Is the RSX All That it's Made Out to Be?

In one word, the answer to this question is yes. It's great in so many ways that not many cars in its class -- not even cars that cost nearly twice as much -- can truly match it.

NOTE: This review applies to both the 2005 and the 2006 models, which are essentially the same.

NOTE2: This review only addresses the Type-S model, not the base.

NOTE3: The car I drove (multiple times) was a 2005 model belonging to a friend of mine. This can be moved to the 2005 section if deemed necessary, but I didn't want the 2006 to have no reviews.

Exterior
This is, after all, the first part of the RSX you see. Even before popping the hood, you can tell that this is a performance oriented car. Without exaggerating too much, I think it's safe to say that this car looks sporty and fun from virtually every angle.

The Type-S model, which I recommend to any prospective RSX buyer, flaunts 17 inch wheels, new for 2005. The wheels make the car look meaner and more aggressive, while also reducing the visual effect of the wheel gap. Honda has always had a fetish for adding 4x4-esque wheel gap, so I recommend lowering the car after purchase. Also, the Type-S comes with a small deck-lid spoiler (new for 2005) which enhances the exterior by offering a place for the car to "end," further adding to the aggressive look of the car. The only problem with this spoiler is that the aftermarket types who would rather have a JDM or some other spoiler require the removal of the deck-lid spoiler, which is just a minor inconvenience.

When I first saw the 2005 RSX, it left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, it was a beautiful car, with sleek lines and virtually no gaps between parts. However, the new headlights and tail lights (redesigned for 2005) have eliminated the little bulges at the bottoms. This wouldn't have been a big deal, had it not been for two factors: the half-circles reminded one of the long Integra heritage, known for the circular headlights. Also, the RSX, when paired with the new headlights (and especially with the Honda badges popular among modifiers), looks like a Civic to some people. This may or may not be a problem for you, but be warned that your $25000 dollar car could be mistaken for a modest, economic, sensible Civic.

Interior

Any doubts about the econobox-ishness would all end here. This is one of the most well-made interiors I have ever been in. It doesn't have all the techno-gadgets of a BMW or the over-all ride comfort of a premium Lexus sedan, but it serves up one of the most pleasurable driving experiences ever. Compare the RSX to any car offering comparable performance and you'll be hard pressed to find many cars costing less than 40k with such gorgeous interiors. Feel around the cabin and you'll relatively few things that are hard to the touch. It's hard to remember that you're in a car costing less than 25k when you examine the interior from the wonderful sport seats, which also work beautifully on long-range trips.

The amazement with the RSX also comes from the wonderful list of standard features. Go to any competitor's dealership and approach them to buy their car, and they'll tell you a happily low price. It's all fine until you're presented with the options list, on which you'll be presented with hundreds of tiny additions, each costing an arm and a leg. Basic amenities like power windows and folding rear seats will cost hundreds, if not thousands. This is not the case with this wonderful compact. In fact, the car comes standard with many amazing features like automatic climate control, on top of the extensive list of amenities like A/C, CD changer, and power everything.

One caveat though: If you're an audiophile or anyone who loves to listen to music, upgrade your sound system with something aftermarket. You'll be thankful. The standard Bose audio system in the Type-S model (I haven't listened to the base) is pretty horrid, and judging by the experiences of numerous RSX owners, it’s safe to say that you'll agree as well. Another quibble: the dual-action cup holder/storage compartment sounds very nifty and works well, but it soon becomes a pain to use the thing.

Performance

The RSX (and especially the Type-S) are notably quick on the road. Following the Honda tradition, they sport amazingly high power from an amazingly small engine. The 210 horses of the Type-S come straight from a 4-cylinder i-VTEC 2.0 liter engine. The RSX also carries the Honda heritage of revving high. The engine soars all the way to 8100 RPM, using an intelligent variable valve timing system. Honda's VTEC system (and the i-VTEC in the RSX) is arguably the most advanced of its kind, and was the model for all the other companies' offerings. For more information on VTEC, search Google; there are many sites dedicated to this wonderful system.

One clarification about the horsepower: Honda/Acura, Toyota, and some other companies have switched their system of rating horsepower to a new standard for 2006. The revised ratings comply with new Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards. As a result, the 2006 RSX hp rating says 201 horsepower, but it is really the same engine as the 2005 and therefore is still 210 horsepower. Don’t let anyone tell you that the 2006 is slower than the 2005.

If, when you read 2.0 liter engine and 8100 RPM, you thought this was another loud, annoying, high-pitched Japanese compact, it's time to think again. Step on the gas and rev this thing high, and you don't get any sense of driving a small-engined car. In fact, the RSX is a joy to drive, especially at high RPMs. The engine is hardly heard at all while driving with the windows up. The exhaust hums at a beautiful note, reminiscent of the Integras of the late 90s. The stock exhaust sounds wonderful while seated in the car; it isn't too obnoxious but it reminds you that you are in a performance-oriented machine.

The transmission in this car is a hoot to drive. Few cars can even come CLOSE to the manual in this car. The clutch and the shifter feel just right, and the throws are short and crisp. Honda is well-known for making excellent transmissions, and I'd go as far as to say that this is the best transmission on any Honda ever (atleast in the US) save for the S2000. The 6-speed gearbox also gives you optimal power in each gear, and the short ratios ensure that you’re always right on the powerband.


Handling is another aspect of this car which I love to death. This thing corners like nobody's business, and its performance on mountain roads leaves the driver thirsting for more. There's just something about being on a desolate road with no speed enforcement, singing through the ups, downs, and arounds with the 2.0 liter musical instrument, humming to the tune of a lovely VTEC song. In the hands of a good driver, this car has virtually no problems in the handling department (such as under/oversteer). One thing I’d do to make this car much better is to swap out the rubbers. The stock tires are great for cruising and city driving, but for performance, they just flat out suck.

Everything under the hood and under the car does its job with no fuss or hassle (in pure Honda fashion). The only thing the driver has to worry about is the driving itself.

Conclusion

What can I say? It’s an Acura. There are few reliability problems, and whatever doesn’t work is quickly fixed by most dealers (unless your dealer is particularly bad). Service is general is usually fine, but my research has pointed me to a few specific problems with some people. Then again, that’s a few people out of the thousands that bought this car. The main issue that existed with the 2002-2004 models was second gear grind, but that seems to have been fixed for 2005 .

This car is very good at holding its value, provided you do your part by keeping it clean and in shape. The magazines love it, and the automotive media always ranks it high above it’s competitors in the comparison tests. The high demand with young people (teenagers, college students, etc) also drives up the price, so if you want to keep this car only for a few years, you’ll still get a lot of your money back in the end.