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2003 Acura RSX consumer reviews

$19,975–$23,270 MSRP range
side view of 2003 RSX Acura
(33 reviews)
97% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.4
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.8
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.8
Explore the 2003 Acura RSX

Best of the best.

Honestly, I would have given every category a 5-star review but then people think " oh they didn't even think about it " but I honestly can't find anything wrong with this car. I've driven my fair share of cars and cars are my passion. Even though I have an automatic, the 0-60 is still better than most other 4 cylinders. The handling is incredible, I can take a 90 turn at 25mph and the tires feel glued to the ground, and thanks to the sport seats, you won't slide off like in many other cars. Even though you sit very low, comfort isn't an issue, I've driven 300 miles to michigan and back, never felt cramped or uncomfortable. Honda didn't break suit with this one, this car is 8 model years old, never once been into a shop for anything besides routine maintenance. While everyone has different likes and dislikes, it's hard to find anything about the car to call ugly, but the aftermarket has shown much love for the surprisingly durable engine and body of this car, so even if you find something about it you just can't stand, rest assured there's a spectrum of companies producing an alternative. I've searched far and wide for something better, but I really can't find anything even close. When looking around at cars in the same price range, it was clear that none were quite as respectable as this one, the car just looks nice. When released, it cost just under $20k, fresh off the lot, no miles, even though it looked like a $30k car, this car holds its value better than almost any car on the road, 8 years and 70k miles later, the car is worth from $10-11k. Just for perspective, my father has a Ford Expedition from the same year and it has similar milage, he paid $34k for it, it's value now sits at around $9k. Though the tank may be small, the range is decent because I average at 27 mpg, and premium isn't even required! This car really has it all.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Amazingly Fun Sport Compact!

I've owned my 03 Type-S for over 6 years now I plan on owning it easily for another 6 years. Mine has been tastefully upgraded with the full A-Spec body kit and Mugen Sport Suspension (1.4" drop). It looks and handles like it should have straight from the factory. It is an absolute blast to drive and it still runs like it did when I bought it at 13K miles. My Type-S only has 54K (city) miles on it as i write this. The only issue I have ever had with this car is a clicking noise from the clutch master cylinder (easily remedied by just greasing the pushrod). I do all of my own maintainence on this car and it is a breeze to work on. This is not a quiet car. It has it's fair share of rattles and the cabin is fairly noisy. It's also not a comfortable car for long road trips. The leather seats are hard and don't offer much support.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Awesome Car

I just recently upgraded to the 03' RSX from a 96' integra. I loved my integra but the RSX is an amazing thing of beauty. Its interior is design to spoil the senses: from its beautiful lines and textures, to its extremely comfortable seats, even the way the interior is lit at night.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Great Car!

This car has 162000 miles on it and the only money I've put into it is general maintenance--and 4 or so sets of tires. It is by far the most reliable car I've ever owned. Even though it's 7 model years old (I've had it 6) I still enjoy driving it. It generally gets 33-35 mpg (I have a long commute). It still gets admiring looks and positive comments from other people. Oh, and it's fun to drive.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Lotsa fun.

I'm not a car geek but I really enjoy this car. It now has almost 143,000 miles on it and has required one brake job (last summer) and only routine maintenance. I hope to have it another 143,000 miles. It's too bad they don't make it any more!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Fun factor

I bought my 03 Acura RSX Type S in December of 2006. I have owned it for about a year and a half now, and I really love it. I decided I really wanted one of these when I drove a friend's S2000. A few reviews of the type S compared its driving dynamics to the S2000 and I must say that its almost as fun to drive. I haven't driven the base RSX, but the type S if very fun to drive. It should be apparent from its shape and size that the back seat can be pretty cramped for rear passengers if they are above a certain height, but a smaller car also has some advantages. For example, you can fit into smaller parking spaces much easier. The gearbox is very good, and it shifts just about as quick as you hand can move it. After learning how to quickly shift this six-speed, I understood why they call it a short "throw" shifter. You pretty much just slap, or throw the shifter from one gear to the other. This adds to the fun that the engine already provides. The cams change at 2 different RPMs. Under 3000 rpms, there is very little power and you can probably ride a bike faster up a hill than drive when under 3000 rpms. But after 3000 rpms, you get little upgrade (burst) in accelleration. The major fun begins after the tach hits the 6000 rmp marker. The cams change again at 6000 and the burst of speed you get between 6000 and 8000 is one of the most important reasons to own the type S. The handling is pretty good, excellent if you are comparing with other front drive vehicles, but even the best front drive vehicles don't have the great turning dynamics of many rear and awd cars. Oversteer is the only missing ingredient, but this car is still loads of fun.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Best First Car

this is a great car. the leather seats are comftable but lack heating. the sunroof is quiet no matter how fast you are going and the 6 speed tranny is great. i wish it just had a little more tourque to make it feel more power ful. overall this is a great car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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fast and stylish

very fast and great to drive at any speed, not that great for four passenger, but perfect in trunk space. if looking to tune great starter car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Excellent driving machine

You really can't get any more bang for your buck than what you get in this little package. The Type-S handles like it has superglue on its tires and has enough power to keep the speed junky in your satisfied for awhile.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Amazing Car

I have a 2003 RSX base model with automatic transmission and I must say its amazing. Ya its a little lacking on low-end torque and horsepower but even for a base model with auto transmission, its quick. The handling is incredible and allows me to take corners with confidence and ease. Its my first car and I love it. It's too bad that they are no longer making it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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