Older millennials might recall a period when the Acura RSX was the “IT” car to own. Because of its flawless performance and JDM flair, the RSX is still a preferred option for car fans more than ten years later. In fact, despite competing in auto shows with more recent models like the 2021 NSX and 2021 MDX A-Spec, the 2006 Type-S submodel still holds its own. One could be available online for less than $10,000. According to AutoPadre, the 2006 Acura RSX is predicted to appreciate 26 percent throughout ownership, unlike comparable sports vehicles. This implies that if you want to purchase a used Acura RSX, you can get more out of it.
Trims and features
From 2002 to 2006, three variants of the Honda RSX were offered: base, premium, and Type-S. All had CD audio, cruise control, and standard air conditioning, making them quite well-equipped. Additionally, side, front, and rear airbags were standard on all versions. Only the Premium and Type-S variants came with ABS and a sunroof. The Premium and Type-S were equipped with 205/55R16 tires, while the base vehicles rode on 195/65R15 tires.
The Type-S included larger anti-roll bars to prevent body lean during corners and harsher suspension tuning than the less expensive variants. The Type-S is notably sportier and tends to have a little louder ride due to its stiffer suspension.
i-VTEC, a more sophisticated version of Honda’s well-known variable valve timing technology, was installed in the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine used in the base and premium versions. At 6,500 rpm, its engine developed 160 horsepower, and at 4,000 rpm, it produced 141 lb-ft of torque. The same engine drove the Type-S, but it had more durable internal parts and a more aggressive i-VTEC system that increased output to 200 horsepower at 7,400 rates per minute. At 6000 rpm, torque gradually climbed to 142 lb-ft.
A six-speed manual transmission was the only transmission choice for the Type-S. A five-speed manual transmission was standard on Base and Premium models, while a five-speed automatic with a manual-shift capability was an option.
In 2005, Type-S vehicles received a 10-horsepower bump to 210 horsepower. However, new criteria for calculating horsepower were implemented later, resulting in 2006 models being listed at 201 horsepower and non-Type-S cars having 155 horsepower as opposed to 160.
All RSX cars came equipped with side airbags as standard equipment, although until 2005, ABS was only available on higher trim levels of automobiles. Control of traction or stability was never an option.
Performance
However, the base/Premium and Type-S versions significantly differed at higher engine rpm, when the more intense i-VTEC tuning came on line and the additional 40 horsepower truly made itself felt. Both vehicles behave similarly in typical driving scenarios, with strong throttle response and mid-range torque. Although the Type-overall S’s gearing is shorter, which results in more incredible engine speeds when traveling on the interstate. Its close-ratio six-speed gearbox was suitable for that model’s high-revving engine.
Fuel consumption for base models varies by model year and is around 8.5 L/100 km for cities and 6.5 to 7 L/100 km for highways. In cities, the figures are closer to 10 to 10.5 L/100 km and 7 to 7.5 L/100 km for Type-S variants (highway).
If you want to know more details about a used Acura RSX for sale near you, you can use our website and search for the inventory.
Common problems
The RSX has historically been reliable, and if discussions on RSX-specific web forums are any indicator, the majority of issues have more to do with the driver’s competence or aggressive driving than the car’s durability. A typical issue with manual transmissions is a grinding sound that occurs while moving from first to second gear. In San Francisco, there have also been allegations of loud front ends and computerized engine control systems that are allegedly thief-bait, though it’s likely that this is a problem in other large cities as well. According to popular opinion, these devices are stolen and either sold to or utilized by Honda Civic owners who have installed an RSX-S motor in their vehicle.
