2005 Acura RSX Review
Price Estimate: $664 - $1,037





+52
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- High-revving Type-S engine, nimble handling, sharp steering, clean interior design, plenty of standard equipment.
Cons
- Modest torque output, tight rear-seat headroom, forgettable exterior design.
What’s new
For 2005, the RSX receives a number of changes. Horsepower for the Type-S is bumped up to 210, thanks to new high-performance camshafts, a larger intake duct, large diameter exhaust pipe and a high-flow catalytic converter. The six-speed transmission on the Type-S gets a lower final drive ratio and carbon synchronizers (instead of brass) on fifth and sixth gears for a smoother shift feel. Suspension upgrades on all models include a 7mm lower ride height, revised stabilizer bars and inversely wound springs. The steering and braking systems have been refined for better feel and response, and the Type-S gets a larger diameter front strut tower brace and 17-inch wheels. Front and rear fascias have also been redesigned, along with the side sills, grille, headlamps and taillamps. The Type-S gets a rear spoiler, as well. Inside, you'll find new deeply bolstered seats with thicker cushioning and new trim accents. Overall body rigidity has increased by 15 percent in front and 21 percent in the rear.
Edmunds says
With an overall feeling of refinement, and exemplary steering, Acura's RSX is a car you can drive to work everyday and still cut loose in it over the weekend.
For sale nearby
7 listings
- 163,140 miles
- Frame damage reported, 5 owners, personal use
- 22 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- LA Auto Sales (844 mi away)
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Cincinnati, OH
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: Yes
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JH4DC54885S002742
Stock: LA002742
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-22-2024- 142,710 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, personal use only
- 20 City / 28 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Pegasus Auto Exchange (984 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Orlando, FL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JH4DC53015S007583
Stock: 007583
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-26-2025
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 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 $2.74 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$126/mo for RSX Base
RSX Base
vs
$141/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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.
Acura RSX Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(89%)
4(9%)
3(2%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
RSX S-Type- Not Just for Kids
4.88 out of 5 starsMatthew M., 03/24/2006
2005 Acura RSX Type-S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
I've owned the RSX S-Type since Dec 1, 04. I took my wife's TSX in for an oil change and test drove the RSX while I was waiting. I went back the next day and bought the RSX. The general manager asked who the car was for. I said for me, do you think I'm too old (55 at the time). I love it. It is by far the most fun car to drive I have ever had and the most sporty. The sport does add … a much stiffer suspension than some may like but for handling you can't beat it. It loves the on ramps to the interstate and the faster you drive it the better it sticks. The higher the revs the better and it will fly in the higher rev range. Best car in this class for the money, period.
Awesome Car
5 out of 5 starsCaliPatriot88, 07/21/2010
2005 Acura RSX 2dr Hatchback w/Leather (2.0L 4cyl 5A)
I drove the Honda Integra when I was in Japan and loved it so much I bought the USDM version the RSX. I couldn't afford the type s though so I bought the luxury base model. A great car fast and nimble on the highway, it loves going fast and loves taking corners. Great on gas, run on premium and you'll get some faster acceleration out of it.
Bought it brand new. Amazing Car
5 out of 5 starsnateprice, 10/04/2013
2005 Acura RSX 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Bought it off the lot in 2005. Have had it for 193000 miles. The only thing I've had to replace is the rear calipers which siezed up at 150,000 miles. Still have the original clutch. No other repair costs. And I drive this thing HARD... Brakes last, tires last, amazing gas mileage. 5 spd manual is fun, 160 hp engine could be a bit beefier. Type S isn't that much faster and requires … premium. Friend has type s, He barely accelerates faster up to 60 mph. From 60+ the Type S really accelerates better. Handles amazing! Take turns fast with confidence and ease. Steering is responsive
Excellent!!
5 out of 5 starsdendron, 09/03/2006
2005 Acura RSX Type-S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
What a shame Acura has decided to discontinue this model beyond 2006! The RSX -- especially the Type-S -- is major bang for the buck. Grab one before they're gone. I owned a 2002 Type-S, which I loved, until the refinements of the 2005-06 were introduced... then I had to trade. My 2005 is a noticeable improvement over the earlier varsion. A very nice blend of luxury, economy, and … performance for under $25K. Several reviewers have complained about the rough ride. This is primarily due to the crappy Michelin touring (M+S) tires Acura shackles this car with from the factory. An upgrade to a set of oversized General UHP summer tires TOTALLY transformed this car for me. BIG difference!
2005 RSX Highlights
Hatchback
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,275 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $126/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.0 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
People who viewed this also viewed
3.6 average Rating out of 14 reviews. |
Starting at $44,700 |
Starting at $45,400 |
Starting at $35,000 |
Related Used 2005 Acura RSX info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Kia Niro Ev 2021 Review
- Ram Promaster Window Van 2021 Review
- Audi S4 2020 Review
- Lexus LX 570 2020 Review
- Kia Rio 2020 Review
Shop similar models
- Used Mercedes-benz A-class 2022
- Used Volvo S80 2016
- Used Volvo S60-cross-country 2018
- Used Lexus Es-250 2023
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Acura ILX 2014
- Used Acura ILX 2017
- Used Acura ILX 2020
- Used Acura ILX 2021
- Used Acura Integra 2013
- Used Acura Integra 2018
- Used Acura Integra 2019
- Used Acura RSX 2015
- Used Acura RSX 2016
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Cadillac Escalade 2025
- New Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series
- New Tesla Model 3
- New Genesis G70
- Mazda Protege 2025
- 2026 Nissan Pathfinder News
- 2025 Durango
- New Audi S5
- 2024 JX
- 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Research other models of Acura
- Acura MDX 2025
- New Acura RSX
- New Acura RDX
- 2024 TLX
- Acura TLX 2025
- 2025 Acura MDX
- 2025 Acura TLX
- New Acura MDX
- 2024 Acura Integra
Other models
- New Kia Carnival-Hybrid for Sale in Rockwall, TX
- Used Ford Escape-Hybrid in North Miami Beach, FL 2011
- Used Hummer H3 in Charleston, SC 2010
- Used BMW M in Fairfield, CT 2006
- Used Bentley Continental-Flying-Spur-Speed in Winder, GA 2013
- Used Pontiac Montana in Mishawaka, IN 2005
- Used Mercedes-Benz Amg-Gt in Cape Girardeau, MO 2025
- Used Mercedes-Benz Maybach in The Villages, FL 2025
- New Mitsubishi Mirage-G4 for Sale in Rock Hill, SC
- New Kia Telluride for Sale in Wasilla, AK