New Car Overview of the 2005 Acura RSX Compact Coupe

Base MSRP Range: $20,275 - $23,670

Base Invoice Range: $18,488 - $21,579

MSRP As Tested: Not Available

Versions: RSX, RSX Type-S

Vehicle Category: Compact Sports Coupe

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive .

Standard Engine: 2.0-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, ">I-4, 160 -horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 143 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm.

Optional Engine as Tested: 2.0-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valve, I-4, 210- horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 143 lb-ft torque at 7,000 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed automatic, Five-speed manual, Six-speed manual.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): I-4 5-speed manual 27/34, I-4 5-speed automatic 23/31, I-4 6-speed manual 25/34.

Standard Safety Features: Dual front airbags, Front side airbags, ">Antilock Brake System

Competition: Hyundai Tiburon, Chevrolet Cobalt, Mini Cooper, Scion tc.

Acura's RSX sports coupe didn't really need much refreshing.

Even after four years on the market, it was still a great car in all aspects -- style, performance, comfort, price and reliability - but nonetheless, Acura decided it was time for an updated version in 2005.

Instead of choosing to do a massive overhaul to create a new car that looks and feels totally different from the old one, however, Acura simply made lots of small updates that add up to a big change. It's the same...but different.

For starters, the new RSX has a new body, but most people would be hard pressed to tell the difference. It looks slightly lower, faster and meaner now, with redesigned air ducts, aggressive-looking headlights and a new Acura-family grille. The rear of the RSX was redesigned with new taillight assemblies; a new bumper and larger diameter exhaust tips.

The overall look is just a little sportier, but it retains the old RSX's recognizable wedge shape.

Updates are also evident in the interior, where the seats have been redesigned with more supportive side bolsters and a thicker lower cushion for increased comfort on long drives and support during aggressive cornering. Titanium accents have been added to the headrests and to several places around the cabin, giving the car a slightly more upscale feel.

The car is still available in two versions: the sporty RSX and the high-performance RSX Type-S. Both models are powered by terrific, Honda-engineered engines that rev high and offer plenty of power for pulling the fun, lightweight car through traffic.

The base RSX ($20,275) -- which actually comes with some luxurious standard equipment like automatic climate control, power moonroof and keyless entry -- has a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 160 horsepower. It's certainly enough power for spirited driving, although an automatic is available for more mundane trips.

For an even better performance kick, the Type-S ($23,670) offers a 210-horsepower engine that feels like it belongs in a racecar. The Type-S comes standard with leather, a six-speed manual transmission with no automatic available, and 17-inch wheels.

The difference in the regular RSX and the Type-S is striking. They feel like two completely different cars.

While the RSX feels like a super nice Honda Civic -- with a sporty ride, decent acceleration and relatively quiet cabin -- the Type-S is clearly designed more for performance driving than trips to the grocery store.

The Type-S corners almost completely flat, even at wild speeds around bends, and accelerates so fast it's frightening. On the downside, it's much louder than the regular RSX, especially when the engine reaches high RPMs and sends a high-pitched shriek through the cabin. Its firmer suspension is also less comfortable on the highway, opting for razor-sharp handling over a soft, compliant ride.

Overall, the RSX keeps the same near perfect mix of luxury and affordability in a small car. It has a clean, sporty style and impressive Acura badge that makes it more appealing than many cars in its price range, especially considering the level of standard equipment in the cabin.

It's simply a good value for the money. And that's something that never needs refreshing.

Pros: It's fun to drive, comes with lots of standard equipment and has a luxury brand name -- and the reputation that comes with it.

Cons: It can be noisy on the highway, especially in the high-performance Type-S version.

Ratings (1-10)

• Style: 9
• Performance: 9
• Price: 10
• Handling: 9
• Ride: 7
• Comfort: 7
• Quality: 10
• Overall: 9

More Data

Where Built: Japan

Major Options: Luxury package, air conditioning, leather seating surfaces.

Seating: 4

Number of Rows: 2

Length in Inches: 172.4

Warranties: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper, 5 years/unlimited miles corrosion protection, 4 years/50,000 miles Roadside assistance.

Weight in Pounds: 2,734 lb.

Cargo Capacity in Pounds: Not available.

Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: Not available.

Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Available.

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 13.2

Destination Charge: $570