2003 Acura RSX reviews and buying guide.
2003
Acura RSX resources:
2003 Acura RSX
The 2003 Acura RSX rolled off the production line for
the first time in July of 2001, and it hasn't even considered
looking back. A complete runaway success, the RSX is
a sports coupe that has impressed customers and competing
manufacturers alike, though the latter will certainly
never admit it. For driving excitement, the RSX stands
among the elite models in the automotive world.
One of the main selling points of the 2003 Acura RSX
is its affordable price tag, a feature that rarely accompanies
sports cars. People on a budget who want a decidedly
noticeable amount of performance features should seriously
consider the RSX. A two-door hatchback coupe, the RSX
seats two and is offered in a base model and a sporty
RSX Type-S trim level.
Under the Hood
Each trim level has its own specific engine. The base
model receives a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers
160 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 141 lb-ft of torque at
4000 rpm. It offers both 5-speed manual transmission
and 5-speed automatic. Manuals get an impressive fuel
rating of 27/33 mpg (city/hwy), while automatics get
24/33 mpg (city/hwy). The Type-S trim level steps up
the adrenaline rush with a high-output version of the
same engine. Dishing out 200 horsepower at 7400 rpm
and 142 lb-ft of torque at 6000 rpm, it is available
with 6-speed manual transmission and gets 24/31 mpg
(city/hwy).
Both models feature the same advanced suspension system.
A Control-Link MacPherson Strut front suspension enhances
cornering performance and improves interior room, while
at the rear, the RSX has a compact double-wishbone system
that delivers confident handling and a smooth, compliant
ride. For safety, the RSX has dual front and side airbags
and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The RSX is designed for driving enthusiasts. The cockpit
has large-diameter, metallic-face analog gauges with
a backlit design that are grouped in a pod that sits
in the center of the instrument panel. The ride in the
base model is made comfortable with air conditioning
with automatic climate control, a tilt leather-wrapped
steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front
bucket seats with driver-seat lumbar adjustment, remote
keyless entry, a power sunroof and an AM/FM/CD player.
Leather upholstery can be added alone to create a lush
interior setting.
The Type-S trim automatically comes with leather and
adds a Bose AM/FM/cassette with an in-dash 6-disc CD
player for pure listening pleasure. And one should certainly
not forget that with the 2003 Acura RSX, all of this
is packaged together under a very reasonable price.
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