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Acura RSX (All years/types)
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Comments
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Am surprised you thought the engine sounded noisy in the RSX though.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The tires are the source of the noise on my vehicle. However, it has a lot to do with road conditions ... I suspect on concrete they are very noisy. Here in NH, we have few concrete roads. The tires are performance tires, and I am not into performance driving. When it is time for new tires, I will search around and see if there is a quieter, lower performance tire availabe. But in the meantime, The noise level is acceptable.
I find the engine to be very quiet except when accelerating hard ... and it is not objectionable. In fact, it is sort of pleasant. I understand the S-type has a different sound that is even "more pleasant."
Noise is relative. Many people install an after market muffler and the noise is significantly greater .. but that is the desired effect.
Several post back, someone mentioned the dual personality of the RSX. I find that fascinating, and a demonstration of Honda's genius. When needed, or in the mood, press on the pedal, and the acceleration is spectacular; but normal conservative driving yields fantastic economy and efficiency. Add to that the quality of construction, and the RSX is everything I had hoped it would be.
The radio is not as good as I had hoped .... but, CD's sound great, and my XM-radio is fantastic. I am no audio expert, but it seems the reception is the weakness ... else why do CD's and XM sound so good?
Happy RSX'n to all.
Chassis boom when you are on the move often proves too much for the radio to compete with, which is its primary weakness. I can see now why Acura made the little subwoofer standard on the better stereo. In this car you need the subwoofer just to make the stereo sound as good as regular stereos sound in other cars without subwoofers.
Luckily the radio is the easiest thing in any car to modify. And it is not bad enough for me to bother - I like this radio's layout and simplicity of operation. And half the time I am listening to the news anyway!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Friday is the end of the month and that is when I will purchase my new car.
Maybe you guys can help me. I am not a kid (40) and basically I am looking for a smaller car. I love the Altima but it is too big and family oriented. Her car is the "family" car. I want a "fun" car. MY price range is up to 22k.
ANY SUGGESTIONS?
I especially appreciate the quality, fit and finish. Exactly what you would expect from an Acura.
Is it the car for you? I certainly am not going to say that. But it is exactly what I wanted. And with the price of gas, the fuel efficiency is certainly welcomed.
Good luck.
I should mention that I drive in Chicago and in the Chicago suburbs, with regular trips across IL to visit friends and family.
One thing that I don't understand--I have no complaints about the stereo, either.
I have a friend whose Mazda Tribute I ride in all the time, which has Continental tires and a sport-oriented suspension, and the ride is as loud as it is in the RSX, not to mention jittery.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I was asking does the noise from the RSX come from the engine (the more you rev the louder it gets) or elsewhere?
thanks all !
Yeah, my tires are stock. My last car was a Dodge Stratus SE Sedan, but I only had it for a little while. Before that, the other cars I had were (relatively) noisy, so I get your point. I had also been driving a truck with especially noisy tires for a while before I got my RSX, so maybe that's it.
I do think it's also preference--I know people who complain about the stiffness of the type-S ride, but I prefer it to the anesthetized ride in some cars (like my old Dodge, for example). I want to be a part of my drive, which might be why I picked this car in the first place.
Your Matrix was quieter, really? I'm not trying to be sharp...just the only person I know who has had a Matrix did not like it at all.
Josh
These stock tires are universally criticized, it would seem. I was looking up some more stuff on the internet, and from professional reviews to discussions in other RSX forums, they all mention the "crappy tires". I would say they are OK, but I will probably go a different way when it comes time for replacement.
shorthair, the engine noise is well muted. If you are the type that will take it to redline on a regular basis, it will certainly be more audible at 6000 rpm than at 2000! But it revs so sweetly, the sound is music to my ears. :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Regarding the Matrix in particular and wind noise in general, I've found that some cars seem to have a 'sweet spot' where the windnoise is minimal, but that it gets stronger at both lower and higher speeds (my Dodge was like this). I'd always associated it with build quality and materials used--I'd be interested in your opinion.
I live in Chicago's west suburbs, and a few places tried to talk me "up" out of an RSX and into a TSX by offering the TSX for under sticker. I'm not sure about advertising rules in the forum, so I'll say that between I-355 and 83, there's a handful of Acura dealerships that see the sticker as a starting point only. Still, I don't know if they'd be willing to deal by $5K.
More important to your point is the disparity in prices between the RSX and the TSX. There is a gap, and I wonder if it's a deliberate attempt to abandon a particular market for image.
When RSX gets updated in two years (MY '06), they may well take it more upmarket so as to reduce the price gap between it and TSX.
josh: not sure I have noticed the "sweet spot" phenomenon with regard to noise. In the Matrix, you have to get up to freeway speeds for noise to intrude. Wind noise is the worst, followed by the tires. Engine noise gets loud at any speed with the engine revving over 3500 rpm.
OTOH, in the RSX I find that engine noise pretty much never intrudes (and sounds soooo sweet anyway!), wind noise is just noticeable at speeds over 60, while road noise from the tires begins to be intrusive by about 40 mph on up. Again, the type and age of road surface can make a HUMUNGOUS difference in the amount of noise coming from the tires. We have very little brand new pavement around here - local cities are strapped for cash just like cities all over California this year - but when I hit a stretch of the new stuff the car is almost silent. If our pavement didn't just TOTALLY SUCK so bad, the RSX might be a quiet car!
In the Matrix, wind noise comes from everywhere, especially the moonroof and the A-pillars. In the RSX, there is a little swirling air noise from the rear edge of the driver's side glass at high speeds, and a little from the outside mirror, and I can't detect any more.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
If you should buy one, be very careful how you park it. With no bodyside molding option on the accessory sheet, this car is a door-ding magnet of the first order!
Open windows will make you crank-up your volume at speeds over 35. The reception is excellent, however.
My only real gripe is that the new-car smell is fading (or am I just getting used to it?).
I concede in the city, the lights may be fine, but in the north country of NH, where moose abound, the lights, especially the low beam, are aimed only 20-30 yards in front of the vehicle, and it is black beyond. That means that I must drive with the high beams even at times when the low beams should be sufficient.
The dealer said there is a little adjustment, but not much. I have looked, and see no where to make any adjustment, so I will wait until I can return to the dealer.
Anyone have a solution? I do not have the additional lower lights in the bumper ... are those driving lights that can be aimed higher?
Any response would be appreciated.
I think the lights are plenty bright, and the high beams are very adequate .... but I am uncomfortable driving even 40 mph with the low beams on. I understand the problem with shining into oncoming traffic, but there is absolutely no danger of that right now. When I was discussing the matter with the Dealer's Service Manager ... he admitted he had the same problem. Maybe you will not agree with my humor, but it reminds me of the government toilet guidelines. Toilets can only use 1.5 gal to conserve water. But you must flush it several times to clear the bowl. Low beams are set to protect on-coming cars ... but you must drive with the high beams to see.
Thank you for the suggestion on driving lights. I wonder if the wiring is already provided? I will look into it.
I'm not sure about the wiring already being there or not. That was the reason I opted for the oem driving lights....I figured even if they were cheap and broke quickly, the wiring would already be in place for me to add my own.
I will look into this at some of the other dedicated rsx websites and get back to you if I find anything.
Here is a link to the installation instructions for the fog lights.
http://store.clubrsx.com/instructions/foglights.pdf
I don't know how helpful this is, but it gives you an idea on how to do it yourself. I understand that there is a "fog light" kit that can be purchased by Acura which includes everything that you need.
Now, with that said, do you have a similar file that describes how to adjust the headlights? Thought I would ask.
Tonight, even with the high beams on, driving not more than 45 mph, I was upon a moose in a second. It was not a close call because he was moving away from the road ... but it does scare me to come upon them and not having seen them in time to react if he had been in the road.
Thanks in advance.
I am 6 feet, and fit in our RSX fine, but I don't think there is room for four more inches.
I sat in a 2-dr Civic, and I thought the seat went way back. It had more room than the 4-dr model. It would probably also be quieter than an RSX.
I found this:
If you look behind the lights you will see two white gears, the gears on the outermost part of the car are the ones to aim up the low beams. You stick a phillips screwdriver in the slot and turn the gear to the left to raise the beam, or to the right to lower the beam.
I can't say where I found it because the moderators would not approve...:-)....but this should help you in your quest. There was also mention of needing to remove the bumper, but I doubt that is needed just to adjust headlights. Nevertheless, keep that in mind while looking for the elusive "white gears". :-)
Another idea would be to buy a helms manual...but that seems kind of extreme for just a headlight adjustment.
good luck
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Thank you very much. Tomorrow I will investigate.
Today/tonight I drove my wife's Toyota for the first time since I got the RSX. It saddened me to realize how MUCH BETTER I can see at night in the Toyota. It is a 2001, and I am wondering if the government has mandated lowering the lights since 2001?? I cannot imagine why Acura would lower the lights so drastically otherwise. The low beams on the Toyota are about equal (coverage, not brightness) as the high beams on the RSX. I could not help but compare that even the Toyota's low beams illuminate the road side signs and reflectors almost a 1/4 mile down the road, and the high beams illuminate the road. The distinct horizontal "line" on the RSX lights where there is no light above completely eliminates the possibility of seeing important reflectors ahead (such as an upcoming turn in the road). Very distressing. Another big difference is the side illumination is much better on the Toyota.
Please. Do not anyone retort and tell me I should get a Toyota. I really like the RSX in every category except this important one. I suspect if I drove mostly in the city I would not have even noticed this condition.
If anyone is reading the exchange and wondering why I am so concerned .... these are important issue to me because I live in the far north country of NH. There is little traffic, but the moose occupy the road (licking the salt I am told), and under the best of conditions, they are difficult to see. In the rain, they are impossible to see. I drive about 50 mph at night even in the Toyota, and have had to drive even slower in the RSX. I have had several close calls, and to hit a moose can be fatal. The RSX lights are bright, and provide good illumination immediately in front of the vehicle, but they are too low, and do not project out far enough to make it possible to anticipate obsticales in the road. I think there is sufficient lumens, if I can only raise the beam sufficient enough to see further down the road. Road lights may be another possibility too.
Again, thank you very much. I will let you know the outcome.
But it is also possible that your Toyota's light are mis-aimed high, and you have just become used to this.
When I came out of the Matrix into this car, I noticed that the lights did not illluminate as far ahead, but part of it is the perspective, I think. This car is lower, so you cannot see as far ahead.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Well I have complained long enough. I will not mention it again except to report the problem has been resolved. I really do like the vehicle. It is everything, and more, that I wanted. I am absoluitely delighted with the fuel efficiency, especially with the additional 5 cents a gallon added since yesterday.
Have a wonderful RSX day.
I have noticed it is lower on the left than on the right. I have to go in in a month or so for the first oil change, and I am going to make a second attempt to have the steering wheel centered (last time they did an alignment which changed the wheel but did not center it). So maybe I will ask that they check the headlight aim as well.
Lots of operation in the 4-6K rpm range now, and still managing 30 mpg - sweet. Gas just jumped up another 13 cents a gallon here - now $2.25 for regular.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Last night, I parked on flat pavement and measured the light pattern (low beam). It only illuminated 16 yards in front of the vehicle. Beyond the 16 yards, there was virtually no light. Road side signs and reflectors were not illuminated. At 40 mph, I could only see 3 seconds out. Coming home I came upon a hiker along, but off the road (thankfully). I DID NOT SEE HIM. Had he been close to the edge, I would have had 3 seconds to react. By the way, the right beam is always slightly higher than the left.
As I say, the dealer adjusted the lights today. While I have not driven the RSX in full darkness, it was dusk when I got home. It is going to be greatly IMPROVED. I can see reflectors and sign well out in front of the car. The dealer said they are as high as they can go. I think it will be good.
Happy RSX'n to all.
I am purchasing a new car within the week and cannot decide. I've been on several test drives also. The RSX provides nice pickup and a fast ride, but the lack of options kills me (I have to drive the base-auto, no manual for me). I love the way the RSX looks, but really, hatchbacks are a pain to me b/c every time I open it, I have to use the key. The Accord has a smooth ride, lots of space, and plenty of fun little options I never ever thought I needed (that's how they get you...I don't really NEED any of them), but EVERYONE has a Honda, I don't appreciate the Honda pickup, and there is something about the RSX that keeps pulling me back.
My driving needs:
Weekends, mostly city driving, efficient gas mileage, ability to perform quick turns and passes (I will be driving on Atlanta highways, anyone who lives there, you know what I'm talking about).
Any thoughts from the experts???
RSX-s in for an oil change one day and drove off with the TSX, more my style and a much different ride that the RSX-s. Also, in the 10 months that I have had it I have maybe seen 2 or 3 others on the road here in Richmond, VA. Love that.
So I am curious - is there a lot besides NAV that you can get on Accord that you cannot get on RSX base? Also, they are very different in size - maybe size should be the deciding factor?
acurasalesman: I am curious - the latest numbers I have seen have RSX and TSX now selling in about equal numbers as of the first quarter of this year...wouldn't the reason you see less TSX's on the road simply be that the RSX has been here unchanged from its current form for three years now, while TSX has been here less than one?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
felt, if you're still not satisfied w/ your recently adjusted headlights, maybe you can get foglights. However, I recommend on not getting stock foglights; try aftermarket, such as PIAAs. That's what I have and they're super bright.
At least I will not need to worry about hitting the moose that I have seen every trip of late. An SUV hit it right in the center of the road Saturday and killed it. Completely destroyed the SUV as well. Fortunately, the driver was not seriously hurt.
Happy RSX'n to all.
It's all downhill from here! :-)
First the arthritic joints and then the paint starts to peel and fall off.
:-D
2k more miles and I'll be at the 50k mark. It should take awhile though because I only drive at about 10 miles per day now.
As for scheduled maintenance, I bring mine to my dealer. I did this mainly because I bought it as a spanking new model in the fall of 2001 and I was driving 700 miles per week with it. Plus I don't have to worry about them giving me the "questionable eye" when something needs fixing.
BTW, It has nothing to do with lack of mechanical abilities since I have rebuilt many engines in my younger days.
Isn't there a maintenance schedule inside the manual showing what is done at certain time intervals? I seem to recall seeing one of those at some point.
If anyone is interested, it is my understanding the dealer adjusted the lights all the way up. Last night I did not get any oncoming drivers "blinking" their lights at me, so that makes me think the lights are not offensive.
That's good to hear. :-)
If anyone is interested, it is my understanding the dealer adjusted the lights all the way up. Last night I did not get any oncoming drivers "blinking" their lights at me, so that makes me think the lights are not offensive.
So now what happens when you turn on your high beams? Do you blind low-flying aircraft? :-)
kinda funny??
thems fightin words! :-)
Mine look like standard fog lights...oval shaped... and they fit nicely in the panels on either side of the air scoop.
I've had to replace them two times though due to rocks cracking the lenses.
The dealer has replaced them both times for free ...maybe because I'm one of the few buyers who opted for them back in the early days. I heard there were alot of problems with them and I don't even know if they still offer them as standard equipment anymore.
Nevertheless, I was told this was the last time they were going to replace them for me (again)...so I will switch over to some PIAA's eventually. The good thing is that the wiring is all ready for me when the time comes.
....funny looking.....sheesh :-)
BTW, there are pictures of them on other websites, but I'm not allowed to mention their name here.
:-)
Actually, I "think" they only adjusted the low beams; not sure. The high beams were alkways acceptable, and do not seem to be any higher.
Good RSX'n to all
The fog lights are same as the Honda Civic Part # 08v31s5d1m102.I live in Maine.Dealer said you'll be back.
The next week I did the same thing all over again. Another $132.00 .
The moral of this tale is to put Stoneguard on your fog lamps.($19.95)
I put a clear X-pel mask on hood and back of mirrors.
However, I goofed and did the front bumper too,but if you check it out,you'll find Acura aready has it on there .
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
They said they won't do it again though. :-)