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Why did Acura discontinue the RSX?

Acura, the luxury division of Honda, discontinued the RSX sports coupe in 2006 after a successful 8-year run. The RSX was known for its sporty performance, sleek design, and appeal to enthusiast drivers. However, declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences ultimately led to the model's discontinuation.


The Rise and Fall of the Acura RSX


The Acura RSX was introduced in 2002 as a replacement for the Integra, Acura's popular sports coupe. The RSX was designed to offer a more premium and refined driving experience compared to the Integra, with a focus on performance, handling, and luxury features.


Initially, the RSX was well-received by critics and enthusiasts alike. It offered a choice of two engines, including a high-revving 2.0-liter four-cylinder with up to 210 horsepower in the Type-S model. The RSX's sharp handling, responsive steering, and available six-speed manual transmission made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.


Reasons for Discontinuation


Despite its initial success, sales of the Acura RSX began to decline in the mid-2000s. Several factors contributed to the model's demise:



  • Shifting Consumer Preferences: As consumer demand shifted towards larger, more practical vehicles like SUVs and crossovers, the RSX's compact sports coupe design became less appealing to many buyers.

  • Competition from Newer Models: The RSX faced increasing competition from newer, more technologically advanced sports coupes and hatchbacks, such as the Scion tC and Honda Civic Si.li>
  • Lack of Significant Updates: Acura did not introduce any major updates or redesigns to the RSX during its production run, which may have contributed to its declining appeal over time.


Ultimately, the combination of these factors led Acura to discontinue the RSX in 2006, replacing it with the TSX sedan, which offered a more practical and family-oriented alternative. The RSX's departure marked the end of an era for Acura's sporty, enthusiast-focused coupe models.

How long do Acura engines last?


So, how many miles do Acuras Last? Again, here's what the experts had to say: MotorAsk.com – “Acuras can last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. According to Acura owners, some of the brand's vehicles can even last 400,000 miles or more in ideal conditions and with a responsible owner…



Is the Acura RSX coming back?


Acura RSX Is Back, This Time as an Electric Coupe SUV. The 2026 Acura RSX will be an evolution of the Performance EV concept, built on the same dedicated platform that will underpin the Honda 0-series. Acura's second EV, a crossover previewed by last year's Performance EV concept, will be called the RSX.



What was the Acura RSX called in Japan?


Honda Integra
The Honda Integra (Japanese: ホンダ インテグラ, Hepburn: Honda Integura), sold in North America as the Acura Integra and later the Acura RSX, is an automobile produced by the Japanese company Honda from 1985 until 2006, and then since 2021. It succeeded the Quint as a more luxurious and sport-oriented derivative of the Civic.



Why did they discontinue RSX?


It was a cheap, wonderful hatchback, but it wasn't stylish or fashionable, and Acura's marketing team decided it wasn't really an Acura either. That doesn't mean the car didn't sell, it just sold to a vastly different market than expected.



What is the RSX in real life?


Acura's RSX returns as an all-electric SUV, built on Honda's in-house EV platform. The RSX will be the first model manufactured at Honda's upgraded Ohio EV Hub. Sales of the all-electric model are expected to officially begin in early 2026.



What year Acura RSX to avoid?


All model years of the Acura RSX (2002 to 2006) have been known to leak motor oil due to bad or failing oil pressure sensors. The oil pressure sensor is an important part of your engine because it maintains the engine's oil pressure level.



How long will Acura RSX last?


Just like any engine it is how you take care of it, anywhere from 60,000 to a good 300,000 miles.



What is the Honda version of the RSX?


Acura revived the Integra nameplate in 2021 as a Honda Civic-based liftback, and although that model is sharp, it remains combustion, hence why Acura has revived the RSX name as an EV model.



Is the Acura RSX a reliable car?


Independent surveys and studies consistently rank the Acura RSX among the most reliable used sports cars on the market.



Is the Acura RSX rare?


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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.