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Acura RSX (All years/types)
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The TSX is wonderful - a taut sport sedan that is not overly large. If you had an RSX-S before, though, you will notice less high-speed punch than you had before. This has the same power rating and about a 1/4 ton of extra baggage. But off the line torque is better due to the larger engine.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Would you say from reviews the TSX is a better choice?
My impressions were that the TSX handled superbly and had nice accel but was not quite up to the RSX's level in either category. Still, would not have missed much there with the TSX.
The TSX had some nice extras, heated seats & mirrors, audio controls on the wheel, digital everything and rear seats that could actually hold 2 adults comfortably. But the TSX was going for list then and so it was a 5k difference that was not, for me, worth it. I mostly drive it alone or 1 pass, that's it, so YMMV :-)
And, of course, when I decided to go "pre-owned", I had no TSX option, so the $ diff was even greater. If I was forced to buy something now, the choice between an '03-04 TSX or '03-04 RSX would be much tougher. I might choose the TSX.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
If Acura could do all those things we want (AWD, 2.2 L engine doing 240 HP, HID headlights, better sound system, and maybe power driver seats) for $25k, I'd consider that a very good value.
My warranty runs out in 2006, but I don't think a major redesign will have been done by then. Acura will probably offer new/different colors and a couple other minor changes between 2005 and 2006. But I think in 2007 is when we'll see a major redesign (or I fear, Acura deciding to cancel the RSX).
Therefore, I'm incredibly happy that the new (2005) RSX-S produces 10 more HP than a much more expensive TSX. For the 24-y/o kid deciding between RSX and TSX, I'd say it's a no-brainer to get the 2005 RSX-S. And spend the extra $2-3k you'd save on mods (modifications). ;-)
I am also worried that Acura will discontinue the Integra line in the U.S. after '06. It just doesn't fit the line that well over here any more. The only option would be to take it way upscale from its present point, and maybe increase the price 20% or so. It would have to have the power seats and a much better stereo, and I would think there would have to be a NAV option and standard side air curtains as well. I would wish for optional leather rather than standard, but since it is the only car in the line-up with optional leather now, I kinda doubt that would happen. I just don't like leather.
As for AWD and a 240 hp (maybe even 250, 260?) 2.2L, that would be fantastic - I wouldn't mind seeing the redline rise closer to that of the S2000 to accomplish this...
:-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
This is my first Acura/Honda and I am impressed. The car is well put together and feels "tight".
The dealer was awesome and was lower than the target price along with the 2.9% financing.
I wonder if dealers are dealing extra hard with the imminent arrival of '05s. Probably, as they will look a little different and make it obvious that the '04s are the "old" model...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I agree on some of your points. (Disclosure: I haven't seen the 2005 RSX-S in person yet, but I've seen a ton of pictures and have read many discussions on other sites.) I don't like the new lights (head or tail). I don't mind the new bumpers or side skirts. But I don't like that spoiler lip thing; I much prefer the Type-R wing that I have.
I like the incrased HP and higher red line. But it comes at a cost of increased weight and thus slightly lower gas mileage (24/31 vs. 23/31). I'm sure the seats and sound deadening material is better than before. I like the 17" wheels and better suspension and sway bar. I also like a couple of the new colors (such as magnesium metallic), even if it came at the cost of my DSM.
Anyway, for anyone debating 2004 vs. 2005 for the RSX-S, check out this article on AutoWeek:
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=100821
For anyone considering a base model, I'd recommend going w/ the 2004 and save a bundle. But for the Type-S, I'd recommend the 2005 if it's not too much more expensive. (Realize that the 2004 will sell for near invoice and the 2005 will be closer to MSRP.)
Slight correction: The Acura 3.2 TL Type-S never had a M/T option. It was always A/T (sport shift). It's only the new (2004) TL that introduced a manny tranny in that sedan.
Honda will surely do something to bring the integra more into the Acura fold for the '07 model update, unless it cancels it entirely (please, please Honda, don't do that!). 250 hp would be a great start on the way to doing just that.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Wendy
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The Acura RSX is one of a couple of models I'm considering for purchase during the next month or so, but I've read in some reviews that the road noise in the RSX is very loud. Now Acura's website claims that they've added additional sound deadening material to the '05 models. A friend of mine has an '04 TSX and it's reasonably quiet cruising on worn freeway surfaces. I don't know how the RSX compares.
There's no substitute for a test drive, I know, but does anyone out there who has driven the '05 RSX have anything positive to say on the matter of interior noise levels?
zombo: how funny! That is the exact trade I made in February this year! (mine was an XR auto though). I found that depreciation had been particularly unkind to my Matrix, and had to put in a bunch of money to make the trade. Oh my restless eyes! I vowed to stick to the RSX for at least five years.
If you get an '05 base with leather for $20,096, that will be the exact equivalent (worse by a couple hundred $$ maybe) to the deal I got for mine, which was an '04 bought in February. BUT the '05 is just arriving, whereas I bought in February, a traditionally slow time for sales. AND the model has just been updated, whereas all they did for '04 was add heated mirrors.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I basically got that car because the Celica lacked enough leg and head room,not so with the Acura.I was thinking about the Scion TC,but I think it's butt-fugly as well as too heavy,not a good replacement for the Celica IMHO.
I'll miss the RDS radio and in-dash 6 disc CD changer in the Matrix though.Too bad the Bose 6 disc unit isn't even offered in the base as an option,although I haven't ruled out the S or even a 2004 leftover if the price is right.Selling my car myself should net me at least 2-3 grand more than trading it in.The dealer offered me $1500 for my Paseo when I got the Matrix,I laughed in their faces and sold it on my own for 5K!
I haven't had firsthand experience of the 6-disc stereo in the RSX, but it might be worth it going with an 'S' just for that - the base model really sucks. Of course, if you don't mind changing the look of the dash, an aftermarket stereo would be a much cheaper option! If you can get a leftover '04 type-S, that would be the way to go in that case. Since my car has to do double duty as a commuter, I wanted the better mileage and the regular gas of the base model.
One of the things I have NOT missed at all about the Trix was the upright seating position. The RSX really envelops you - you feel like you are sitting in it, not on it. And at high speed (above 75 mph) the RSX has WAY better body control than the Matrix did - better suspension and a lower center of gravity.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I agree with Nippononly that the seating is great, once you find the right position. It took me a couple of weeks to get it just right, so a test drive might not give you a good sense of how comfortable the seats really are.
What is great about the stereo though is the ease of having all 6 discs right there instead of in the trunk in a magazine.I really haven't seen many aftermarket units-6 disc in dash,but then I really haven't looked yet.
I like the fuel economy and regular fuel requirments of the base also and am planning to test drive one within the next two weeks.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Yeah, I hope the RSX will continue to live on even after the 2006 or 2007 models. We'll see. : \
Nippon, I also agree w/ you that the RSX seats are very comfortable and keep you in place nicely. Also, the crappy Michelin tires are pretty loud on imperfect roads. The engine can get loud when you hit 75-80 MPH.
I just test drove the Matrix yesterday (Sat.). I have absolutely no interest in it, but I drove it b/c I attended Toyota's "Put It In Play" test drive event in Philly. They had the XR (the middle model), not the XRS. It was hugely underpowered and had crappy tires and suspension. In other words, the Matrix didn't give me a postive impression of it.
zombo, good luck selling your car. I don't think you'll regret trading in your Toyota for the Acura. If your finances allow you to, get the Type-S. If you decide to stay w/ the base, I'd recommend a 2004 over 2005 since the former will be faster and cheaper (and IMO, have better looking headlights and taillights). If you get the Type-S, then the 2005 might be worth it over the 2004 for the better sound insulation, 17" tires/wheels, 10 more HP, etc.
My 2002 RSX-S has about 24 kmi. on it and is still a blast to drive. That's it for now.
Since I only put 24K on my Matrix in 29 months,I might lease for 3 years and upgrade to the Type S,leaving my options open for the next upgrade or something else entirely.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
As a side note, I had to take the car in this morning to have my fog lights, interior trim and lojak installed. My loaner is a TSX. This is a really nice vehicle too. Had I the need for a sedan, this would have been a good alternative.
More to come....
Wendy
As to steering wheel radio controls, you have to balance the cost and weight of stuff like that against its actual usefulness. In the RSX, I feel the balance is OK as is because the close cockpit style of the interior makes the radio really close to the steering wheel, so it would add cost kinda needlessly (IMHO only!) to put in steering wheel controls.
As for two things that would really improve the "RSX experience" for me at very little cost (if any) to Acura, they would be an auto open/close moonroof and retained power for the windows and moonroof after the key is off. OK, and it would be nice to have auto-up on the passenger-side window in addition to the driver's window.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I really miss the audio controls on the wheel (my previous ride had them, and also auto up/down passenger, not to mention heated mirrors and seats). All of that standard on TSX, I might add.
I agree that the audio controls are well placed, but to me, controls on the wheel are terrific, requiring instant accessibility with almost no distraction factor.
I would gladly have paid $1k or $1.5k for the bundle of those additions. Of course Acura wanted to differentiate the TSX, so that wasn't going to happen. Grrrrrrr.....
Nonetheless, lest anyone think otherwise, I love this car...it's like a part of me...
Shucks, there I go all sappy again... ;-)
nippon, I didn't know the TSX's Michelin tires were identical to our RSXs'. They are definitely not that quiet, I agree w/ that. And performance isn't one of their strong points either.
BTW, I literally *just* broke 24 kmi. My odometer now reads 24001. : \ Hopefully many more tens of thousands of miles will greet my odometer in the next several years.
:-)
I'm at 53,000 miles (car is 3 years old now) and still love driving mine every day.
BTW, I got back from a 5 day vacation last week and I told my wife on the plane ride home that I missed my car. :-)
How's THAT for sappy li_sailor?
:-D
22 pounds, to be exact. New base curb weight for '05 = 2734. If I keep going on my present course, my own weight will probably fluctuate that much over the course of owning this car! :-P
yup, the TSX uses Michelin V-rated HX MXM4s, just like the RSX. "Chosen for fuel economy and quietness" is what I read in that article. They have a high treadwear rating, which I believe is the REAL reason they were chosen for this car.
I am with li sailor in one sense, and that is wishing Acura had not made such arbitrary distinctions between its models. For instance, I believe auto-up windows all-around are standard on every model except the RSX, which only has half as many windows anyway! Why omit the passenger in this one model only? Why, to differentiate the TSX of course. I would say the TSX is actually more of a bargain at its price (considering performance, utility, and feature content) than the RSX is at its own price point, but I had no need for a four-door and like small cars, so there you go. And the RSX is a blast!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
wendy
techfun, congrats on your new RSX-S. I agree w/ you that driving enthusiasts should definitely opt for the Type-S (as long as they can afford it and the more expensive insurance and gas it requires).
wendy
eowulf - the guy on tire rack recommended the Continental ContiExtremeContacts for this car, but I don't know if those are summer or all-season tires.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
1.) Continental ContiExtremeContact
2.) Kumho ECSTA ASX
3.) Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
4.) Michelin Pilot XGT Z4
5.) Pirelli PZero Nero M&S
6.) Sumitomo HTR+
7.) Yokohama AVS dB S2
Prices range from $85 to $175 per tire. If anyone has experience or knows about these tires, please do post your opinion. Thanks.
I have had good experience in general with Continental, Sumitomo, Yokohama, and Michelin tires. Not with any of these models specifically though. I was going to check out the Continentals when tire replacement time came due, and compare with the Michelin Pilots, and pick the better of the two just to keep the decision simple.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I have a 00' Integra GS-R and I would like to purchase an 05' RSX type S. I understand if I want the Peal white, I have to wait until mid to end of Nov. I like the improvements they made to the 05' model, so I am not really considering the 04'.I love my Integra, but with 79xxx miles, maybe it is time to sell and step up to the RSX. Any advice?
At 79K, you probably have many reliable years still ahead in the Integra. I would keep it if you have owned it from new and it is in good shape. The new one is not enough better that I would give up a recent Integra that is paid for.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I'd say keep the Integra for another year, listen in on the boards over what people say about the '05, and then pick one up when the '05s are being cleared out for the '06s if you want one. You'll get a better deal, and the Integra you have right now is plenty nice.
My only quibble with Nippononly is that there's still a noticeable punch when the revs get high, but even here I have to agree with him that it's probably smoother than an Integra's (I haven't driven both back to back).
Thank you for the great information. The more I look at my 00' GS-R, the body style is much sharper looking than the new RSX models. I have the underbody spoiler kit and I almost want to say that Acura ruined the "looks" of the car with the RSX, but improved the interior cockpit.
Thank you for the great information and advice also. I guess with the mileage that I have now, I thought I can still get a pretty good price for the car to put towards a new one.