2006 Acura RSX 5-Spd MT

Pros

MPG, clutch, interior look and feel, style, quality, hatch, quiet engine

Cons

Not a one!

I traded in a 6-speed '05 MX5 Mazdaspeed Miata for my RSX and have zero complaints. I am most impressed with the soft-touch clutch and easy shifts - it accelerates like a manual but feels like an AT. The best of both worlds!

Because the model is closing out, the dealership had just sold their last type-S. Coming from a Mazdaspeed, I thought I'd be disappointed with the base model. While it doesn't have that sweet turbo hiss, this thing is pretty feisty and I was pleasantly surprised with it's acceleration. With the excellent clutch, shifting, and acceleration, I think you're selling the car short if you buy an AT.

If you're thinking about buying an RSX, remember - it's all a matter of perspective. Please consider the following:

1. DO NOT buy this car if you're looking for a passenger vehicle. The back seat is not meant for (adult) passengers. It drives me crazy that people complain about this - you bought a 2-dr coupe - what did you expect? Don't even think about sticking your friends back there. Those seats are meant for children, purses, brief cases, gym bags, and coats. Maybe you can get away with squeezing your buddies in there in a pinch, but if you need a passenger car, buy a 4 door. Again, I traded in a 2-dr with zero backseat, so I have a different perspective. The balance to the lack of back seat is hatchback versitality - the back seats fold down flat to provide some really impressive cargo space.

2. Compared to my roadster, this thing rides like a squishy Cadillac. I don't feel the "choppiness" or hear the road noise others have complained about. The engine is next to silent. I would shift my Miata mostly based on engine sounds, but in the RSX I have to keep an eye on my RPMs because I can't hear a thing! I think for this type of small, sporty car, this is as quiet as it gets. Again, if you want a numb, silent ride, get a Caddy!

3. Though I wouldn't have minded the extra zip and amenities of a type-S, I'm glad to have a car that takes regular fuel, gets excellent economy, and still has some zip.

Overall, I'm extremely pleased with my purchase, excited to own an Acura, and happy to have a slowly appreciating, easy to resell vehicle. The market for this car is excellent and will improve as they get harder to come by. I'm planning to hang on to mine for a while....read morehide

Pros

vehicle has outstanding fuel economy and performance too bad they stopped production

Cons

Struts on the front tend to make a clunking noise when turning Acura says its normal

For what you get for a base model RSX its a great value so far aim happy with my lease i would like to obtain a Type S after i come back from the Army but enough about that the RSX handles turns very well and the powerband of the motor is very satisfactory coming of turns and accelerating out of it i have also found out that it is very easy to burn rubber as i got a ticket from an officer very lucky i didn't get a misdeamor. Braking on the RSX is very responsive with its four wheel disc brakes this vehicle's braking power is at a plus earning my highest satisfaction aiding me out of tough pickles when driving in traffic and just driving around town....read morehide

Pros

Type-S came fully loaded, great value (got a good deal), Stong at high RPM, driver oriented

Cons

bumps in the road definately impacts the steering. Must high rev to use full HP

I have read many reviews on this vehicle and felt I had to put my 2 cents in. Keep in mind, I had a Honda Civic 00 before the RSX, and this is my first car out of college.

When I first saw the previous models of the RSX, I wasn't too impressed, I really didn't like the cut outs of the light. But I was out of college and working and felt I needed a new ride. (not another civic) The new version smoothed out the cut out from the head lights and rear lights. The RSX had a promotion back in April and I decided to test drive it. I really did enjoy the extra horses and it had better MPG than other cars in its class. Consumer reports gave it high remarks overall. The test drive was really smooth and on the second visit i got it, with a great deal. So year to date (4 months) I broke in the engine now and do accelerate every once in awhile and boy does it keep up with stronger cars. The gear box. IT IS THE SMOOTHEST OUT THERE! I really like how the head unit is driver oriented. It comes with leather, thats awesome. I never had any problems so far, such as the strut noise that I have read so much about. Well I believe that almost all production for this vehicle has stopped and the new TSX A-SPec or whatever is out soon. Yes I know its not as strong as per say a G35 etc. etc. But for the price you really can't argue with the RSX Type-S, so if anyone is in a situation where they want the luxury of an Acura, but don't have all this extra cash to blow then I would recommend this car....read morehide

After reading the reviews on this car I have decided to purchase either the Honda Accord with a MT or an Altima with the MT. Too many reviewers reported the same problem with the MT Acura.

Pros

Appearance, fuel, sporty,

Cons

2nd gear pops, winding noise b/w gears and when in reverse, underpowered, back seat too small, radio

I am used to driving the BMW 6 series but my son has been using my car for interviews so I have been using his manual RSX. I am really not impressed. The car is fun and sporty, and seems to be ok zipping around as long as you don't go over 40. Over 40 mph and there is this low hum, second gear doesn't always stick and anytime you go over a speed bump the airbag light comes on. Also, the glove compartment doesn't fully click closed it seems to hang down. The back seat is too tiny and even short people who sit in the back will bang there head on the back window if there are any fast turns or sudden breaking. This is really a good kids car its just nothing special....read morehide

Pros

Good on Gas, sporty feel, Quick steering, good brakes, climate control, nice short shifting

Cons

Second gear seems out of place, damn it. The air bag light comes on on bumpy roads

I love the car, it feels a little underpowered, I have the base, love the steering, the brakes, and responsivness. Love the climate control, not to crazy about the radio, they could've done a better job, the type S comes with a Bose and a subwoffer. The base has an acura radio/cd...its probably mayde by delco...not funny! elegant, sporty, love the seats, very tight in the back, i hate the fact the blinkers are red, they should be yellow. That's because the Red tail is cheaper to make. The side airbag light comes on on rough road condition and then dissapear. When you open the hood you could see the asphalt near the back of the tire, the engine will get dirty because of it.
and yes that second gear, what's up with that man? it really bothers me. I drove stick from day one and this car shifts in second like beat up ford escort and I don't mean the GT, btw the GT has a mazda transmission so I guess mazda better manual transmission than acura..currently 500 miles on my baby.....read morehide

Pros

Good on gas, quick

Cons

Breaks down alot, hate to go back to the dealer every other week.

Im on my 3rd trannie and it still grinds into 2nd gear.
I got a freakin' christmas tree of warning lights (maitainance Light, srs light, oil light, and both check engine lights) that go on and off randomly.
The car has 3280 miles on it.
I'll have to get a lawyer next I guess.

Pros

Looks, comfort and feel

Cons

Too many problems, needs better radio.

I have had this car for less than 400 miles and have had the transmission replaced once and it's going back in tomorrow for the same problem. I realize I probably just recieved a lemon, but Acura is not willing to accept that and replace my car. I have had my car 4 days out of the 16 I have owned it.

Id say wait and see if there is something wrong with the car first before buying. And think about buying a car from a manufacture that doesn't realize a lemon and not willing to buy the car back....read morehide