Buying a car can be a very exciting, stressful event in your life, so I wanted to write something to give you the leg up when inspecting your options online or in person at a dealership.
The Acura RSX, also known as the DC5, is the fourth-generation evolution of the classic Honda Integra. Each new version of the Integra has brought some more entry level luxury options, as well as more powerful engines. The DC5 RSX is a "hidden gem" of sorts, due to a polarizing aesthetic design, but can be a real value for first time and even experienced car buyers. It's exceptionally important to research all the details of your potential new car to make sure you don't end up with buyer's remorse, or maybe a lemon.
Model Year Differences
There are 2 main versions of the Acura RSX in America - the Base, and Type-S. They were named differently in Canada, Australia, and Japan, but most of what I'm saying applies still to the other markets.
2002 - 2006 Acura RSX Base
- K20A3 2.0L DOHC iVTEC ~ 160 Crank Horsepower
- Interior Color Options are Black (Ebony) or Beige (Titanium)
- Cruise Control
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS
- Power Windows / Locks
- Power Moon Roof
- "Sporty" Cloth Seats (Optional perforated leather)
- 5 Speed Manual Transmission OR
- 5 Speed Automatic Transmission
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2002 - 2004 RSX Base with "Teared Up" Headlights
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| 2005 - 2006 RSX Base - Notice the New Front Bumper and Lights |
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| 2002 - 2004 Style Beige Cloth Seats |
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| 2002 - 2004 Style Black Cloth Seats |
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| 2002 - 2004 RSX Base Speedometer - Notice the Lower 6800 RPM Red Line, and the 140 MPH Speedometer (Also this one is automatic) |
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| 2005 - 2006 RSX Base Speedometer - Notice the Different Gauge Styling |
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2002 - 2004 RSX Base 16x6.5" +45 Offset Wheel - 16lbs each without tire
2005 - 2006 RSX Base 17x7" +45 Offset Wheel - 21lbs each without tire |
This version of the RSX was made throughout the entire production of the RSX name, with an exception for the 2005 facelift away from the "teared" up headlights to a sharper design. As the name suggests, it was the most bare bones version. Options can differ slightly depending on what the original owner wanted. It was originally priced at $19,950 in 2002, and increasing to $20,175 by 2006.
2002 - 2004 RSX Type-S
- K20A2 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC ~ 200 Crank Horsepower
- All Features Included from the Base Model
- Foglights
- Bose 7-Speaker Sound System (Including Spare Tire Subwoofer)
- In-Dash 6-CD Changer
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Rear Hatch Spoiler
- Larger Sway Bars
- Gunmetal Painted Wheels
- 11.8" Ventilated Front Brake Disks
- 6 Speed Manual Transmission with Close Gear Ratios (Only Option)
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| 2002 - 2004 RSX Type S - Notice the "Teared Up" Rear Lights, and Spoiler |
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| 2002 - 2004 Style Beige Leather Seat |
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| 2002 - 2004 Style Black Leather Seat |
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| 2002 - 2004 Gauge Cluster - Notice the Higher 7900 RPM Red Line, and 160 MPH Speedometer |
The Type S was another separate model with a more powerful engine. They only came with manual transmission options. The head flows exceptionally well, and is typically the candidate to swap a K24 block onto for a high torque, high horsepower naturally aspirated engine. The main difference in the picture is the Type-S badge, and the spoiler, as the front of the car looks the same as the base model. Originally in 2002, the Type S was $23,170.
2005 - 2006 RSX Type-S
- K20Z1 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC ~ 210 Crank Horsepower
- Aesthetic Refresh, Different Front and Rear Lights and Bumpers
- Foglights
- Different Leather Seats
- Rear Hatch Spoiler (Updated)
- 17" 5-Spoke Enkei Wheels (Optional 17" Enkei J-10 Alloy Wheels with Acura Center Caps)
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2005 - 2006 RSX Type S Rear End - Notice the Changed Spoiler, and Different Tail Light Design
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The fastest RSX variant (in the US, unless you import a Japanese Integra Type-R) came in 2005 along with the aesthetic refresh. The extra 10 horsepower at the crank comes from camshafts, b-pipe, muffler, 4.77 final drive ratio, crankshaft pulley, and the intake snorkel duct originating from the Japanese Integra Type R. The price in 2006 was $25,995.
A-Spec Package
- Body Kit (Front Lip, Sideskirts, Rear Diffuser)
- Supra-Style Spoiler / Wing (With Stronger Hatch Shocks to Compensate)
- Stiffer Sport Suspension
- A-Spec Exterior Badges
- 5 Dual Spoke 17" Gun Metal Wheels
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| 2005 - 2006 RSX Type S with A-Spec Style Front Lip |
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| 2005 - 2006 RSX Type-S A-Spec - Notice A-Spec Wheels, Rear Bumper Lip, and Wing |
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| A-Spec 17x7.5" +45 Offset Wheels - 23lbs each without tire |
The A-Spec package was a dealer option that could be put on to base or Type-S models. The body kit is almost directly a copy from the JDM Integra Type R Modulo kit. Modulo is a Thailand-based branch of Honda that sells genuine Honda performance parts, similar to Toyota's TRD arrangement. The package was originally $4,164, plus dealer installation fee.
Conclusion
I hope this helps you pick which RSX you're most interested in, or learn about what's available from the factory so you can understand what you're buying. I'll add more pictures and model differences when I get a chance to find an RSX in the junkyard.
Disclaimer:
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