2002 Acura RSX Type-S

When Acura did away with the Integra promising a more compelling replacement, devotees were skeptical. The Integra had enjoyed a long and celebrated run among those who cherished its light structure, quick uptake and nimble reflexes. With a reasonable price and sharp styling, it easily became the darling of street racers and aftermarket junkies.

These people could care less about softer anything, which is what they feared when the Integra bowed out and the RSX took its place. The rest of the Acura lineup had already shed their names and previous images for alphanumeric designations and increased refinement. It didn’t bode well for the two-door rocket, since “refined” could translate into bloated, soft and slow.

But as we all learned in journalism school, never assume anything. Thus having checked the facts, we discover this new RSX Type-S, the hotter of the two RSX models offered, turns out to be everything it was, and then some.

The Good News
The RSX follows the Integra’s formula in that it is based on the Civic platform, in this case the 2001 Civic. That gives it a much stiffer structure than its predecessor, which enhances handling. It also follows the new Civic in adopting strut suspension in front over double wishbone, a move that worried some enthusiasts. Results, however, prove them wrong. Cornering, balance and stability have all improved.

The RSX is a much more solid-feeling car than the Integra, from the weight of the steering to the seamless surroundings to the interior quiet. That’s not just impression; it is heavier than the Integra by about 100 pounds.

But new aluminum engines more than compensate for the weight gain, especially the 200-horse version of the 2.0-liter twin cam 16-valve 4 cylinder found in the Type-S. (The base engine produces a notable 160 horses.) Whereas Integra engines had Honda’s effective valve timing (VTEC), this RSX gets intelligent valve timing (i-VTEC). The previous system initiated a burst of speed at higher rpm; this one releases power throughout the revs for continual strength.

Taking a cue from its cousin the Honda S2000, this 2.0 liter winds happily all the way to a 7900 rpm redline. Unlike the higher-revving Honda, however, it doesn’t scream at you in the process.

Mated to a smooth shifting, short-throw 6-speed manual, the only shifter available in the S, the 200-horse iteration propels the RSX to 60 in just over 6 seconds and through the quarter mile in 14.8 at 95 mph. If this doesn’t allay your fears, I can’t help you.

Although Honda/Acura was careful to retain the Integra spirit in this RSX, our assumptions about it taking on more refined airs were not totally unfounded. Part of the reason they moved from wishbone to strut suspension was to create more cabin room, and some of the extra weight comes from targeting noise control.

The result is a much more grownup ride than the Integra. From cabin and seat dimensions that accommodate tall adults to cabin dynamics that feel more luxury coupe that sports car, the RSX definitely shows maturity.

But for the mature, that’s a good thing. Honda has done a terrific job of creating more interior space without stretching the footprint. A 2.5-inch height increase means tall people don’t have to slide the buckets all the way back anymore, and more legroom makes the backseat usable. Note I didn’t say “comfortable.” No coupe this size can boast that.

The interior design also reveals a new attitude. Touches of titanium and subtle two-tone fabric combinations give life to the well-crafted layout, and things like fully automatic climate-control and Bose stereo pander to the over-30 crowd in ways the Integra did not. Overall, the RSX sophisticated styling looks far less boy-toy, much more executive.

The Bad News
Even though priorities are clearly in order performance-wise, some will lament the RSX has lost some Integra edge in styling and through the concessions for comfort.

I won’t give them the comfort part, but I do find the RSX exterior somewhat ho-hum. It looks a lot like the Civic, which can be a turn off for those who like public acknowledgement for their cut-above/power-enhanced/more expensive purchase.

There is also a hint of torque steer in this feisty front-wheel-drive coupe, but it’s nowhere near the nuisance level. Just something to note.

Finally, the six-speaker Bose system may float out show tunes, or whatever the RSX’s new target audience listens to, with extraordinary clarity, but I need a little bottom, please. It’s wimpy.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 24 mpg city/31 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $23,170;
Price as tested, $23, 650

Is it worth it?
This Acura RSX Type-S is one sweet coupe, a blast to drive yet comfortable and tasteful. Like so many of these coupes, it has definitely graduated into the ranks of adult transportation, including in its young demographics those young at heart. Finally, we grownups can have some fun at a reasonable price without looking like we borrowed our teenager’s car.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.