The Fazio Overview

This is my third Acura...and I have ZERO complaints, still!!! The Acura Integra was such a popular car with a massive cult following (rent "The Fast & The Furious if you want to see the Integra FLY!!!), so I decided to see what Acura had up its sleeves with the RSX. I knew I was going to buy one...so I went to Arizona (Scottsdale Acura) and got the opportunity to drive both the RSX Type-S model and its "little brother" the RSX. Features on both models share a plethora of similarities, the only major difference was the 40hp more on the Type-S and a little better sound coming from the speakers. Is that worth $3,000 to you...find out if it was for me!!!

The RSXcellent Dealership: Scottsdale Acura In Scottsdale, Arizona

Rating: 8

If I could count how many times I have had incredible service at this dealership...I would need to use your fingers and toes along with mine!!! The Acurians at this place are first class all the way. Prices are very comparable, salesmanship is A+, and the service, well, it is Acura!!! And no, I am not getting any kickback from them, until they read this review...just kidding!!! Instead, I just got the pleasure of knowing how well I was taken care of and they got my business, AGAIN!!!

The Sleek Exterior

Rating: 9

Hats off, once again, to Acura and Honda!!! This company is "king" of the automotive industry at changing a car's entire image without erasing away all the "key" elements that made the car "lovable" to the public. Acura did not deny the RSX of the playful, simple, and sporty outward curb appeal that the Integra possessed. It has grown up though, it is more mature this time...the curves are smoother, the lines much more expressive. The overall look is more simplified but the "unannounced" promise of excitement and sportyness still blankets the car. People have mentioned it resembles a Toyota Celica, as far as looks, but that is downright insulting!!! Please, refrain from insulting this masterpiece...you would not say that Cher looks like, or better, than Britney Spears...would you? I find the look incredibly refined, though I can easily see how former Integra junkies would find the styling a little unseductive. Celica...it is NOT, Integra...it is NOT, RSX...that it IS!!!

For comparisons sake to the Integra, the RSX is over 100 pounds heavier and ever-so slightly shorter, though the wheelbase is roughly the same. Width wise it is over an inch wider than the Integra and it is almost 3" taller, making it more aerodynamic. As for the beautiful body it possesses, the Acura RSX boasts incredible improvements to bending (+35%) and torsional (+116%) rigidity compared to its sibling formerly know as "The Integra". Lamens translation...way better ride and superior handling too!!! While I am comparing new and old, I do have some breaking bad news...the RSX will not have a 4-door model available, but will have the Type-R!!!

On yeah...one more incredibly smart, "we out did ourselves this time Acura revelation"...the RSX possesses an in-glass antenna. A nice feature...NO, this is a killer feature!!! On my last two Integra's the antenna's internal "band", that retracted and "sent up" the damn piece of annoying sounding metal, BROKE!!! Now, no more $215 repairs...I am rejoicing in the streets of Vegas tonight!!!


The Luxury Interior

Rating: 8

Does she have room? Hats on to Acura...because now I can wear on without banging my head of the roof time and time again!!! One of the best accomplishments the RSX achieved was with the interior of this "Silver Bullet" (Desert Metallic Silver was the color I opted for, hence the nickname). I am 6'2" and 175 pounds of pure Italian fire, and having owned my share of Integra's, I was definitely RSXpecting to suffer the same closed-in, kleenex box feeling in the RSX as I dreaded from the Integra's. Not so, not so at all. The extra headroom was a major winner in the RSX sweepstakes and simple dash layout gives the "cockpit" an open feel to it...which was a much needed visual improvement from the RSX's jealous other!!! Oh, you should know it by now and as a traditional sports car should be, it still feels like a "virgin on prom night" inside the RSX but they definitely gave her, or him, a little more room to work in...I mean with!!! The back seat is still "trunk space". I am still a firm believer that this is a two passenger car, any more than that crammed into this car should see a shrink...because you will feel shrunk!!! However, I do scream loudly for Acura for making this RSX somewhat roomier than the Integra.

New dash or not to dash...that is the question. The dash is a life-altering change for Acura. Gone is the simplistic, boring, lifeless dash and in its place you will be pleased to find happiness!!! Aluminum-brushed knobs, beautiful silver lined white-faced gauges, and a small, yet intriguing, sporty steering wheel with a nice Acura logo implanted right smack in the middle (luxury feel, here I come...) of it. Honda, Acura's parent, are among the "best of the best" at designing functionality in consoles. The Integra's definitely did not fit that mold...not even close, but the RSX is the new exception. Everything is meticulously layed and thought out, the look is clean as whistle, and the gauges are easy to read. Materially, the RSX possesses a quality of a luxury car costing far more than the RSX really is. Four thumbs up, you WILL give it two too!!!

Another simple change is the design of the dash, it is very open. Before the RSX, the Integra's dash went all the way down from the windshield to the transmission tunnel, in effect separating the driver and passenger sides into two compartments. In the RSX, the gap between the tunnel and dash is left wide open. It, by far, gives the interior a cleaner, more roomier feel. The RSX also places controls more within reasonable reach and in the driver’s line of sight. It is not sporty...definitely more luxury than expected, a true "upgrade" for this type of car.

Do you hear what I hear? The Integra's were LOUD to drive in, sound insulation was not the primary selling feature, trust me!!! Numerous sound insulation features were incorporated in the RSX, such as new door-trim seals, a new Styrofoam-molded cover over the spare tire, asphalt-based melt sheets in the floor/trunk areas, gap-sealing urethane foam in the cabin pillars, and dash insulating material. The car is sealed so well that it is hard as hell to close the door sometimes...and the slam it now, slam it later theory is not in my vocabulary!!! I personally love the quieter ride, "what did you say?" is not part of my conversations in the car now!!! The Type-S is louder than the base RSX but it is still a major improvement from the distant past...

Comfort, comfort, comfort...Acura has applied what they have learned about their luxury cars (CL/TL) comfort to the RSX's comfort. Very pronounced side bolsters provide excellent lateral support for harder cornering, and the adjustable lumbar support, typical in Acura's and Honda's, were a retained feature. The front drivers and passenger seat hug you like a long lost girlfriend, or boyfriend, and I personally love the stiffer seats...much back support in da car!!! If you are looking for comfort in the back seat I do have some advice...stay out of it unless you are Mini-Me!!!

Block rockin' beats...the stereo is a judgement call on both models!!! Personally, Acura/Honda has ALWAYS had crappy stereos and A/C...this car is NO exception!!! Guess all of the money goes into the important features. If you want a great sounding system...you will need to buy one!!! Period...

What climate do you want? Climate control, in a sports car? Who would have thunk it...but it is a feature (standard on even the base RSX). This was a great addition for this car and one I will not go without pointing out, use it, abuse it, but just do not confuse it...and so you do not get confused the Temperature is marked :) !!!

The Engine That WILL

Rating: Base RSX is an 8, Type-S is a 9

The RSX Type-S comes with a 2.0L 4 cylinder 200 hp engine that produces 142 lb-ft of torque, and you feel the VTEC at around 6100rpm's...it is almost like blasting off!!! The 0-60 time has been clocked to about 6.1 seconds. That is damn quick, and after driving the RSX I can tell you it feels that way and then some. The RSX was faster in the quarter mile than the previous Integra Type-R, no joke, by one second (read the review done by Car & Driver). The six-speed manual transmission is a nice addition, though it was unneccessary and a marketing ploy if you ask me. The shifts are short and the responsiveness is lightning quick, there was alot less feedback than I had figured there would be. The base RSX was no slouch either, with 160hp, and compared to my 175hp Integra GSR I felt with the newer i-VTEC intake there was no loss in power, speed, or acceleration. I personally do not "race" around town anymore, so the base RSX was plenty for me and it was a bit on the quiet side compared to the Type-S. The Type-S was a bit firmer, just like a race car, the base RSX was a bit more responsive and more luxury with hidden speed, if you need it!!!

Another couple of headaches you might run into with the Type-S are, one, it has no automatic transmission available, and two, it requires premium unleaded fuel, which could put a larger dent in the bank account. Will you need a second mortgage for gas...probably not, but the base RSX got better gas mileage on the highway (33mpg compared to 30mpg for the Type-S) for the record.

The Disappointing Handling

Rating: 6

Compared to the base RSX, the Type-S is fitted with firmer spring rates and beefier stabilizer bars for better agility. Control-link MacPherson strut front/double-wishbone rear suspension leaves no frills or complaints for the Type-S. On moderate cornering, the wheels are sqweemish a little sooner than you would expect though. However, the car is virtually yawn-free, and the brakes stop the car on a dime...and they even pick the dime up for you. Both models were put to the test and handled with ease for noraml driving conditions. For tighter handling the Type-S faired far better but I was least impressed with the handling than anything with this car!!!

The Ride, Yes...The Ride

Rating: 9

WOW!!! Ride with me into the sea of tranquility!!! The unbearable Integra ride...thank you Acura for leaving it behind!!! The RSX, without a doubt at all, is a much more redefined car on the highway and in the city. Noise dampening materials do an excellent job keeping wind and engine noise to a minimum. Note to psycho drivers that love the vroom: the engine will make itself known if you slam on the gas and crank the revs on the engine. The unusually oversized muffler sees to it that you hear a distinct rumble that would normally belong on a small V6. On the highway that noise is sufficiently squelched, again thanks Acura!!! This is the type of car you just want to "get up and go" all the time...you will volunteer to drive!!! It rides like a dream and most dreams around these parts are unreal...but the RSX fills the void of riches and Vegas' glitter!!! I love the ride and the ride loves me...

The Overall Verdict

Rating: Buy it!!! You will not regret it one bit...

Acura has once again proven that it CAN get better and that luxury and sport can come together at a more than reasonable price point!!!
Amount Paid (US$): 21,945.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: Base RSX With Spolier & Ground Effects Kit As Additions