Segment:
Sport Compact / Premium Compact Coupe
Positioning:
A performance-oriented, premium compact vehicle offering from Acura, bridging the gap between mainstream economy cars and luxury sports coupes.
Key Competitors:
Infiniti G35, BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4, Lexus IS300, Mazda RX-8, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Subaru Impreza WRX
Platform:
Shares platform with Honda Civic (EP3 Type R).
Powertrain:
Known for its high-revving K-series engines, particularly the K20A2 in the RSX Type-S.
Handling:
Renowned for sharp handling, responsive steering, and a balanced chassis.
Cost Saving:
Enables DIY repairs and maintenance, saving significant costs on labor.
Comprehensiveness:
Covers all aspects of the vehicle, ensuring no detail is missed for repairs or maintenance.
Engine:
Overhaul, rebuilding, performance tuning, diagnostics, timing belt replacement, serpentine belt routing
Brakes:
Servicing procedures, ABS diagnostics, caliper and rotor replacement
Suspension:
Front end alignment procedures and specifications, component replacement, shock absorber and strut service
Transmission:
Removal and installation, in-car servicing, fluid capacities, shift linkage adjustment, manual and automatic transmission specifics
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble tree charts, computer diagnostics, audio system wiring, lighting systems
Body:
Sunroof service, door panel removal, interior trim, body panel alignment
HVAC:
Air conditioning service, refrigerant capacities, component diagnosis and replacement
Maintenance:
Factory maintenance schedules and charts, fluid changes, filter replacements, ignition system service
Diagnostics:
Trouble codes, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, troubleshooting guides, systematic diagnostic approaches
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for all repair procedures, from minor adjustments to major component overhauls
Rebuild:
Engine overhaul and rebuilding procedures, transmission rebuilding
Restoration:
Detailed procedures suitable for restoring the vehicle to original specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive (Do-it-yourselfer to Professional Mechanic)
Illustrations:
Hundreds of detailed illustrations and diagrams
Schematics:
Detailed wiring schematics included
Specifications:
Complete torque specifications, firing orders, vacuum diagrams, fluid specifications
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac, Linux OS, iPhone, iPad, Android
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip
Printability:
Printable pages
Searchability:
Searchable and Bookmarked PDF
Binding:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital)
Base Engine:
2.0L DOHC i-VTEC I4 (K20A3)
Performance Base:
160 hp @ 6500 rpm, 141 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System Base:
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Type S Engine:
2.0L DOHC i-VTEC I4 (K20A2)
Performance Type S:
200 hp @ 7400 rpm, 147 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm (2002-2004); 201 hp @ 7800 rpm, 140 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm (2005-2006 with updated intake manifold)
Fuel System Type S:
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Bore X Stroke:
86 mm x 86 mm (K20A3 & K20A2)
Compression Ratio:
9.8:1 (K20A3), 11.0:1 (K20A2)
Redline:
Approx. 6800 rpm (K20A3), Approx. 8500 rpm (K20A2)
Base Transmission:
5-speed Manual (Base and Premium trims)
Type S Transmission:
6-speed Manual (RSX Type-S)
Automatic Transmission:
5-speed Automatic with Sequential SportShift (Available on Base and Premium trims)
Clutch:
Hydraulic Actuation
Differential:
Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) on Type-S models
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Honda Genuine Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-85
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 1.9 L (2.0 US qt)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 3.1 L (3.3 US qt) for refill
Wheelbase:
104.7 inches (2659 mm)
Length:
170.2 inches (4323 mm)
Width:
67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
54.8 inches (1392 mm)
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 2789 lbs (1265 kg)
Curb Weight Type S:
Approx. 2844 lbs (1290 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 3792 lbs (1720 kg)
Cargo Volume:
12.1 cu ft (rear seats up)
Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Tire Size Base:
205/55R16
Tire Size Type S:
215/45R17
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (2002-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star Front Seat, 4-Star Rear Seat (2002-2004 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Optional (VSA - Vehicle Stability Assist on some models)
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Premium ELS Surround Sound system available on some trims, typically with subwoofer and amplifier.
Cd Player:
In-dash CD player, often with MP3 capability.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Vsa:
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) available on some models, particularly Type-S.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack available on later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the Maintenance Minder system.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles for automatic transmission, manual transmission fluid check at 60,000 miles, replacement as needed or recommended.
Engine Oil Specification:
0W-20 or 5W-20 API certified synthetic or synthetic blend oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.4 US quarts (4.2 L) with filter for K20A2; Approx. 4.1 US quarts (3.9 L) with filter for K20A3
Engine Coolant Specification:
Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Type 2) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Specification:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON II/III ATF
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.7 US quarts (6.3 L)
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear can be accelerated with aggressive driving, particularly on Type-S models.
Transmission Grinding:
Some reports of grinding in 3rd gear, often attributed to synchronizer wear or improper fluid.
Ac Compressor Failure:
Early models may experience AC compressor failures.
Power Window Motors:
Occasional failure of power window motors.
Oxygen Sensors:
Oxygen sensor failures can impact fuel economy and emissions.
Acura Legacy:
Acura, Honda's luxury division, established in 1986, known for reliability, performance, and advanced technology.
Predecessor:
Acura Integra (GS, GS-R, Type R variants)
Redesign 2005:
Mid-cycle refresh for 2005 included updated front and rear styling, revised interior, and a power increase for the Type-S engine.
Production Location:
Marysville Auto Plant, Ohio, USA
Production Years:
2001 (for 2002 model year) - 2006
