Honda is moving Acura along the socio-economic ladder, and unfortunately for RSX buffs, the brand is quashing its relatively inexpensive coupe its way upmarket. By the end of the 2006 model year, the RSX will have ridden off into the sunt. The move is rather predictable, given that not only is parent Honda keen on moving the brand to a higher rung, the redesigned Civic Si outpoints the base RSX (197 horsepower versus 155) for a c-note less. So... will something come along to fill out Acura's low end? The automaker won't elaborate, but dealers say that a coupe and/or convertible TSX could be in the cards.
The cancellation is somewhat reminiscent of when Toyota's upstart Scion outlet began selling the tC coupe, which outpointed the aging Celica in many areas for significantly less money.
[Source: AutoWeek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Pinkerton @ May 1st 2006 2:38PM
Sure, the Civic seems like a valid replacement... but that windshield, the sight lines from the cockpit are obnoxious in the Si. Having driven both cars, I'd take a used RSX over a Civic Si.
JZeke @ May 1st 2006 2:47PM
Sad Acura cant manage to offer a bit more customizability to its cars (think Mini Cooper options buffet, not tacky body kits). A common complaint amongst my enthusiast friends leveled against the Acura is the lack of color options, trim options and general design details.
Shame becuase its a sweet driving car.
Michael Karesh @ May 1st 2006 2:51PM
The tC is a boat compared to the Celica. A larger engine for less money, sure, but it doesn't feel much sportier than a Camry.
The RSX is an odd mix--interior is probably too nice for the typical customer, yet the engine lacks midrange punch to compete in the mid-twenties.
My page for the RSX, with links to a review and the most popular price comparisons: http://www.truedelta.com/models/RSX.php
BCM @ May 1st 2006 2:53PM
It's a shame. Unlike Civics, you don't have to search for one with the options you want because there really aren't any. The interior isn't as goofy as the Civic's, it doesn't have a crappy-looking spoiler, and it's the only Acura available without impractical leather upholstery.
Hung2 @ May 1st 2006 2:59PM
DOI (instead of DOA) = Death of the Integra!!
We all know that the Integra is the soul of the RSX and has been for awhile. I owned an Integra years ago and loved it. I feel like I'm seeing an old friend slip into the abyss...I think I'm going to cry...
Howard Kerr @ May 1st 2006 3:09PM
As someone who owns an early '90s Integra, and who has ridden in an RSX, I think Honda/Acura are making a huge mistake. As the British would say, the RSX and SI are like "chalk to cheese".
Hey Acura, you are already making a few "boat-like" cars, that is, Honda's "sporty brand"...ain't. So why give loyal enthusiasts one more reason to cross Acura off their lists?
As far as Toyota's replacing the Celica with the tc...this is like Pontiac replacing the Firebird with the G6 coupe. Each car has very different kinds of buyers. I REALLY doubt a potential Celica buyer has moved to the tc, thinking they got a sporty car at a cheaper price point.
Optimus Prime @ May 1st 2006 3:10PM
What about JDM? Are they still keeping their Integra since there's no Acura to move upscale?
Howard Kerr @ May 1st 2006 3:21PM
Re #6,
The only Acura models STILL built in Japan are the RL and the TSX, though I believe some European market TSXs are built in Europe. The new CR-V clone that Acura will sell beginning in '07 will NOT be Japanese built, I can't remember if it's Canadian or U.S. built.
So, will the RSX continue in other markets? Probably in Japan, maybe in Europe but maybe not as the lower numbers may make it economically unviable.
jason@eagleabatement.com @ May 1st 2006 3:39PM
They should rebadge it as a Honda Prelude. The original Prelude was just a rebodied & retuned Civic so it would back to basics for Honda. Just don't give it the original Prelude crushed velvet interior and skinny 13" steel wheels.
The Driver @ May 1st 2006 3:39PM
The information on horsepower is a bit... misleading. The new 2006 civic si is not the base model. The 155hp rsx however is.
Comparing the high end civic to a low end rsx is not fair. The performance version (type-s) of the 2005 RSX has a 210 hp engine. The 2006 civic si has 13 less.
PLUS even if the civic did have more horsepower than the more expensive RSX?? Look at the G35 and the 350Z. Many cars are like this, and the rsx was a good choice for someone looking for a japanese car with good handling, respectable luxury brand, and decent horsepower for a decent price.
It was kind of like the mustang in a sense. It owned its own market, the japanese luxury low end coupes. what others are there? Mitsu isnt lux. Lexus and Infiniti have nothing in this price range, (the g35 is 10K more than rsx in canada). Not a smart decision to kill it off. However if the TSX coupe is coming then im more than willing to wait.
doug @ May 1st 2006 4:11PM
As a former owner of a 1994 Integra GSR and current owner of a 2002 RSX-s, it is very sad to see the RSX slip away. I can't believe that Acura can't find a place in the line up for this car. Despite its faults there is no current car I would rather have. A Tiburon? An Eclipse?? A tC? A Cobalt? Not a chance. I have never kept a car more than 5 years, I guess there is a first time for everything.....
Things I like:
1. The K20 engine: 200hp, 8000rpm, redline, good power everywhere,sounds great, good on gas
2. The size - fits 4 comfortably, good cargo room, easy to maneuver
3. Style - looks great still
4. the cupholders - fit anything, easy to hideaway,
Things I don't like:
1. the cheap interior, hard plastic on the doors, too many different types of plastic
2. the door panels move when the windows go down
3. Blindspots caused by the C-pillars
4. The seat - never get totally comfortable
5. rear suspension - hates speed bumps, it rides up over them then crashes down - everything in the trunk jumps
6. turning circle - too big!
I know that's more bad than good, but somehow it all comes together in a great package. I can't imagine driving the competition or an Si or another Acura for that matter......
RIP RSX..............depressed now
risingsun @ May 1st 2006 4:11PM
#9 the Prelude was based on the ACCORD platform. It was phased out and replaced with the Accord coupe.
I can't believe some people think this is a bad thing. This was obvious from the minute the Civic Si concept was announced. The RSX replacement is going to be BETTER.
Think about this: In the upcoming Acura RDX, there is a 2.3L turbo 4-cyl, with SH-AWD. The RSX replacement is most likely going to be sporting this new engine, and perhaps in a bid to compete with the Evo and STi, even the SH-AWD will be available. This powertrain will spend some production time in the RDX so Honda can get some real-world feedback before they put it in a performance coupe, because they know what the automotive press expects from Honda, so they don't take any chances.
Also, the RSX was just plain ugly. The styling on the 06 Civic is all about aerodynamics. It significantly helps fuel economy and allows Honda to put a larger (for Honda) engine in the car. Some people just fear change I guess.
doug @ May 1st 2006 4:24PM
Risingsun, some of us don't want and overweight, overcomplicated, poor mileage "sport coupe". Maybe Mazda will do it right with the Kabura.
The new Si is ugly, and the interior is crap. And i like my hatch vs a trunk. You can't fit an overloaded laundry basket in a trunk! :)
The appeal of the RSX for me is the combo of speed and utility. Nothing the competition or Honda has comes close
risingsun @ May 1st 2006 4:34PM
A lot of the styling these days is "love it or hate it," just look at BMW and the "Bangle butt". Or the Ridgeline, or countless others. But in automotive history, the cars that are remembered the most are the cars with the most controversial styling.
The RSX had bad handling compared to the DC2 integras, it sits two miles in the air, and the suspension is way too soft. Lots of body roll. The handling is so bad, that to try to fix it on the newer models, Honda actually had the springs wound different directions for each side of the car. One of the few cars in the world to have this, and an indicator of it's defficiency.
If Honda were to make the Evo / Sti fighter, I think it is safe to assume that it will get significantly better gas mileage than the competition. And if you can afford a "sport coupe" or "sport sedan", you can afford the gas. Gas prices keep going up, yet demand doesn't go down in the U.S. Which shows we can still afford it.
I do agree about the hatchback though.
Russell @ May 1st 2006 5:12PM
This has been due for a while in my opinion. I'm surprised the Honda/Acura product planners even allowed the new Si and RSX to coexist in the market. With it's limited slip differential, larger backseat, and optional nav system, the considerably more expensive RSX (base or Type-S) is irrelevant except for those that have to have the Acura badge.
And I think Doug brought up an interesting point without even realizing it; he says,
"I can't believe that Acura can't find a place in the line up for this car. Despite its faults there is no current car I would rather have. A Tiburon? An Eclipse?? A tC? A Cobalt?"
Do you think Acura management enjoys having potential customers cross shop their vehicles with Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Scion, or Chevrolet? I sincerely doubt it and it only serves to push the whole brand down. I doubt anyone stepping into an Infiniti or Lexus showroom have models from Hyundai or Scion also appearing on their shopping list. Acura's been suffering for a while now because it's not considered a true premium brand. Look at the sales of the new RL for example. Aside from other issues, one problem is that few people are willing to drop 50+k on an Acura. That's Lexus/BMW/Merc territory and I'm sure I'm not alone when I say the Acura brand isn't quite in the same category.
Lee @ May 1st 2006 5:18PM
That's a shame, because the RSX is a better car than the Civic Si. It's slightly faster, more fun to shift, handles better (Si feels more cumbersome), has noticeably superior build quality, and I think it's more attractive. Sure the interior is a throwback to the old Civic, but the fact is, it's a very practical design, which is more than I can say about the Si interior.
In all fairness... they should have just kept the Integra name and badged it a Honda from the beginning. It has just never fit appropriately into Acura's lineup. But that was fine by me. Current owners are in luck though, as I'm sure this will slow depreciation (the car already holds it's value quite well).
Calvin @ May 1st 2006 5:23PM
Maybe they'll slap the RDX's engine on one, add SH-AWD, and charge $30K for it. And what do we have? An Audi A3, or BMW 1-series fighter. Audi and BMW both think there is a market, and will likely be joined by others such as the Volvo C30 or Saab 9-1. With oil hitting >$3 gallon, it might get trendier to have something more compact with or without the added gas mileage. Besides, in other parts of the world, this could be large enough as a family car.
doug @ May 1st 2006 5:26PM
Let's get real. Acura is never going to be in the same league as Lexus/BMW/Merc as long as all its cars are based on the Accord! Even if it isn't, the RL is not going to be considered an equal with the competition as long as it's engine is transverse - i.e. based on front drive.
My point is not to debate the future of Acura, but to mourn the loss of the RSX. Any suggestions on a suitable substitute from any maker?
Best I can come up with is to wait for an Evo X
doug @ May 1st 2006 5:49PM
Calvin, I agree. While the RSX has been cross shopped with Eclipse, Cobalt, tC etc, with the new small cars coming from Volvo, Saab, BMW a case could be made that the RSX needed to move upmarket a little. Say $25,000 for 220hp, add in the improvements from the Si like LSD and navi, and some better plastics inside and I'd buy another.
Aki @ May 1st 2006 5:54PM
"That's a shame, because the RSX is a better car than the Civic Si. It's slightly faster, more fun to shift, handles better (Si feels more cumbersome), has noticeably superior build quality, and I think it's more attractive. Sure the interior is a throwback to the old Civic, but the fact is, it's a very practical design, which is more than I can say about the Si interior."
Somebody who knows very little about the 06 Si.
The Si handles significantly better than the RSX-S. LSD means torque is transferred to outside wheels, and heck, the car has the same lateral acceleration as a Dodge Viper. The Si is also far more practical in the dash layout--a speedometer you can see from your peripheral vision, and a giant tach that's easy to follow? And shifter? The six-speed is the same in the TSX, and nearly identical to the RSX-S.
The news story is misleading--RSX may become defunct, but it doesn't mean Acura won't build a coupe anymore. Maybe they'll just slap new alphabet soup names together.