is the 2005 better then the 02-04?
Pros:
sleek, more power, bigger rims
Cons:
maintenance might be expensive due to it being an import
The Bottom Line:
The acura RSX type-s can be good for almost anyone, but i would not recommend it for a primary family car.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Ive had my 2005 Rsx Type-s for 3 months now. Im loving it. The gears are smooth and the power is there when needed. The redesigned front end, tail lights, headlights, and minor changes to the interior are subtle, yet suites my taste. I think the 2005 rsx got a sportier yet sleeker design. The only things that changed on the 2005 RSX is not the looks, but also to the engine.
The 2005 RSX has many changes to the body. The suspension has changed. The front end got pointier and looks sportier and sleek to me. The head lights are changed and look like they are projectors, but they are not. The tailights changed, and give off the L.E.D look at night when braking. One of the changes that makes the car even more appealing, is that the car got new rims. Instead of having the small 16 inch rims from the previous model, the 05 model is given 17 inch rims which have a nice clean look on the car. The car is even lowered by a couple of mm in the rear. The suspension is supposed to be better then the previous model.
The engine also changed a bit. It still is in the same family as the 02-04 models. The k20 motor in the 05 RSX has changed for the better for the type S. The base rsx still remains the same. The 2005 has 10 more hp and a bit more torque then the older models. This power may have gotten by some of the Integra Type R parts that were put in the 2005 model. The integra Type R is a japanese name for the RSX and the type R is the model that is faster and with better suspension. The 2005 rsx borrows a few internals from the Type R. including the intake manifold, cams, etc. It has also borrowed the Type R exhaust. The 2005 model also redlines higher at 8100 then the older revving up to a 7900 redline. The gears shift through the 6 speed gear box very smoothly.
I think that the changes to the 2005 are all made for the better. To me, the little changes to the exterior were very pleasing cosmetically and the changes to the engine giving it 10 more horse power makes the car even more appealing. The interior has changed a little bit. The gauge cluster looks a bit different, and the leather is said to be a little better quality then the previous.
Having driven the previous model type-s and owning the 2005 type S, i can say that much of the power difference of the 10 hp and torque cannot really be noticed. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a sporty yet semi luxurious vehicle. The vehicle has a elegant yet sporty look to it. The power is there when needed and the looks are very appealing to many. For the people debating on the 2002-2004 model versus the 2005, i would say choose your vehicle based on the look. The power can not be pinpointed, as i said i do not feel the 10 extra horse power.
I had many choices in buying a car, but my heart was set on the 2005 Acura RSX Type-s. I fell in love with this from the start of driving it off the lot. The appearance was elegant, and didn't look like a cheap car. The 2.0 liter engine was putting out a whopping 210 horsepower. The thing i love most about this car, is the high redline at 8,100. Many cars do not have such a high redline, making this car unique from others. This car was affordable for me, and has the reliability of Honda/Acura. The reliability on the Honda/Acura vehicles are good and are known not to break down or have mechanical problems. The seats are also nice, being a one piece seat, giving the vehicle a sportier look. I like having my seat being one piece, unlike most other cars having the seat and headrest. This sportseat is comfortable yet sporty. The suspension is a bit stiff over bumps, but i love to feel the road while i drive. Although, they do call this car a luxury sports car, i think its more on the sporty side then the luxury side. The car is not too luxurious. It has the basics of a luxury, such as a cd player, climate control (which i love), and moon roof. It does not have too many options which is nice giving this car an almost set price. The ride may not be comfortable to many people, but feeling the road is driving for me. The interior is a little dark for me, but the bright red glow in the dash and center console gives it an aggressive look at night. The interior is very clean, having the buttons and everything in convenient spots. One thing that many be one of the bad things about this car is that the cup holder can not hold the huge drinks, but it does have 5 cup holders for a 4 person car. If i was given another choice to buy a car, i would have gone with the 2005 RSX type-s again in a heartbeat. I have fallen in love with this car from DAY 1 and still baby it like it was driven off the lot. And the power the car has makes it a VERY fun car to drive on the road. Drive Safe!