2003 Acura RSX Premium 2.0

Summary:

A great car. Too good. That's why they stopped making it!

Faults:

So far so good.

I had to replace the actuator on the driver's door for the power locks, and was able to do that myself with the help of an excellent post on an Acura owner's website.

SRS light is on.

General Comments:

This car is solid, good handling, comfortable, and fun to drive.

I consistently get 10+ km/litre, which is better than 30 MPG, on regular gas.

The Tiptronic function is a fun alternative, although the transmission is programmed to shift right at the redline if you do "boot it", so I usually let the computer do the shifting.

I don't know why more manufacturers don't offer hatchbacks. This is the most convenient configuration a car can have. I recently renovated a bathroom and was able to transport a toilet in its box home from the building store.

The only issue I had was on hot starts, sometimes the car doesn't start up right away. The service manager at the dealership explained to me that the vehicle has an electronic fuel pump that needs to pressure up, so when you go to start the car, turn on the ignition and let all the dash lights turn on. Then put on your seat belt, and when all the lights have turned off, start the car. If I follow this procedure, the car fires up cleanly every time.

Oh yeah... The SRS light is on, and the cause is a faulty seat belt switch in the driver's seat belt latch. I have had this problem on every Honda product I have owned, and it costs $450 for the part, which is not always available, because every Honda in the world has this problem. This is the only beef I have ever had with Honda!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st December, 2014

2003 Acura RSX Type S 2.0L 4 cylinder

Summary:

Mild fun

Faults:

My car has problems shifting into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear. It's worse than just popping out.

Example: I'm sitting with the car on and in neutral. I push the clutch in ALL the way and shift into first. My clutch starts to grab and push the car forward, even with the clutch pushed in all the way. This happens for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

I've replaced the clutch and nothing changed. The problem is actually fairly random. Sometimes the when it's cold out the problem is worse. Other times it shifts like butter.

I've noticed also that when I down shift to slow down, it can make the problem occur.

General Comments:

Everything is good about this car except for its shifting issues.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2010

20th Mar 2010, 21:32

Hmm.. maybe its some kind of electronic module or sensor causing your transmission to act up.. Even though it's not an automatic, this still wouldn't surprise me as all these newer cars have so many computerized controlled systems. Good luck!

BTW I do like the old Integras better. (which the RSX replaced) Having driven both cars, the Integra just seemed sportier (especially the GSR model!) That's just me personally though. I think any Acura, new or old, is a sound investment if properly maintained. Have fun :)

11th Sep 2015, 02:05

I have a 2006 Type S and had that problem upshifting to 3rd. My mechanic suggested replacing the transmission oil with an upgraded version (can't tell you what it is) and the problem went away immediately. Since then, I read about the same solution on a forum. If it works for you, it's a cheap fix. Sorry you had to buy a clutch, especially when you did not need it. BTW, the RSX wasn't known to have any significant tranny or clutch issues.

2003 Acura RSX Type S 2.0

Summary:

Luxury and performance yet reliable and affordable to maintain

Faults:

- Hatch supports stopped working by 26,000 km.

- lost use of both turn signals at 33,000 - fixed a sensor.

General Comments:

A great performer given the size of the engine and it's great fuel economy.

Great handling although the ride can be a little rough with performance tires (no fault of Acura).

A surprisingly huge cargo area when the seats are folded down. A full size dresser can easily fit in the back with the hatch closed.

Heated leather seats are great, but multiple settings would be nice.

Shifts smooth and effortlessly.

There is a bizarre cult following among younger RSX drivers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2007

1st Nov 2009, 22:46

Original poster here. 125,000 km. on the car now. Still have original front brake rotors and the factory pads lasted until 95,000 km. The rear pads and rotors were changed at 122,000 km. No major maintenance outside of putting a clamp around the heat shield when it came loose (took 3 minutes). Overall, it's been reliable (knock on wood).

My only complaint is that the hood release failed. Acura charged me an hour's labour to diagnose the problem and then gave a written estimate in the neighbourhood of $850. I took it to a body shop who made due with the original parts and charged me $20.