Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46
I bought an '02 RSX on May 2, '06. So far, everything seems OK to me. The harsh ride comments made by some seem to be a bit critical to me. I bought this car because it handles like a sports car. The firm suspension is what makes this happen. If you want a cushy, yet sporty ride, I don't know where you'll find it for the RSX's price.
I sure hope that the headlight problem doesn't show up with my ride. I replaced the stock bulbs with after-market halogens, and the difference is remarkable.
I think that the base RSX has ample performance for the price. However, I may trade up to a Type S in a year or so. The high revs needed to produce the type of torque that most people prefer for higher-speed driving are built into this car. I am pulling 3000 RPM at 70 MPH. It seems that as long as you keep the revs over 3000, you have gobs of torque and HP available to you.
I don't know how many of you actually pay attention when you pump gas, but did you ever notice the funky little ball attached to the gas cap and the little "u" shaped holder on the little door...well if you gently place the funky ball into the "u" the gas cap will hang ever so gracefully off of the door...try it some time...i figured that one out the FIRST time I put gas in and I'm a 17 year old chick...so I'm betting most of you are older guys with "more car experience" and you can't figure that one out...tsk tsk...lol...just kidding...kinda... :)
And yes the do burn through lights quickly, I've had my RSX 2 months and I got pulled over last night for having a headlight out...so now today I have to replace the 2nd headlight since I've had the car.
Has anyone had a problem starting their car when it's cold...twice on really cold mornings when I had to be at work early it wouldn't start so swell, but then an hour later it's fine.
Well my young lads and lass, I just can’t imagine what you are talking about when you say the car has no power. I have a base 02 with 90,000 miles. She’s equipped with a cold air intake, header, down pipe, cat back exhaust, and let me tell you, I have a ton of power. All that power (and since I did the work myself) for less than a grand. True car doesn’t throw you back like a Zonda or something, but remember your dealing with a naturally aspirated four cylinder folks. What do you expect!
What the car lacks in power, it more than makes up for in handling. And speaking of handling, how come nobody can seem to handle changing the headlights? I’ve replaced the headlights at least ten times. I’ve gotten so good, I can replace a bulb with one hand (and not get any finger oils on it.) Here’s a trick for the next time you lose a headlight. Take one of the brights and switch it with the low beam (they are the same bulb {H1 55 watt,} the only difference between them is a deflector.)
On a side note, you should spend the $350.00 (plus a Sunday) to put on fatter sway bars. I can’t tell you the difference they make. Love you my RSX brethren!
I agree with the last comment. The car has excellent handling and it's a lot of fun to drive. I drive an 04 RSX base model and I absolutely love it. It lets me do whatever I want on the highway.
I have had the car for almost a year now and have been through tons light bulbs myself. It's not hard to change at all, but it is very annoying and can get pricey. Especially when these HID replicas tend to blowout a lot quicker during the winter. I think it would be a good idea to save up and buy real HIDs. Does anyone know if those have the same problem?
I have to disagree with what you guys are saying about honda not having LSD and what not around 2002. the 5th gen (97-01) honda prelude type-SH. the "SH" refers to super handling. the 5th gen honda prelude type sh came with a system refered to as atts (active torque transfer system). it had its share of problems being that this was the very first time honda came out with this system. but its purpose was similar to LSD. and if you wanted a car with LSD... integra type R. I know that the integra type R is very limited and rare, but it was and is there. now the SH system is way more evolved.. into the SH-AWD that can be found on the acura RL and RDX.
If you like to think about it this way the new 06 civic SI will compete very well against a integra typeR (stock vs stock). depending on how you take its the new civic SI is almost like a trpe R of the day.
Don't want any one to take what I have said the wrong way, but I'm just trying to inform you guys. but there were cars during that time that had some form of traction control and you didn't have to spend 40k+ for one.
Personally I think honda didn't put LSD or atts in all their cars simply because it wasnt pratical to have a preformance traction control system in a car that doesn't demand it. what average person needs LSD in their cars. LSD doesn't even work unless you kno how to use LSD (gassing thru the turns and what not). but when you talk abotu performance driving I believe honda did really well. except it didn't really seem right about not putting LSD in the typeS.
Now honda has traction control systems. VSA vehicle stability assist. it's a whole complex system to help for every day traction control.
I've had my headlights blow out multiple times. One will pretty much last me until my next oil change, replace that one... then the other one blows out.
Seriously, I'm really glad to see that I am not alone.
Don't park your RSX TYPE-S on the streets with your stock alarm... The stock alarm is only for key less entry... Thieves can jimmy the driver's side door and nothing with happen... No sound... My car was broken into over 10 times... Buy an after market alarm that pages (Clifford) you if someone is breaking into your car... If you do park on the streets and don't want to change your alarm, go under the cover compartment and change the screws of your computer box... My box has been stolen twice... Thank good I changed the screws... I would have had my computer unit stolen a total of 4 times... Thieves are taking these units and putting them into their Civic's and can sell them after market for up to $600... Don't be victim...
I know I'm posting to a year old thread, but wow…I'm curious to know what you people are doing to your RSX to lag its performance? I own an '02 base model with no mods and have scared my father with its performance (not to mention turning radius when done properly), and he’s a muscle car junky.
Things that you need to keep in mind about this type of car:
It’s a 4 cylinder “import”. These cars invariably are fragile as far as needing maintenance WHEN RECOMMENDED. Timing belt and serpentine need to be checked at 50 to 60k miles. oil changes need to occur every 3000mi. for organics, every 5000 for synthetics. Air filters, inside and out, are good to change too ;) though inside filters are just for breathing air quality. It has been recommended by several people though, that if I were to do ANYTHING after-market to my car, it would be to install a cool air ram. I’ve heard, though cannot substantiate, that it improves performance AND gas mileage. Something I’m still looking into.
Let’s talk about oil here for a second. Acura recommends 5w20 in this car. If you get your oil changed at a quick lube shop like Jiffy, you need to be sure that you request 5w20. Most places, by default, will fill your car with 5w30 or 5w40 and will tell you there is no difference. I’m here to proclaim otherwise (if you have tuned your car it’s up to you, thinner viscosity oils are risky, but you do get better performance which was evident in my buddy’s 2005 Subaru WRX), thinner viscosity, less drag on the engine (can also burn your engine out due to lack of lubrication and protection). There is a very noticeable difference.
Air conditioning. I don’t know if anybody else has noticed, but your power output reduces dramatically when AC is on due to the addition of another belt spinning in the engine bay. This car lacks torque, which the AC belt requires to keep motion. This zaps a much lusted after commodity in this particular vehicle, and very well could be a contributing factor to all of you who are complaining about performance and live in places like, oh I don’t know, California or down south?
Here’s a thought, injector cleaners. Usually a good idea to do when you get your oil changed ;), oh and a fuel filter change works wonders…need to keep the car from cardiac arrest.
And one last thing, LEARN TO SHIFT! All you automatic owners out there...for-shame! You bought a sports car with no testosterone. I live in Seattle where traffic is getting Horrible; didn’t stop me from getting a manual so I can actually use the power-band in my car. There are roads up here that allow you to punch the accelerator and run the gears, as long as the authorities are not poaching the street you are on.
On another note, it is nice to know that I’m not the only one that is blowing headlamp bulbs. Its still very frustrating to have to drive with the brights on while your low beams are toast. Also, I notice the cargo shelf rattling every so often which gets annoying at times. ATM I need new shocks, but in perfect running order, I like the way this car rides, it tells you everything about its health in the way that it reacts to your demands and its interpretation of the road under it.
Learn to Shift!
Learn your dimensions.
Learn your weight.
Learn your power-band.
And for Gods sakes,
KNOW YOUR limits.
Yep, the headlight issue is ridiculous. I own the '02 type S. Generally, for the cost of this car, I don't think it was worth it. It does have some nice features such as the interior, but it is touted as a sports car and it just isn't. It may have 200 hp, but it sure doesn't feel like it. I really don't want to have to rev the thing up to 5000 rpms before getting any real torque. I also agree with the original posting about the car lacking a radiator grille guard. That just shows poor form and mine has all kinds dents as a result. I shouldn't have to buy any after-market junk to make up for any deficits either, like a grille guard or something for performance enhancement. Whoever the guy was who spent a grand on add-ons is a sucker.
If you take this car into any snowy areas, watch out. It does not do well with snow. Or for that matter, rain. My last car, a '95 Tercel, fared WAY better in bad weather conditions, even in snow. Yes, I said Tercel.
If you like to do your own maintenance, this car is terrible to work on. Take for instance changing the oil. The filter is located in the most difficult place to reach, behind the engine and halfway from the bottom. When you pull the filter off, oil drains all over the suspension arm and CV shaft. And there really isn't any way to prevent that. Very poor design. Take a hint from Toyota... filter in the front, off in 10 seconds. Maintenance for other stuff is very difficult also. One good point is that on the Type-S, you have a metal timing chain and therefore never have to worry about changing it.
That being said, it is a Honda engine and built to last. I've put 125k miles on the car and it still runs well. We'll see if it can last as long as the 220k miles I put on my Toyota.
OK, Please explain the actual steps for replacing the low beam lamp on a 04'RSX. This is on the drivers side. I tried to do it by removing the screw holding the windshield washing container and moving it out of the way and then just pulling the plug for the lamp, but the male part of the plug came out, but the lamp remained in the reflector. This left me with no way to grab the lamp and pull it out? Does it twist or just pry it out?? Does the whole Headlight come out? I saw two brackets in the engine compartment holding it in place. Please advise what I'm doing wrong. There is no diagrams in the owners manual for this procedure. Reach me at Robshill@yahoo.com Thanks much for any help!!! Don't want to pay the dealer if I can avoid it!!!
I want to disagree with you all and anyone else that says the rsx-s does not have an LSD. I own a 2003 type-s and In the owners manual it states. "DO NOT drive with the compact spare tire mounted on the front wheels for a long period; IT WILL DAMAGE the LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL."
Also low beams sucks. I have replaced them so many times it takes me 2 min. drive side you more the washer res. to the side for access. The pass. side you do the same thing. everything un-clips and you can more it to the side.
Last note... To the person that said the rsx sucks in the snow! your wrong, the problem is you can't drive in the snow. I'm from Vermont, and if you have 4 good snow tires and can drive in snow you can go anywhere. I never hesitate to go out in a storm. The car plows it right out of the way, I have driven mine in 2+ feet on the road and I like on a steep hill.
The RSX-s is great. you buy one knowing what you are getting if you want something with more performance, buy a different car. If you want more comfortable buy a different car... you all went on a test drive no?
Hi, I'm the original poster and I just wanted to add a few updates about my RSX.
First of all, I found out there is a technical service bulletin regarding the Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) Control Unit in not just RSX's, but all Acura's from that era. One day I was driving a friend home, and the SRS warning light and airbag light went on and would not turn off. I took it to the Acura dealer I bought the car from, and since it was still under warranty, they replaced it with an upgraded unit for free. While I was there, a girl with a black RSX was there with the same exact problem. Only bummer is, dealers do not stock this part, apparently it has a serial number on it, and the dealer has to return the old part before Acura will ship them the new part! So, it took me two whole days to get this fixed - but, at least it didn't cost me anything.
As far as headlamps are concerned, I did a fair amount of research, and it seems the way to go is just get OEM replacement bulbs. Using strictly OEM Sylvania bulbs, I've had decent service life with my headlights. FORGET SILVERSTARS or anything like them!
We don't get much rain here in Southern California, but when it is wet, I have to say this car really lacks traction when starting from a standstill. I thought my old rear wheel drive Ford Torino with it's 351 4 barrel V8 was bad, but the RSX is even worst. I really have to have a light touch on the clutch and accelerator or I'll lose traction.
On the other hand, while driving on the 5 freeway in the rain, I had to swerve to avoid some idiot and the car handled the maneuver without complaint. If I had been in my Ford, I think I would have been skidding down the freeway sideways.
I have 88,000 miles on my car now, and it's been extremely reliable. It has yet to leave me stranded or waiting for a tow truck. I'm quite happy with my purchase.
I have an 02 base model rsx and I am wondering if anyone else has had trouble with their SRS system - the whole unit. I'm at about 60000K and apparently I need a new one. Also, I had to replace the starter. Last, has anyone had weird instances when the locks come on and off for no reason or when driving down the road... I seem to be an unlucky RSX owner.
So I have read all of your comments and have to say I'm not quite sure if I still want to purchase an RSX. I have been dead set on saving up for one, but did not know of the difficulties the car comes with. I might add that this would be my first car. If bought I would plan to get sum pistons brakes and the Slyvian bulbs (Or whatever they were called). I am very good at changing the oil. Please write back if you have any information to help me thank you.
Keep in mind, all vehicle makes and models will have recalls, issues, problems, quirks, nuances, idiosyncrasies, and random silliness. It's the nature of mechanical parts to fail, wear, or be improperly manufactured.
I'm at 89k miles on my RSX, and am due for new shocks/struts, and also brakes & rotors... any suggestions?