2005 Acura RSX-S. What Say You OPPO?

"JACU - I've got bonifides." (jacu)
04/02/2014 at 12:58 • Filed to: None

After we move from the beehive to our next home, I'm going to need another distraction during my semi-retired state. Not looking for recommendations of vehicles, but I would like to tap into the OPPO think tank regarding the aforementioned vehicle. I've always loved the clean lines of the RSX and the 2005 S was the best of breed available here in the states. I once owned an '03 EP3 Civic with basically the same chassis and was not thrilled with the driving dynamics, but I was wondering if the 2005 RSX-S was different enough to warrant serious consideration.

DISCUSSION (24)

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 13:02

What didn't you like about the EP3? I have an 02 RSX-S and can't imagine it would be that different.

Frosted > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 13:05

I don't like it. It could've been a great sports car but it seemed underpowered and the FWD was/is a let down.

That said, it's the only car Acura made that I ever cared about.

bob and john > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 13:10

its a decent car, but its hard to find one that was un-molested

Chteelers > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 13:20

FWD, so no for me. But if that's not a concern, then seems like a decent pick.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Frosted
04/02/2014 at 13:24

Sports car it ain't. More like a faster Civic, really.

JACU - I've got bonifides. > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
04/02/2014 at 13:28

Other than the gearshift quality and precision, the EP3 felt very numb to me. I was not impressed with the build quality either, but I think the DC5 wouldn't have that problem considering it was built in Japan.

Frosted > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
04/02/2014 at 13:38

But it LOOKS so sporty! If it were RWD, it would've been the FRS of its time really.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 13:39

The 2005+ had a revised suspension/chassis to give it some extra refinement and prowess. The high cam version of the K20 is a beast (have one in my Si, love it) and the interior is refined without being staid. It's hands down one of the great DD sporty options. I say buy one, slip an LSD from an 06+ Si in there, build it out with some mild modification under the hood, and have a ball.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 13:51

Steering is hydraulic instead of electric like it is in the EP3, so there should be more feel. It actually feels better than my 05 S2000 with the same front tires.

Build quality ... the drivetrain's held up fine. Interior's full of hard plastic relative to the DC2 Integra and some bits can start rattling. It also feels cramped relative to the Civic, surprisingly.

Turning radius is 3 ft larger than most cars (38 ft) — expect more 3 pt turns and needing an extra lane for U turns.

That said, I've had mine for 7 years now and it's been my choice of daily driver because it's just interesting and practical enough even with other cars available.

RightFootDown > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 13:57

If you didn't like the driving dynamics of the EP3 then you won't like the RSX. They both use, to my knowledge, a near identical MacPherson front suspension design and the same rear suspension. More info on it here - http://honda-tech.com/showthread.php…

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Frosted
04/02/2014 at 13:59

Kinja'd!!!

Yeah, that's probably one of the main reasons I've had mine for so long. Wish I had the funds to splurge on an 06 conversion and matching lip kit. The RWD itch is strong, though.

Jalop side story: My S2000 parks directly behind the RSX, and my friend started the S2000 and the car lurched forward because he didn't notice that I leave the cars parked in gear. I joked that if he'd actually mashed them together, I'd get with the equivalent of a 4wd E92 M3 frankenstein — 4 driven wheels, 8 cylinders, 400+ hp in a heavy pile of scrap metal.

Lame, I know.

Kailand09 > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 14:06

buddy has one. You can't expect it to compete with some fully purposed sports cars out there, but if you want a fun daily driver that isn't too much to handle in inclement weather, it is absolutely wonderful.

The VTEC pushes it fast enough, especially for its weight (yeah I know, I don't like the FR-S but this is a different car imo). The seats are super, and the interior is nice but not over done and its simple. I like it a lot. I've even spent time in the back seat at 6' tall, it ain't that bad.

I'd say it's a good buy.

Textured Soy Protein > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 14:16

For an efficient fwd runabout that's still got some fun, I like the RSX-S. But then again I also liked the EP3 the one time I drove one.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 15:25

I'm all for it. I drove my buddies' 06 RSX-S for a week when he was out of town and it was a hoot. One of the easiest to drive cars i've ever driven. 6 speed is phenomenal, as well as throttle response.

ITA Hondaboy > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 20:22

I have an 04 (before the restyle). I really like mine; I can't add anything that hasn't already been said. It's a fun little FWD car. Watch out for 2nd and 3rd being notchy/shitty to get in to. It's the weak spot on the car.

Long Live the Longdoor > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 22:55

I always had a bit of a soft spot for the RSX-S, especially in blue. It has to be blue.

It's the car that Acura should be making to attract younger buyers right now, not the ILX.

Alas, you can probably pick one of these up for a steal and it'll treat you well for years to come (assuming the previous owner hasn't hooned it to within an inch of it's life).

PS9 > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/02/2014 at 23:16

...I say Acura needs to quit fucking around and give us the RSX namplate on a RWD car of about this size, + a high revving turbocharged motor.

PG; the scalpel wielder > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/03/2014 at 07:25

Kinja'd!!!

do it, ive had mine for over 3 yrs

unbreakable and so much fun. great community too

take it the track before you complain of fwd, its not a comprimise.

im running 14 fr and rear spring rates so dnt do that

JACU - I've got bonifides. > PG; the scalpel wielder
04/03/2014 at 08:03

I used to track a del Sol DOHC with completely adjustable suspension and 400lb springs f/r, so being FWD has never been an issue with me. :) Thanks for responding!

JACU - I've got bonifides. > PS9
04/03/2014 at 08:05

I'd love to see another S2000.

JACU - I've got bonifides. > Long Live the Longdoor
04/03/2014 at 08:06

I did a cars.com search on the later RSX-S yesterday and found some relatively low-mileage values. I reassess after I move. Thanks for the reply!

8000rpm > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/09/2014 at 19:25

I've had my 2002 Type S for a year now and I love it. Spacious enough for a week's worth of vacation gear inside (including a mountain bike), quiet and efficient when you want it to be(37 mpg average on that same trip) and then... it turns into an 8000 rpm lunatic when you lean on it. It really has two personalities and you can call on either of them any time you like. Hold out for one with good maintenance records. Change the transmission oil to Redline MTL, get the Hondata reflash, and Hybrid Racing shifter bushings. You won't regret it.

langadamd > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/10/2014 at 11:19

I test drove one last year when I was looking for a new car, the K20 had a surprisingly good sound at high rpms. If it were RWD it would be amazing. I always liked the body style too.

gc8foreva > JACU - I've got bonifides.
04/17/2014 at 14:46

I've had mine for a little under 2 years, and it's been a solid, reliable performer. It feels quite agile in corners and revs smoothly. My favorite mod thus far has been a short shifter, it just feels so right now.