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Acura RSX

The Acura RSX is a compact sport coupe sold by Acura in North America from the 2002 through 2006 model years.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Acura RSX is a compact sport coupe sold by Acura in North America from the 2002 through 2006 model years. It was the North American name for the fourth-generation Honda Integra (DC5) and was offered in base RSX and higher-performance RSX Type-S trims.

Development and naming

The RSX debuted for the 2002 model year as Acura’s North American successor to the Integra. In Japan, the same generation remained the Honda Integra DC5, while Acura used the RSX name for its U.S. and Canadian market positioning.

Design and drivetrain

The RSX used a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and a two-door hatchback-style coupe body. It was built around Honda’s K-series 2.0-litre inline-four engine with i-VTEC.

Trims and performance

Acura offered the RSX in standard and Type-S versions. The Type-S provided higher output and a 6-speed manual transmission, targeting buyers looking for stronger performance and a more aggressive sport compact character.

Market reception

The RSX was positioned as an entry-level performance model for Acura and became associated with the tuner scene. It remained on sale for five model years before being replaced by the Acura CSX in Canada and the Acura TSX/other Acura models in the broader lineup context.

Key facts

  • The RSX replaced the Integra nameplate in North America for the 2002 model year.
  • It was sold as a two-door, four-passenger compact coupe with a front-wheel-drive layout.
  • The base RSX used a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine rated at 160 hp in early model years.
  • The RSX Type-S was the higher-performance version, rated at 200 hp initially and 210 hp in later model years.
  • The model ran through the 2006 model year in North America.
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Canadian context

The RSX was sold in Canada as part of Acura’s North American lineup and is remembered as a popular compact performance car among Canadian buyers and enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Acura RSX?
A compact sport coupe sold by Acura in North America from 2002 to 2006, based on the Honda Integra DC5.
Was the Acura RSX sold as an Integra?
No. In North America it was sold as the Acura RSX, although it was the fourth-generation Honda/Acura Integra platform in Japan.
What engine did the Acura RSX use?
A 2.0-litre inline-four i-VTEC engine.
What was the RSX Type-S?
The higher-performance RSX trim, with more power and a 6-speed manual transmission.
What body style was the Acura RSX?
A two-door coupe with a fastback/hatchback profile.
When was the Acura RSX produced?
It was sold in North America from the 2002 through 2006 model years.

References

  1. CarGurus — https://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/acura-rsx-buying-guide
    Supports: North American market timing, model positioning, body style, engine and trim overview.
  2. HotCars — https://www.hotcars.com/2002-2006-acura-rsx-prices-specs-and-features/
    Supports: Production years, base and Type-S engine output, drivetrain and transmission details.
  3. Cars.com — https://www.cars.com/research/acura-rsx-2002/
    Supports: Two-door coupe layout, trims, engine outputs, and model context as Integra successor.
  4. Acura News — https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases/release-01677f505b3ce96a4c898b004c34c190-2006-acura-rsx-introduction
    Supports: Official model description, 2006 engine output, trims, and transmission availability.
  5. AutoEvolution — https://www.autoevolution.com/acura/rsx/
    Supports: Model years, generation context, body style, and relation to Honda Integra.