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Acura RSX (All years/types)
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Comments
Never let a heavy dude sit at the back:B
This noise happens when I go a little fast and sharp on the turn from an angeled or elevated side walk. Doing the same turn with slower speed doesn't produce that noise. Also this noise is not there when turning on the street.
I can't locate which side of the tire the noise come from. But it's a noise as if something is grinding against something. It doesn't sound metal against metal.
My friend with a Silver RSX makes the same noise(told me today).
Is anyone else experiencing the same thing?
so my question is to anyone who has a black RSX - does your car have blue specks in the paint, or is this just the Midnight Blue color? I am still under the impression that this car is black - it doesn't look blue at all unless you are right ontop of the paint and can see the blue specks...
also, the dealership mentioned that the normal maintenence for the car suggests the oil not be changed for the first time until 10K miles - that sounds ridiculous to me. When have others been changing their oil on the standard RSX (with auto trans)?
Thanks.
Oil Changes - yes, the manual does say 10K miles under normal driving conditions, and 5K miles under severe. I started with the 10K period, but after a couple of changes decided I'd rather go to the 5K schedule. Just to be on the safe side...
My fiancee and I are planning to buy either an RSX (base model) or a VW GTI VR6. We prefer the GTI's speed and torque, looks (though the RSX is growing on me), and features, but we are concerned about reliability. We are about to enter 5 year doctoral programs, so we want a vehicle that will go at least 5 years, and hopefully more, without needing major repairs. I know Honda/Acura has a very strong reputation for reliability, but I haven't heard much about the RSX in particular.
Maybe it's too early to tell, but what do people predict about the reliability of the RSX? Consumer Reports predicts it'll have above average reliability, but doesn't give it the highest grade. I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on this. Thanks!
You'll get more power, utility and higher kit levels with the GTI. If you're getting an auto tranny, the VR6's torque is essential.
From what I have heard, the dealership experience at the Acura shop might be better than VW's.
Take each one for long, back-to-back test drives over the same route and then decide.
Also, what is the price point on each?
Finally, does one car significantly outweigh the other?
On another note, on the VW boards, there has been a great deal of talk about dealerships and Volkswagon not backing up their products.
In auto mode, the RSX is a little anemic unless you use the autoshifter.
A friend of mine has the RSX auto and really likes it.
If I were entering a 5 year program, I would def. go with the Acura. BTW - my bike did not fit in back of the GTI like it did in my GS-R -- it's much shorter.
Any other questions, just ask.
Thanks again for your feedback.
Keep us posted on how it works out for you.
The other thing I noticed is that the overall acceleration of the car seems to change - some days it feels as if it has plenty of pickup, while at other times it feels labored and sluggish. Does anyone else experience this, or know what factors contribute to it? Could outside heat/humidity effect performance? If so, would it be this noticeable?
Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
The only experience we had with a car that had a very firm seat was when we rented a Mazda Protege several years ago, and we hated it.
I looked at the engine, and it sure looked like it did not have a cross-flow head. What's up with that? I thought all transverse-mounted Honda 4-cyl engines had the air intake in the back and the exhaust in the front, which seems like a nice design to me. Do you like the RSX design that has the fuel injectors, which might eventually leak, so close to the hot exhaust pipes?
Bob
About the Honda trademark intake in back, exhaust in front... that used to be true but it changed in the most recent generation of Honda inline-4's. It seems with the intake in front and exhaust in back there's less piping to route (Honda's big on packaging) and the shorter/more direct exhaust path to the cat improves emissions, especially on startup. Plus now that Honda engines spin the same direction as everyone else's they might have an easier time selling motors to other manufacturers.
Cleveland, Ohio 07/11/2002 -- Acura will offer its first Factory Performance package for the RSX Type-S at dealerships nationwide beginning in early 2003, the company announced today.
The Factory Performance package features track-tuned shocks and springs that lower the car by approximately one inch. These shocks and springs combined with lightweight aluminum alloy wheels, 17-inch high performance tires, slotted brake rotors and performance brake pads give the RSX Type-S razor sharp handling, reduced body roll, increased cornering grip and enhanced braking performance. A rear wing spoiler, an under-body spoiler kit and an interior trim package featuring a Factory Performance shift knob and badging, give the car an aggressive, high performance look.
"Since the RSX Type-S is already so popular with the performance enthusiast market, it gives us the perfect opportunity to launch this exciting collection of factory high performance components," said Stony Furutani, manager of accessory marketing. "An RSX owner can now build a pure Acura performance vehicle with no compromises and without voiding the factory warranty on their car."
The Factory Performance package will have an MSRP of $4,800 plus installation. While Acura offers a wide range of dealer installed accessories, the introduction of the RSX Type-S Factory Performance package marks the first time Acura will offer a comprehensive high performance kit to be installed by dealers and covered under a factory warranty.
"The warranty coverage alone makes buying the Factory Performance package a smart move versus buying aftermarket parts," explained Furutani. "And since it includes only genuine Acura parts, you know you're getting the same high level of quality as the rest of your vehicle."
The RSX Type-S Factory Performance package will include:
- High performance, track-tuned shocks and springs
- Slotted brake rotors and performance brake pads
- Lightweight 17x7.5 inch alloy wheels
- High performance tires (225/45VR17)
- Factory performance rear wing spoiler
- Under-body spoiler kit
- Metallic look interior trim kit
- Factory Performance shift knob
- Factory Performance badging
Acura Factory Performance is a complete dealer installed accessory package that addresses the demands of performance enthusiasts by providing enhanced handling, aggressive looks, quality, and durability, while maintaining the legendary Acura driving experience.
Does this mean that the RSX Type-R is not coming to North America?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I agree with both sphinx99 and nyccarguy, too much moola for this package. Yes, a 350Z would be a better alternative given the additional cost.
Wow! I hope that price includes a sobriety check, because you'd have to be stoned to pay $5000+ for that kit.
350Z and WRX dealers everywhere are saying, "Thank you, Acura!"
Acura fans everywhere are saying, "Thanks for nothing!"
17" wheels should be std on the S model, IMO.
It's also safe to assume that the dealer will charge an arm and a leg for installation. $4800+install+markup? Even in Canadian dollars it's a rip off.
wayde, I agree that 17" tires/wheels should have come on the RSX-S. Even if that higher trim cost a couple hundred bucks more.
I see the RSX-S with Performance Package as a temporary placeholder until the real RSX sports car, the Type R, debuts in N. America in 2004 (latest rumor I've heard).
"...The parts come only as a $4800 package. And you will pay extra to have your dealer install it; shade-tree mechanics need not apply. The upside is the kit carries a factory warranty. Only 1000 of the packages will be available."
Okay, a warranty is included, but sheesh! Figure on at least 8 hours of labor @ $70-80/hr, and you're left asking yourself, "Do I have to bring my own Vaseline?" OUCH!
Honda: EX model. Add automatic and, uh, silver-metallic paint.
There, that was easy. What's the stressing-out about? If you need $5000 upgrade packages, head over to BMW. If you really want a limited-slip differential, check out Nissan or Subaru, or go aftermarket if you stick with Hondas out of religous zeal.
If this sorry-excuse-for-an-new-autos market doesn't change by the end of the decade, the "Silver Bullet II" will be a RSX. (Which, of course, is fine by me... standard keyless entry and automatic climate control, hmmmmm...!)
But I think Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda, along with Honda, will get back to producing real sport coupes again. Dontcha think? >:(
(of course, that's before install, so shall we say, $6000?)
When development dollars are going to cars like the Pilot and that newest rolling joke, the Element, I'm guessing there isn't much of a priority being put upon "driver's cars."
And don't forget that both Honda and Nissan are developing full-size pickup trucks. Those ought to be tons o' fun to drive, huh?
What the hell is wrong with Honda/Acura? They're trying to be Toyota. Dumb move.
1. How bad are the rear corner blind spots? One poster actually said they were as bad as the Celica.
2. How is the braking? I know the RSX doesn't brake as well as a Celica, but I can't tell if that means the braking is good, bad, or average.
3. Is the RSX being stolen as much as the Integra? Do the parts still fit the Civic?
It's a high-compression engine using very lightweight oil.
Some oil blow-by is to be expected until the piston rings wear in a bit. My Prelude used 2 quarts the first 5,000 miles, but it's fine now.
Just be sure to check your oil often.
Isn't the Honda S2000 a real sports coupe? Or since it's a bona fide sports car (RWD, 2 seats, very high HP/weight ratio), it doesn't count as a sports coupe (FWD, 2+2 seats, very good but not superb HP/weight ratio)?
I would call Integra/RSX a 'sports car' too, but I wouldn't mean that to imply it's the same as a S2000, M roadster, or 911.
As for RSX, theft data has not shown it to be anything like the Integra rates.
RSX/Integra = sport coupe
vero -- What don't you like about the Miata?
Oh well, ask me again in thirty years when I'm an old geezer.
I'm sure the reason is that the new Integras are so damn ugly! I swear the front end looks like a Ford, especially the headlights. I was very disappointed in Honda when they unveiled the new Integra. I was ready to buy one until I saw how ugly it was. So I decided to keep my old 92 Integra until it dies. And by the looks of it, that won't happen anytime soon, even though I have over 192,000 miles on it. Just installed a new clutch too! The engines on these cars are bullet-proof, and I drive mine especially hard.
I also lament the name change. The Integra name is so much more appropriate for this car. By the way, the Integra name is still used in Japan. Japan always gets the best stuff including the name!!!! Yes, I know, it's just a cheap marketing scam for the american market, just like the Acura name. And for all of you who have not been to Japan, the acura name doesn't even exist over there. Even the NSX is badged as a Honda.
Isn't it about time to end the acura name farce?
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/theft/2002hightheftlines.html
High Theft Rate = High Insurance Rates
Second thing, we're well aware that the Lexus/Acura/Infiniti trio are brands made for use outside of Japan.
Third thing, Acura brand is fine. How many more commercials do you need?
Fourth thing, insurance companies suck. The RSX has not had very high theft rates; 'Honda' or 'Acura' sporty cars automatically get hit with high insurance rates.
WRX is too dang ugly. I like Subarus, but if I got one, I'd want the lights changed. Front of the RSX does not scream "Ford."
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
As far as the naming (acura, lexus, infiniti)... these companies are not stupid - they know that in order to sell a more expensive car in the American market they needed a new image. I'm sure they would have liked to have saved the millions of dollars in marketing and branding efforts. In Europe and Asia, the name isn't as important as the car itself, so they market their cars overseas without the addition of another 'brand'.
HTTP://www.hwysafety.org/news%5Freleases/2002/pr051502.htm
Car Frequency
Integra 21.7
Wrangler 8.5
Cherokee 4WD 6.6
Prelude 6.4
Mirage 6.2
These are for the 1999-2001 model years, where frequency is defined as theft claims per 1000 car-years.
The fact of the matter is, the RSX and the WRX are fine automobiles and I wouldn't mind owning either one. But the RSX/WRX comparison is for another forum...so I won't clutter this forum with comparing them.
I've seen the RSX compared to the Celica, Cavalier, Civic, and now Ford. People can't seem to make up their minds.
IIRC Acura planned on a sales volume of 30K/year and the RSX was selling at a pace of a bit over 3K/month.