2002 Acura RSX Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The RSX picks up what the Integra started -- domination of the sport coupe category.
Pros
High horsepower from Type-S model, nimble handling, plenty of standard equipment.
Cons
Modest torque output, some luxury features aren't available.
What's New for 2002
The sporty RSX is an all-new replacement for the Acura Integra. Highlights include more powerful engines, higher levels of standard equipment and enhanced driving dynamics.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great car - In love with it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura RSX 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car in 2002. This car has been my first sports car right from the dealership. I loved it on the first day and still have admiration for it. Car has cute reddish dash board that's eye pleasing. Secondly car has been extremely reliable. The car currently has 93000k miles and only changes I have done is brake jobs, tires, emission issue. At 93000 car still feels like new with same amount of acceleration as it was new.
Favorite Features
Beautiful dashboard, reliable, good horsepower, stylish
Suggested Improvements
Emission issue (check engine light) cost me 2 grand. Acura could have done better job with catalytic converter on this car. Little more power at lower rpm
After 130,000 miles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura RSX 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have more than 130,000 miles on this car. I lowered my car with aftermarket coilover. All the problems I got are associated with the suspension. Other than that I had zero problem. I'm getting 29-30 mpg on 80% hwy and 20%city. I love the fact that this car looks like a coupe but it's a hatchback. The hatchback provides so much utilities, you'll be surprised. One time I picked up a 52" LCD TV and the store employee said no way I can load it to my car but I did. There is no other car that provides so much fun, utilities and 30 mpg.
Favorite Features
Hatchback, regular fuel & steering wheel.
Suggested Improvements
Lowered ride in stock. They did just that for 2004 models.
Fun to Drive and Reliable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura RSX Type-S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Review
Not only is this vehicle a blast to drive, but I get to drive it (vs. in the shop for maintenance and repairs). The sound system is incredible as well. One downside: not great visibility for a shorter person.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Regular gasoline.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
2002 Acura RSX Type S
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura RSX Type-S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Review
Overall I'm happy with the car. My first car was an Integra, then I drove a Pathfinder and I'm happy to be back in a two door coupe. That said, the Type S isn't as good on gas as I'd hoped and it's downright treacherous in the snow. Snow tires are needed on this car. My only other real complaint is that it doesn't reach a decent speed until you rev the heck out of it, but that's the V-Tech way. Oh ya, the V-tech chip fried a month after I bought it (I bought an 02 in 06). I love the red interior lighting, the short stick and the six speeds, although at times it seems like I'm shifting way too much. Acura really just packed six speeds into 200 HP here as a gimmick, but it can be a fun one.
Favorite Features
Short stick, red interior, six speeds... sometimes.
Suggested Improvements
Somehow make it better in the snow.
Loved it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura RSX Type-S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Review
Comfortable and well designed interior (except for cupholder placement in front of shifter, though I've seen a lot worse). Beautiful inside/out. Had problem with shifting into 2nd, and everytime I had the dealer fix it the problem moved up a gear. Gave up when it got to 4th as ratios were tall enough it was rarely a problem anymore. Fairly neutral handling but beefened up rear sway bar made it better. Cold air intake helped power immensely for cheap, and engine torque dampener helped with traction. Good quality of materials and fit/finish except for the vinyl thigh support for seats. Loved the hatch - a very useful and fun car!
Favorite Features
Styling - it's a cop magnet and in a way I'm glad it's gone as I no longer get followed home. Quality and comfort was good. Performance more than adequate. Hatchback design is so useful I wish more cars in this segment were hatches. Quality of audio.
Suggested Improvements
Too late now but... audio should be MP3. More bass. LSD and/or traction control. Side mirrors leak water leaving a streak after washing and drying. Please bring it back!!
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2006 Acura RSX
- 2005 Acura RSX
- 2004 Acura RSX
- 2003 Acura RSX
- 2002 Acura RSX
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