2003 Acura RSX Review
2003 Acura RSX Review





+53
Acura RSX types
- Hatchback
- Type-S
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
- Combined MPG
- 26 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $155/month
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- front wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Gas
- Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
Safety
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
People who viewed this also viewed
4.5 average Rating out of 13 reviews. |
Starting at $25,050 |
See Inventory |
Starting at $39,850 |
See Inventory |
3.6 average Rating out of 22 reviews. |
Starting at $49,550 |
See Inventory |
More about the 2003 Acura RSX
Used 2003 Acura RSX Overview
The Used 2003 Acura RSX is offered in the following submodels: RSX Type-S, RSX Hatchback. Available styles include Type-S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M), 2dr Hatchback w/Leather (2.0L 4cyl 5A), 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5A), 2dr Hatchback w/Leather (2.0L 4cyl 5M), and 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M). Pre-owned Acura RSX models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 200 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2003 Acura RSX comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual, 5-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2003 Acura RSX?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2003 Acura RSXS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2003 Acura RSX for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2003 Acura RSX.
Can't find a used 2003 Acura RSXs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Acura RSX for sale.
Find a used Acura for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Acura RSX for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Acura for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2003 Acura RSX?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Acura lease specials
Check out Acura RSX lease specials
Related Used 2003 Acura RSX info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Rolls Royce Ghost Series Ii 2020 Review
- Rolls Royce Ghost 2021 Review
- Rolls Royce Phantom 2020 Review
- Rolls Royce Phantom 2021 Review
- Rolls Royce Wraith 2020 Review
Shop similar models
- Nissan Versa-note 2019
- Toyota Corolla-im 2018
- Toyota Corolla-hatchback 2023
- Lexus CT-200H 2017
- Audi RS-5 2023
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Hyundai Accent 2006
- Used Mazda 5 2008
- Used Cadillac Escalade EXT 2003
- Used Toyota Venza 2011
- Used Chevrolet Caprice 1992 For Sale
- Used Chevrolet Malibu 1999
- Used Cadillac XTS 2017
- Used Volvo V90 2018
- Used Ford C-Max Hybrid 2016
- Used Ford Expedition 2012
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Porsche 718 Cayman 2023
- 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- 2022 S5
- 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE
- 2022 Kia Niro
- 2023 CT4
- 2022 INFINITI QX55
- 2022 Audi A7
- 2022 Audi TT
- 2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Research recent models from same make
- Acura Ilx
- Acura NSX
- Acura MDX 2023
- 2023 Acura TLX
- 2022 Acura RDX
- 2022 MDX
- 2022 Acura TLX
- Acura TLX 2023
- 2022 Acura MDX
- Acura TLX 2022
Research similar vehicles
- Mitsubishi Mirage 2022
- Maserati Hardtop 2 Door 2022
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV 2022
- Audi A5 2022
- Mini Clubman
- Maserati Clubman 2023
- 2022 Mazda 3
- 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E
- 2022 Maserati Hardtop 4 Door
- 2022 Audi S5
Recommended
- Best Ford F-350 Super Duty Lease Deals in Rochester, NY
- New Audi Q5 for Sale in Scarborough, ME
- Best Land Rover Range Rover Velar Lease Deals in Joliet, IL
- New Audi A4 for Sale in Langhorne, PA
- Best Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron Lease Deals in Metairie, LA
Other models
- Used Kia Sportage-Plug-In-Hybrid in Southgate, MI
- Used BMW M4-CSL in Tifton, GA
- Used Kia Sportage-Plug-In-Hybrid in King Of Prussia, PA
- New Mercedes-Benz Eqe-Suv for Sale in Casselberry, FL
- New Mercedes-Benz Eqe-Suv for Sale in Hesperia, CA
- Used BMW M4-CSL in Fort Washington, MD
- Used Kia Sportage-Plug-In-Hybrid in Cockeysville, MD
- Used BMW M4-CSL in Palm Harbor, FL
- New Mercedes-Benz Eqe-Suv for Sale in Chico, CA
- Used Nissan Z in Orem, UT
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-1500Hd-Classic in Hackettstown, NJ
- Used BMW 1-Series-M in Schererville, IN
- Used Nissan Z in Middletown, NY
- New Mercedes-Benz Eqe-Suv for Sale in Clifton Park, NY
- New Hyundai Ioniq-6 for Sale in Moorpark, CA
- New Genesis Electrified-G80 for Sale in Hattiesburg, MS
- Used Nissan Z in Havelock, NC
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Jamison, PA
- Used BMW Activehybrid-5 in Greenwich, CT
- Used Kia Sportage-Plug-In-Hybrid in Stafford, VA
- Used Kia Sportage-Plug-In-Hybrid in Lafayette, CA
- Used Kia Sportage-Plug-In-Hybrid in Plymouth, MA
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Oakland, CA
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Rome, GA
- Used Toyota Paseo in Burlington, VT
- Used Audi E-Tron-S-Sportback in Williamston, NC
- New Mercedes-Benz Eqe-Suv for Sale in Ann Arbor, MI
- New Mercedes-Benz Eqe-Suv for Sale in Plymouth, MI
- Used BMW M4-CSL in Hutchinson, KS
- Used Nissan Ariya in Marshfield, MA