon SRT-4, the RSX's clutch and shifter are very easy to get accustomed to.

Like the late Type-R, the RSX Type-S doesn't just boast good acceleration, it can also can claim to be one of the best handling cars in its class. The Type-S is extremely fun to drive on twisty roads and shouldn't disappoint those who are upgrading from an older Integra. The RSX's steering is direct and body roll is almost nonexistent. If you live in an area where there are lots of twisty roads, you will be happy to know that this car is a cinch to drive aggressively on those 20 MPH bends. If you are not used to a sports car, however, it may take awhile to get used to the Type-S's ride, as its suspension is just about as taught as they get.

The Acura RSX Type-S may be a total show-off with its racy exhaust note at full throttle; however this car becomes just as tame as your typical refined family sedan when cruising on the highway. Despite the 6-speed manual's gears being closely spaced between 1st thru 5th, Acura has made the RSX's 6th gear tall enough so that that its racy engine note isn't always in your face.

Like the majority of sport compacts on the market, the RSX boasts a stiff suspenison. If you are looking for a pillowy soft ride you may want to look elsewhere, as the Type-S offers anything but a soft ride. Unlike some of its competition, however, the RSX Type-S remains totally solid on rough surfaces.

As with every Honda/Acura product that I have driven equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, steep hills and quick passing maneuvers are not exactly easily accomplished in top gear. This normally would be a gripe, but the RSX is more than willing to let you downshift its 6-speed transmission from 6th down to 4th without any complaint. That said, the RSX is an excellent hill climber. Those who live in mountainous terrain will be pleased to know that they will never get stuck in the slow lane trying to make it up those 8% grades.

The Type-S's brakes have got some bad reviews in the past from professional drivers. I, however found them to be more than adequate and much better than the offerings from Nissan and Dodge. Standard with Type-S comes 4-wheel disc brakes coupled with 4-wheel ABS. This set-up allows for very strong stopping power with no fade or vibration under heavy use whatsoever.

Despite having more power than most 4-cylinder equipped cars on the market, fuel economy isn't sacrificed to the point where you will need budget your RSX solely for special occasions. The EPA rates the 6-speed equipped Type-S at a gas sipping 23/31 (premium gas is recommended, but not required). This is only about 6 MPG shy of what I receive in my Honda Civic LX. If you want better fuel economy, but performance isn't a major concern, the base models come with a more fuel efficient motor, boasting an EPA of 27/34.


Interior:

On almost every interior appliqué in the RSX you'll find some sort of simulated titanium; from the Acura logo on the steering wheel to the shifter and HVAC controls. I'm usually not a big fan of titanium accents; however Acura has distributed its titanium accents throughout the cabin without making the interior look overly cheesy. Acura has also done a great job with the materials in this car. Unlike some of the RSX's competition i.e. the Mitsubishi Eclipse or the Sentra SE-R, the Type-S's materials feel sturdy and made to last.

Acura has done a great job making everything in the RSX easy to use. The HVAC controls are located near the top of the dash, which in most cars would be a too high, but this works out wonderfully in the RSX. The only qualm I have with this interior is the gimmicky vents. Although its circular vents look great, they are much harder to adjust than the conventional square vents.

Unlike the late Type-R, the RSX Type-S makes no compromise when it comes to embellishments. The RSX Type-S comes standard with amenities that you would normally expect to find as optional equipment, not standard. Some noteworthy standard features include quad air bags (2 side, 2 front), automatic climate controls with HEPA filter, a power sunroof, a total of 5 cup holders, rear windshield wiper, power windows/locks, cruise control, leather steering wheel w/ controls, and so much more. Standard with the Type-S comes an awesome Bose sound system. This 6-disc in-dash system boasts 170+ watts, 7-speakers; a subwoofer mounted in the trunk, and a cassette player (for those of us who still have tapes laying around). For info on all standard and optional amenities, you can visit www.Acura.com or for price comparisons, TrueDelta.com

Seating is excellent in the Type S; the perforated leather seats are both supportive and comfortable. The lower bolsters of these leather seats could be raised just a bit, though this is not a major complaint by any means. I'm sure larger adults will find that these seats to be more comfortable without such aggressive bolstering. Driver seats get 6-way adjustments while the passenger seats are provided with 4-way manual adjustments.

The RSX is a sport oriented 2+2 coupe, so creature space is naturally going to be limited. Both head and leg room is adequate up front, however don't expect anybody over 5' to get be able to get comfortable in the rear seats. Storage space, on the other hand, is excellent. The RSX offers cubbies throughout the cabin, and the rear hatch opens up to a cavernous storage area. Since the 50/50 rear seats fold flat, The RSX offers just about as much stowage space as you could ever want in a small sports coupe.

Exterior:

For 2005, Acura has done a decent job making the RSX look more aggressive. With its updated bumper, grille, and reduced ground clearance, the 2005 RSX looks slightly sportier than last year's model. The only gripe I have with the updated RSX are its revised headlights. Acura has changed the RSX's stylish headlamps in favor of more generic angled lamps; much the Civic and the Accord. Despite the downgraded headlamps, the RSX is still a very attractive automobile. Standard on the RSX Type-S comes comes handsome 17" alloy rims, a larger exhaust tip than the base models, and of course the Type-S designation posted on the trunk lid.


Pricing/Warranty

The Base RSX starts out just north of $20,000, while the performance oriented Type-S starts at just $23,600 ( about $4,000 less than a comprably equipped 2005.5 Jetta ). Unless you plan on paying extra cash for a nose mask, fog lights, or other unnecessary accessories, the price of the RSX Type-S doesn't venture far beyond its $23,600 sticker. Since the RSX Type-S offers a significant increase in performance over its base model, richer leather seating, and more amenities; I highly recommend just paying he extra cash for the Type-S trim level. The MSRP of my Type-S came to just 24,300 dollars after destination. This is just 1,000 bucks more than a comparably equipped Neon SRT-4 and about 1,500 dollars more than a Chevrolet Cobalt SS; not bad for a performance offering from Honda's premium brand. If anything goes wrong with your new RSX, Acura offers a decent 5 year, 50,000 mile bumper-bumper warranty.

Final Thoughts :

The Acura RSX Type-S offers a near perfect blend of performance, style, and luxury; all at a price that is almost as low as a comparably equipped SRT-4 and Chevrolet Cobalt SS. The Type-S is also a very easy car to drive, so my recommendations for this car go out to anyone who enjoys the thrill of a refined 2+2 coupe; not just hardcore driving enthusiasts. I will definitely be considering this car next year, when I plan on upgrading my '04 Honda Civic for a sportier vehicle.

-5/5 stars-

Thanks for reading!