DecodedCars2005 Acura RSX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe FWD, 2dr Coupe FWD /Premium, 2dr Coupe FWD /Type S
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 24 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 172.4 in
- Curb weight
- 2,705–2,848 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2005 subcompact car (20.9 MPG).
- Few owner complaints5 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 21 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Acura RSX is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,705 lb (2dr Coupe FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 31 highway), 24% better than the 2005 subcompact car average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe FWD | 172.4 in | 68.1 in | 55.1 in | 101.2 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,705 lb | 61/39 |
| 2dr Coupe FWD /Premium | 172.4 in | 68.1 in | 55.1 in | 101.2 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,712 lb | 61/39 |
| 2dr Coupe FWD /Type S | 172.4 in | 68.1 in | 55.1 in | 101.2 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,848 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSX | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | +24% | $2,600 | 342 |
| RSX | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +20% | $2,700 | 355 |
| RSX | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +10% | $3,550 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Acura RSX under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Acura RSX (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Lexus IS | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Volvo S60 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Infiniti G35 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Volvo S40 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Acura RSX.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Acura RSX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Acura RSX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 99,999 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Acura RSX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RSX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 RSX | 26 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →