Well, here's yet another Car of the Week. I've attempted to stay away from profiling Honda products, for it would seem anticipated from a site like this. However, I think we're due. Enjoy, and as always, vote!
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2002 Acura RSX Type-S


Click Here For Edmunds.Com Review

Review From Road & Track

From an automaker where a four-year model cycle is considered average, the current Acura Integra, built since 1994, is practically a fossil. Yet carbon dating (and recent comparison tests) have revealed that the insect-faced, high-revving coupes and sedans placed a premium on agility and user-friendly sportiness, and held their ground against constantly evolving competition.

In fact, the storming 195-bhp Type-R variant continues to be the darling of the import street-racing scene, and still grabs front-row grid spots in Speedvision’s Touring class. Just how good, then, we wondered in print, would the next-generation Integra be?
The long wait is over and worth every minute.
It’s called the RSX now. And the version you’ll want, being an R&T reader, is the RSX Type-S on sale in early July.

Camped at the upper end of the $20,000– $25,000 price range (actual figures haven’t been released), the Type-S will make you glad that Honda cross-pollinates its engineers from passenger-car and racing disciplines; RSX project leader Yutaka Otobe, for instance, had a hand in developing Honda’s Formula 1 engines during Ayrton Senna’s reign.

And the all-new 2.0-liter i-VTEC 16-valve engine is a gem, idling with near-vibrationless calm yet capable of a liquid shriek to its 8000-rpm redline. Power peaks at 200 bhp at 7900 rpm and torque is 142 lb.-ft. at 6000 rpm, a 14 lb.-ft. increase from the Integra GS-R. There is no doubt that some of this extra twist comes from the additional 201 cc, but some comes from what Honda calls VTC, or Variable Timing Control.

Augmenting VTEC’s variable lift/timing system that cleverly switches between two distinct cam lobe profiles, VTC alters timing of the entire intake camshaft by as much as 50 degrees with a hydraulic actuator built into the cam sprocket. The result is more torque in the lower rpm ranges, lessening the weak-kneed feeling of being “off the VTEC.” A great, short-throw linkage allows mistake-proof shifts of a new 6-speed, close-ratio gearbox. And there’s a new 5-speed automatic transmission available, mated only to the…oops, nearly forgot…160-bhp 2.0-liter engine of the base RSX, which employs VTC with intake-side VTEC only. Opt for a manual on the base car and you’ll get five, rather than six, speeds.

But no doubt before you pop the hood, you’ll lay eyes on the RSX’s shape: a pleasingly wedgy hatchback (the only body style offered) that presents the corporate Acura face in the most dynamic way yet. It’s built atop the Global Compact Platform shared with the Civic, so it has similar suspension: MacPherson struts up front and an unusual rear suspension that employs an A-arm hinged off another A-arm as its lower assembly.

It works quite well, as we found in Japan around Twin Ring Motegi’s East Course, an FIA-approved, 2.2-mile circuit that passes into and out of the oval that hosts the annual CART race. With bigger front brakes (11.8 in. versus the base RSX’s 10.3), firmer shock and spring rates and a slightly larger front anti-roll bar (0.95 in. vs. 0.90), the Type-S seemed to actually enjoy its beating at the hands of 10 journalists.

Driven back-to-back with the Integra GS-R, the Type-S exhibited less roll and better power-on tracking while exiting a corner. Further, where the old car planted its rear tires firmly and gave no option of line, there’s a satisfying amount of pointability in this new chassis, whose goodness is held back slightly by tire choice. The all-season Michelin MXM4 tires simply don’t offer the grip of top-line fitments of competing cars, like the Celica GT-S.
There’s more to like in the RSX’s 2+2 interior: great, snug-fitting seats whose integrated headrests and shoulder bolsters lend them the look of Recaro racing buckets; great gauges whose bas-relief faces look to be crafted of spun aluminum; a superb 3-spoke wheel; and a sporty perforated covering that wraps the instrument hood and encircles the entire control area.

Taller drivers will appreciate significant extra head room—though wheelbase and overall length remain virtually the same, overall height has been increased by more than 2 in. Then there’s that hatchback versatility, with a larger opening than before.
Yep, worth the wait. Now we have to sit tight for the RSX Type-R.

Specifications

Type: Luxury Hatchback

Dimensions

Exterior:
-Length: 172.2 in.
-Width: 67.9 in.
-Height: 55.1 in.
-Weight: 2766 lbs.
-Wheel Base: 101.2 in.
-Ground Clearance: 5.9 in.

Interior:
-Front Head Room: 37.8 in.
-Front Hip Room: 51.1 in.
-Front Shoulder Room: 52.6 in.
-Rear Head Room: 30.1 in.
-Rear Shoulder Room: 51.3 in.
-Rear Hip Room: 46.2 in.
-Front Leg Room: 43.1 in.
-Rear Leg Room: 29.2 in.
-Luggage Capacity: 17.8 cu. ft.
-Maximum Seating: 4

Performance:

-Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.7 sec.
-Braking Distance: 128 ft.
-Base Number of Cylinders: 4
-Base Engine Size: 2 liters
-Base Engine Type: Inline 4
-Horsepower: 200hp @ 7400 rpm
-Torque: 142ft-lbs. @ 6000 rpm
-Drive Type: FWD
-Transmission: 6-speed manual
-Turning Circle: 38.1 ft.

-Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gal.
-EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
-Manual: 24 mpg / 31 mpg
-Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
-Manual: 316.8 mi. / 409.2 mi.

My Take:

Pros: Excellent seating, great shifter, punchy engine, classy cabin.

Cons: Under-tired, profile looks similar to Insight's.
Verdict: Worthy of holding it's own against the competition for another eight years.

Rating: A

Photo Gallery Below!

 

Photo Gallery

 

Shouldnt Chris have done this one? :fawk:

Anyways, I voted for the RSX Type S, but that GTi 1.8T was mighty tempting....... not to mention the Mini Cooper S have it a good run for its money..... but overall I did the RSX Type S.

 

Ah, good thinking. I forgot the Mini Cooper. h:

 

that mini has nothing mini about its weight...2600 lbs for the cooper s!!! that's only 100lbs lighter than the rsx type s!!!...and with the mini shorther wheelbase length and width...the rsx type s is definitely my choice...i finally got to sit in one and that cabin has excellent fit and finish...i was very impressed...now i want to drive one sometime

 

Is this foreshadowing of a potential puchase at jaje's
household?

 

Gotta vote for the model I got. RSX!

The MINI Cooper is mighty tempting though... a close #2.

 

my accord has served it purpose well...but as soon as i get a job i'm gonna start looking for a brand new car...the rsx type s is actually pretty sweet (i'm gonna consider it)...but its too small...i'm kinda leaning towards a new civic si or wrx wagon if i can swing the extra 5k...having old cars as daily drivers isn't the best strategy with young children...it breaks down and you're in a real pickle...anyway...i've always got my rex (at least as soon as i get this elec gremlin fixed and get it running :squint: )

 

You mentioned the Si
If anything get the WRX. I think 4(5) is something your gonna need with a family.

 

I nominate the WRX to be in the list also. You don't know how many WRX vs RSX-S debates goes on other messageboards.

I voted for the RSX-S still tho. The WRX might have AWD and turbo and its quick, but the interior is quality is very :down:.