2003 Acura RSX Review
Fuel Economy
24 - 26 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With an overall feeling of refinement, and exemplary steering, Acura's RSX is a car you can drive to work every day and still cut loose in over the weekend.
Pros
High-revving Type-S engine, plenty of standard equipment, nimble handling.
Cons
Modest torque output, tight rear-seat headroom.
What's New for 2003
Other than a new color, Redondo Red Pearl, there are no changes to the RSX in its sophomore year. Available from the dealer, however, is a new "Factory Performance" package that adds high-performance suspension components, better brakes, larger wheels and tires and a body kit.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Happy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Acura RSX Type-S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Review
I happy with my acura. I bought it from a private party and the previous owner kept it in great condition. Fun to drive, really happy with the fact that the back seats drop which creates a good space to store stuff. Draw back. Dash rattles, and the headlights begin to dim.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Long term owner
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Acura RSX Type-S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Review
I've owned the car since 2003 - never thought I would have it for six years, but I keep trying to find something that has a better blend of performance, fuel economy, practicality and overall fun. I've driven so many cars because I want to want another car. I never keep cars six years, but it would cost 40k+ to buy a car that would top it even now. For reliable, fun transportation that handles really well on twisty roads - throw a bike in the bike and go.
Favorite Features
Transmission - shifting was perfect from day one. I almost bought a WRX and had to walk when I felt the chunky shifts. Almost bought a BMW 128i, Lexus IS 250, Mini Cooper - just couldn't do it. Oh, and I get 35 mpg on the highway - sometimes 40, and that's since day 1.
Suggested Improvements
The car's entry level Bose system is nice but otherwise it's pretty plain. Seats haven't cracked in six years but they're not super comfortable. Turning radius is terrible - worst thing I can say about the car.
Dependable Fun Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Acura RSX 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Owned this vehicle for six months. Great car overall. Good acceleration. Good gas mileage usually get above 30 miles per gallon depending on how I drive. Only problem with it the car so far was the fan belt had to be re placed at 44,000 miles. This cars seats could be more comfortable, on long rides seats can be uncomfortable. Overall this car this car was a great decision suggested to anyone who wants a fun fast car that is good on gas.
Favorite Features
Acceleration, gas mileage, hatchback.
Suggested Improvements
Not being discontinued.
Great Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Acura RSX 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
After owning this car for about 5 years, I can safely say it was a great choice. First, the fuel efficiency is amazing. I drive the manual, and I regularly average 30-34 miles per gallon. This is mixed highway and city driving. The interior is ergonomic and spacious (for the driver, at least), the handling is crisp and responsive, the gearbox is amazing (don't whine about the grinding, it goes away after a few thousand miles), the engine is revvy and powerful for it's size and fuel efficiency, and the car is built to very tight tolerances. After 5 years, none of the electricals have gone out, nor have any rattles developed. Taut car.
Favorite Features
Fuel efficiency, peppy engine, sure and responsive handling, reliability, great steering wheel, rear seats fold down to allow you to carry incredibly amounts of stuff, thoughtful knob and switch placement, great build quality. Built in Japan!
Suggested Improvements
Brakes could use a small upgrade. Starter motor crapped out at 40k miles, but replaced under warranty with zero hassles. Highway noise can get to you after a while. Some interior plastics aren't that great. The leather on the seats isn't that great either. Sound system is weak.
Sold On Honda Products
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Acura RSX 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I've had my RSX for a year and a half now and I am so happy with how well my car drives. It handles as tight as a brand new car and I have 53000 on it now. Comfortable seats. Sport tuned suspension. Powerful yet fuel efficient engine. The car corners like a bat outta hell! I'm sold on Honda.
Favorite Features
Body styling, integrity, mpg, handling, performance, leather bucket seats, 5 speed trans.
Suggested Improvements
Nothing, the car is mint
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2006 Acura RSX
- 2005 Acura RSX
- 2004 Acura RSX
- 2003 Acura RSX
- 2002 Acura RSX
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