When Acura came to be in 1986, it had two cars for sale: the Integra hatchback and Legend sedan. The Integra quickly became a favorite of driving enthusiasts and commuters alike; it was responsive and energetic while also being practical and relatively inexpensive.
Though the Acura car lineup has grown since then -- there are now six different models -- the sport hatchback lineage continues on with the RSX. True to form, this is one of the best sport hatchbacks currently available.
The base RSX serves quite adequately as a daily driver. It's easy to pilot and the large cargo area adds utility. In Type-S form, this Acura car is considerably more fun, though its exclusive six-speed manual transmission will put off potential buyers who are unwilling to shift gears themselves. Regardless of trim, the RSX is a front-drive sport hatchback you'll want to consider. Like other Honda and Acura products, it expertly blends performance, comfort and features into a package that costs less than most of the competition. If you're looking for a car that can do it all, the 2006 Acura RSX aims to please.
The Acura RSX two-door sport hatchback comes in two trim levels: base and Type-S. Both are well-equipped. With the base RSX, you get standard features such as 16-inch alloy wheels; automatic climate control; power windows, locks and mirrors; cruise control; a power moonroof; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; and a CD player. These items, plus 17-inch wheels, stronger brakes, firmer suspension tuning, a rear spoiler and an in-dash six-disc CD changer come on the Type-S. Leather seats are also standard on the Type-S, and you can upgrade the base car's cloth with leather if you so desire.
The Acura RSX comes with standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes and side airbags for front occupants. In government crash tests, the RSX received five out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact tests, it received four stars for front-occupant protection.
Drivers wanting to relax after strafing twisty roads should enjoy the RSX's driver-oriented cockpit, contemporary materials, easy-to-use automatic climate controls and large metallic-faced gauges. Front-seat occupants will be comfortable, but adults sitting in back will find headroom is lacking. The Acura RSX has 17.8 cubic feet of luggage space.
Neither engine offers an abundance of torque, and the Type-S motor, in particular, needs to be revved quite high in order to achieve maximum acceleration. The six-speed shifter, however, is quite exemplary in its feel and quickness. On curvy roads, the Type-S feels secure and buttoned down, though the base Acura car is still pretty sporty. The Acura's ride quality is a little on the stiff side compared to softer coupes like the Hyundai Tiburon and Scion tC, but those looking to add a dose of sport to their daily commute will not be disappointed. Bear in mind, though, that Honda's new Civic Si coupe can deliver comparable performance for a few thousand dollars less than the Acura RSX Type-S.
A four-cylinder compact sedan may sound mundane for a sport-luxury car, but Acura TSX delivers the goods with decent performance, refinement and upscale features.
Acura always has been a classy brand, Honda's approach to luxury motoring with a sporty flair. The TSX is no exception, offering an interesting craft that's more substance than style.
For less than $30,000, there is a lot of car here, including a number of advanced electronic features for safety and convenience as standard equipment. And that four banger puts out a solid 205 horsepower with good economy.
TSX is one of Acura's smallest cars, slotting under the popular TL and above the RSX sport coupe. Acura recently announced it would discontinue RSX, making the TSX the smallest in its line.
Based on the European version of Honda Accord, the TSX has the kind of crisp handling response favored by Euro-car buyers, although the suspension tends more toward comfort than cornering.
For 2006, Acura upped the horsepower for the 2.4-liter engine, modifying the fuel-delivery and exhaust systems for more performance. The engine is equipped with Honda's i-VTEC valve-control system that evens out the power across the rpm.
Even so, the TSX needs to get up on the tachometer before hitting its maximum pull. Although the horsepower is strong, torque hangs at a modest 164 pound-feet, reducing power for standing starts unless you rev the bejabbers out of the engine.
The TSX is a favorite among younger buyers but should appeal to any driver who appreciates a sporty upscale sedan at a reasonable price.
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