2005 Acura RSX Review
Price Estimate: $812 - $1,268





+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 near Milwaukee, WI
9 listings
- 163,140 miles
- Frame damage reported, 5 owners, personal use
- 22 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- LA Auto Sales (335 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- $5,000great price$3,018 below market
- 135,185 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 22 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- Meek Motors (659 mi away)
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Powhatan, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
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:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JH4DC548X5S002628
Stock: 002628
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-07-2024
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Wisconsin
$138/mo for RSX Base
RSX Base
vs
$160/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Acura RSX Owner Reviews
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 | $138/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 16 reviews. |
Starting at $44,700 |
Starting at $45,400 |
5.0 average Rating out of 2 reviews. |
Starting at $35,000 |
Related Used 2005 Acura RSX info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Lincoln Corsair 2020 Review
- Hyundai Palisade 2020 Review
- Audi A4 2020 Review
- Buick Envision 2020 Review
- Dodge Durango 2020 Review
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2024 E-Class
- 2026 Nissan Armada News
- New BMW X4
- 2024 Countryman
- 2025 Escalade
- 2025 BMW 7 Series
- New Volvo XC90
- New Cadillac CT4
- Toyota Tacoma 2024
- 2026 Toyota Tacoma News
Research other models of Acura
- 2024 Acura ZDX
- 2025 Acura MDX
- 2025 Acura TLX
- 2024 RSX
- Acura TLX 2025
- New Acura RDX
- 2025 Acura RSX
- New Acura MDX
- 2025 Acura ADX
- Acura MDX 2025
Other models
- Used Infiniti FX45 in Bluefield, WV 2008
- Used Mitsubishi Eclipse in Pottstown, PA 2012
- Used Hyundai Azera in Opelousas, LA 2017
- Used Hyundai Veracruz in Capitol Heights, MD 2012
- Used Isuzu I-Series in Cornelius, NC 2008
- Used Ford Fusion-Plug-In-Hybrid in Sedalia, MO 2020
- Used Cadillac XLR in Fremont, CA 2009
- New Jaguar XF for Sale in Grosse Pointe, MI
- Used Volkswagen Tiguan in Brookhaven, MS 2025
- New Lexus LS for Sale in Phoenixville, PA