2003 Acura RSX Review
2003 Acura RSX Review
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Used RSX for sale
Appraise This CarAcura RSX model years
Acura RSX types
- Hatchback
- Type-S
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- High-revving Type-S engine, plenty of standard equipment, nimble handling.
Cons
- Modest torque output, tight rear-seat headroom.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Acura RSX 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$157/mo for RSX Base
RSX Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Acura RSX.
5 star(84%)
4 star(11%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(1%)
212 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Baby Acura for the Win!
Steve, 08/06/2015
2003 Acura RSX 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5A)
I bought this car to replace a gas hog (Mustang GT) for college. My job is roughly an hour and a half away and I needed something decently efficient on gas that didn't have the price tag of a Prius, and could still do the work and school trips on one tank. I came across one of these on a local craigslist and haven't had any regrets. It's one of the only Acura's (to my knowledge) that … doesn't require premium gas or spark knock if you put regular gas in it. It usually does in the mid 20's mpg in the city and high 20's if not low 30's mpg on the highway. As long as you don't stomp on the gas pedal this car will do amazing no matter where you drive it; which was one of the selling points for me. The only downsides to this car come when you have to either replace belts, headlight bulbs, headlights or taillights. Because the car is so small, space under the hood is in short supply; therefore things like belts typically mean removing the entire front bumper to replace. The headlight bulbs (usually for the passenger headlight) also require removal of the entire bumper, which means you'll need to schedule some time aside for certain "simple" projects. If you need to take an entire headlight or taillight out of the car, the bumpers need to be removed completely as well since the retaining bolts are underneath the headlights and taillights. Besides those downfalls, the car is amazing. If you can find a type-s (200+hp) and don't mind driving a stick, those are the way to go. If a manual transmission isn't your thing the base models still have a good amount of kick to them (150+hp), and parts for these cars are extremely easy to find and aren't a whole lot of money either.
Update 2018: I've had this car for 5 years now, and I have only had to do normal maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs, tires, brakes, etc.). This car has never once broken down, or had any issues even in severe winters. This is one of the best purchases I have ever made, and completely explains why you still see so many of these cars on the road.
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing Car! Never want to drive anything else
Erica, 10/21/2015
2003 Acura RSX Type-S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Bought my RSX in 2009 with 50,000 miles and now in 2015 has 135,000 and drives like new. I have only done regular maintenance (oil change, breaks ect)
Thought that it may be time to drive something newer so I test drove a TSX (2012)and ILX (2016)but prefer my RSX over them both. The RSX has great reliability, has never let me down. They are fast and hug to the road with impeccable … handling. Love the simple design of the interior, comfortable bucket seats. Awesome sound system! The heat and AC work better in my car then most new cars I have been in which is impressive given my RSX is 12 years old. Know someone with the same car as me that has 336,000 miles on their RSX hope to be driving mine for that long as I haven't found anything that compares. Absolutely love this car!!!
4.63 out of 5 stars
A great little car
mjl73187, 09/08/2013
2003 Acura RSX 2dr Hatchback w/Leather (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
This is truly a little gem of a car.
I've had mine for over four years, put almost 50,000 miles on it, driven it three times round-trip from Connecticut to Arkansas, driven it around the mean streets of Brooklyn.
It never lets me down.
I've driven it at 80+ mph with all my worldly possessions (including an antique desk) crammed in the back and STILL gotten 34 mpg.
I'll drive it until the … wheels fall off, unless I need something with four doors.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Best Sport Compact Car in its Class
JayJayPG, 11/18/2010
2003 Acura RSX Type-S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
I've owned my 03 Type S for over 6 years and will most likely be keeping this car for another 6+ years. It really is the best all around FWD sport compact car out there. I always get complements on it's appearance due to the A-Spec package mine was installed with from the factory (body kit, rear wing, aluminum shift knob, sport suspension, 17" wheels). I have never had a major … mechanical problem with this car and it still drives like it did 6 years/50,000 miles ago. The only issue I have ever had with my RSX- S is a squeaky/notchy clutch pedal (which is easily remedied by spraying white lithium grease on the master cylinder pushrod).
2003 RSX Highlights
Hatchback
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,975 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $157/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the RSX include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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