Acura RSX Type S: used buyer's guide to the 2002–2006 RSX

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 6, 2026

The Acura RSX Type S is the performance version of the 2002–2006 RSX hatchback, with a 2.0L K-series i-VTEC four and a six-speed manual only. It made 200 hp for 2002–2004 and 210 hp from 2005, when it gained a larger wing and 17-inch wheels. The base RSX had 160 hp and a five-speed manual or automatic.

Type: Three-door sport compact hatchback (discontinued)
Powertrains: RSX Type S (2002–2004), RSX Type S (2005–2006), RSX · 160–210 hp
Current generation: RSX (4th-generation Integra), 2002–2006

Acura RSX engines, horsepower and mpg

Acura re-rated the 2006 RSX Type S at 201 hp and 140 lb-ft under a revised SAE procedure, with no hardware change. EPA rates the base RSX automatic at 21/30/24 (2002) and lists the Type S on premium fuel, the base car on regular.

Acura RSX powertrains with Acura-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
Version	Engine	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Drive	EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
RSX Type S (2002–2004)RSX Type S	2.0L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder (K20)[1][2][3]	200	142	6-speed manual	Front-wheel drive	21/28/242002 MY[3]
RSX Type S (2005–2006)RSX Type S	2.0L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder (K20)[1][2][3]	210	143	6-speed manual	Front-wheel drive	20/28/232006 MY[3]
RSXRSX	2.0L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder (K20)[2][4][3]	160	141	5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	23/30/262002 MY[3]

Output is as rated by Acura; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

What the Type S adds

The RSX Type S was the first Type S sport compact. Its K-series 2.0L made 40 hp more than the base RSX and came only with a six-speed manual. Acura says the RSX was the most aerodynamic coupe in its class, and 2002 Type S buyers got exclusive Premium White Pearl and Arctic Blue Pearl paint plus standard leather and Bose audio.

For 2005 output rose to 210 hp using a three-rocker-arm VTEC design that switches both intake and exhaust valves to high-lift cam profiles above 5,800 rpm. That year also brought a larger rear wing, 17-inch wheels with Michelin performance tires and a larger master cylinder.

2002–2004: 200 hp / 142 lb-ft
2005–2006: 210 hp / 143 lb-ft (201 hp re-rated for 2006)
Six-speed manual only
[1][4]

RSX then and now

The RSX was Acura's Integra successor in the U.S. until 2006, and the Integra name returned for 2023. In January 2025 Acura announced it would reuse the RSX name for an all-electric SUV; this page covers the 2002–2006 car.[2][5]

Acura RSX generations by year

Every US Acura RSX generation with model years and engines, newest first
Generation	US model years	Engines	Notes
RSX (4th-generation Integra)	2002–2006	2.0L i-VTEC four: 160 hp (RSX); 200 hp, then 210 hp from 2005 (Type S)	The RSX replaced the Integra in the U.S. as a three-door hatchback and dropped the sedan; it introduced i-VTEC with Variable Timing Control. A dealer-installed Acura Factory Performance package arrived for 2003 and was renamed A-Spec for 2004. The 2005 update revised the styling, seats and suspension.[2][4]

Acura RSX problems and recalls

The 2002–2006 Acura RSX has a short recall history. The only campaign in the DOT recall data naming the RSX is 13V246, which covers 2006 models whose brake booster may lose vacuum and cut brake assist. RSX coupes are not listed in the Takata air bag recalls. Run any RSX VIN through NHTSA’s lookup to confirm.

Documented Acura RSX issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
Issue	Generation	Years	Type
Brake booster can lose vacuum and reduce brake assist (recall 13V246)[6]	1st gen (2002–2006)	2006	Recall 13V246

All 1 documented RSX issues and 1 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

More RSX research

See how an RSX was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Acura build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Acura build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the RSX Type S have?

200 hp for 2002–2004 and 210 hp for 2005–2006; Acura re-rated the 2006 car at 201 hp under a revised SAE method.

What engine is in the RSX Type S?

A 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder from Honda's K-series (K20) family.

Did the RSX Type S come with an automatic?

No. The Type S was six-speed manual only; the base RSX offered a five-speed manual or automatic.

What years was the Acura RSX sold?

The 2002–2006 model years, between the original Integra and its 2023 return.

What mpg does the RSX Type S get?

EPA rates the 2002 Type S at 21/28/24 mpg and the 2006 at 20/28/23, on premium fuel.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Acura for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

Acura Type S Timeline and Milestones (April 11, 2023) — Acura Newsroom (acuranews.com)
Acura Integra Timeline and Milestones (April 11, 2023) — Acura Newsroom (acuranews.com)
EPA fuel economy ratings: 2002–2006 Acura RSX — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
Acura Model Chronology (November 7, 2012) — Acura Newsroom (acuranews.com)
Next-Generation Acura EV Will Bring the RSX Nameplate Back to the Performance Brand’s Lineup; Prototype Road Testing Begins (January 15, 2025) — Acura Newsroom (acuranews.com)
NHTSA recall 13V246000: Brake Booster may have a Vacuum Leak — NHTSA

More Acura tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. or Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. Acura and the model names are trademarks of their owners.