When did they stop making the Acura RSX?
The Acura RSX ended production after the 2006 model year, with the final cars rolling off the line in 2006.
Launched in 2002 as Acura's front-wheel-drive sport compact, the RSX was the North American version of the Honda Integra DC5. It offered two trims—RSX and RSX Type-S—and remained in production until 2006. After that, Acura realigned its lineup toward other models, and there has been no direct RSX successor since.
Production timeline
Key milestones in the RSX's lifecycle from launch to discontinuation.
- 2002: Acura introduces the RSX in North America as the successor to the Integra; available as base RSX and higher-performance RSX Type-S.
- 2002–2006: The RSX remains in production, with the Type-S variant delivering enhanced performance for enthusiasts.
- 2006: Production ends; the 2006 model year is the last for the RSX; Acura shifts focus to other models in its lineup.
In summary, the RSX's production wrapped up in 2006, ending a six-year run that began with the 2002 model year.
Context and impact
Why the RSX was discontinued reflects market trends and brand strategy rather than a failure of the model itself.
- Sales realities: The RSX faced competition within the compact sport segment and did not keep pace with the growth of Acura's SUV and sedan offerings.
- Strategic shift: Acura prioritized broader model coverage over maintaining a niche hatchback, contributing to the decision not to extend the RSX beyond 2006.
- Legacy and perception: Among enthusiasts, the RSX remains a highly regarded compact sports car, often seen as a benchmark for balanced handling and accessible performance.
Though Acura did not offer a direct replacement for the RSX, its focus moved toward models that broaden the brand's appeal, with later entries occupying different segments while the RSX maintained a lasting enthusiast following.
Legacy and used market
Today, the RSX is appreciated by enthusiasts for its lightweight feel and engaging driving experience. In the used-car market, well-maintained examples with documented service history are sought after, though buyers should consider typical aging components and maintenance costs common to cars from that era.
Summary
The Acura RSX was produced from 2002 through the 2006 model year, with production ending in 2006. There has been no direct RSX revival since, as Acura redirected its product strategy toward the TSX, ILX and other models. The RSX's legacy endures in the enthusiast community and in the used-car market.
Is the RSX a rare car?
All to say the RSX, which was never all that common to begin with—in its best year Acura sold just 30,117 of them—is only going to become more special as time goes on, and as contrasts are drawn with the new RSX EV. Check out the Hagerty Media homepage so you don't miss a single story, or better yet, bookmark it.
When did Acura stop making RSX?
| Acura RSX | |
|---|---|
| Production | July 2001 – August 2006 2026 (to commence) |
| Model years | 2002–2006 2027 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sport compact (2001–2006) Compact luxury crossover SUV (2026) |
What replaced the Acura RSX?
The last RSX we got was the renamed Integra. Yep, for those that forgot their Acura history, the fourth-generation Integra got names the RSX to keep with Acura's new alphabet-soup naming scheme at the time. Does that mean this RSX is a super-sized current Integra? No, it's Acura's new in- house developed EV.
Why was the RSX discontinued?
The Acura RSX was discontinued in 2006 primarily because Acura wanted to shift its business model toward larger sedans and crossovers, and it was replaced by the ILX. Additionally, the release of the Honda Civic Si with a similar engine and transmission meant there was less market need for a dedicated RSX model.
You can watch this video to learn about the discontinuation of the Acura RSX and other coupes: 58sExtreme_Exotic_whips !YouTube · Jan 3, 2019
Reasons for discontinuation
- Strategic shift: Acura wanted to focus on larger and more profitable models like sedans (e.g., the TL) and the brand's new MDX and RDX crossover SUVs, moving away from entry-level sports coupes.
- Replacement model: The ILX was introduced to replace the RSX as Acura's entry-level car.
- Market overlap: The 2006 release of the Honda Civic Si offered a comparable engine and transmission setup, making the RSX less unique and creating market overlap.
- Change in brand focus: Acura's strategy focused on "fancied-up" versions of Honda models like the Civic, leading to models like the ILX, which was essentially a luxury-badged Civic.
This video discusses the current trend of car manufacturers moving towards crossovers: 1mKirk KreifelsYouTube · Sep 1, 2025
The RSX's legacy
- Replaced by the Integra: The RSX had a cult following and is considered by many to be the successor to the Integra, which was its predecessor.
- Spiritual successor: The Acura ILX served as the spiritual successor to the RSX before the Integra nameplate was revived in 2012.
- Possible return: Acura has recently filed trademarks for the RSX nameplate in Japan, which some speculate could signal a future comeback for the nameplate.
