2002 Acura RSX Type-S
by Cordell Koland

The Acura Integra¹s combination of style, performance and quality has
been a staple in the auto industry. Acura has retired the name Integra and
introduced a new coupe as a replacement, called the RSX. It takes over 
where the Integra left off and is a solid choice for those who want a small
chassis with big performance and a dollop of luxury, Acura-style.

The new RSX competes in a tough field of sporty performance coupes,
including the Hyundai Tiburon GT, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Toyota Celica and the
Volkswagen Golf GTI. This is a segment where the dollar still buys a lot of
bang for the buck. Young, status-conscious buyers with an eye on the bottom
line, dominate this market segment.

Here is an overview of the Acura RSX.

Value: The newest Acura comes in two versions, the base RSX and the
go-for-it 200-horsepower Type-S. Acura¹s high quality and attention to
detail are evident in the new model. With loads of standard equipment
including leather seats, climate control, a high-end Bose audio with
CD-changer, and power moonroof, the Type-S is a bargain at its list price of
$23,650. Although the Acura RSX may cost a few dollars more than cars it
competes against, it should return that difference in terms of prestige,
reliability and resale value.

Quality: No manufacturer knows how to do small cars with small engines
better than Acura¹s parent company Honda. It is no wonder that kids on the
west coast flock like lemmings to own a Honda Civic or an Acura Integra. The
kids know that both vehicles are exceptionally well built, can take lots of
punishment and are great canvases for customization.

Design: Honda has been a leader in styling small cars for the last two
decades. The Acura RSX is a slick, clean design that should grow old
gracefully. There are no surplus flourishes or styling elements; the car¹s
lines and details are seamlessly integrated into the main mass of the
automobile. Honda also has been a leader in adapting modern ergonomics to
the automobile. The interior of the RSX is elegant and functional with
everything in its place for instant recognition and use. The metallic-face
gauges give the interior a nice sporting edge. The interior is comfortable
and the seats present a good balance of comfort and support.

Safety: The RSX has the level of safety equipment one would expect in the
luxury segment. Equally important is the car¹s nimble handling and excellent
brakes. Driving the RSX, you may be able to steer and brake your way out of
danger.

Engine and transmission: Key to the Honda¹s strategy for building small
engines with big performance has been variable valve timing. The new 
RSX has the latest evolution of this technology called i-Tec, which stands for
intelligent valve-control. Both the timing and the lift of the valves are
sequenced to maximize power and minimize fuel consumption and emissions.
Consequently, the small two-liter engine in the Type-S develops 200
horsepower. On the other hand, the specs show that the engine only develops
modest torque. The downside to this engine design (high horsepower and
just-average torque) is that to make the RSX really fly, you need to keep
the motor running at high engine speeds. The RSX is great for a romp down
country roads, but will not be a significant player when it comes to
stoplight burnouts.
The Type-S is equipped with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that
works flawlessly. In some cars, a six-speed transmission seems like an
unnecessary indulgence. But the RSX¹s small highly tuned engine works best
when it operates in its upper range and the six speed manual means that you
can keep the engine revs up and enjoy the sweet spot in the power curve.
Ride and handling: Honda has been showing us just how sporting a small
front-wheel-drive automobile can be. The RSX S-Type delivers some suspension
modifications, but still has an acceptable ride. It features predictable
handling that provides plenty of feedback to the driver. The RSX S-Type is
fun to drive. So, if your social standing prevents you from owning a small
sporty coupe, give an RSX to a deserving young person with the understanding
that you get visitation rights on weekends.

 
Vehicle: Acura RSX 
Price as tested: $23,650
Engine:
    Type: 2-liter inline four
    Horsepower: 200 @ 7,400 rpm
    Torque: 142 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm
Fuel economy, manual transmission
    City - 24 mpg
    Highway - 31 mpg
Curb Weight: 2,778 lbs.