Acura RSX V6
While the Acura RSX doesn’t come with a V6 engine, it’s still a powerful and reliable option for anyone looking to turn their morning drive into a luxury experience.
Written by Joshua Levy
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Acura RSX is a powerful sports car with a luxurious and comfortable interior. Even though the RSX was never equipped with a V6 engine, it still packed a respectable 201 horsepower in its four-cylinder engine.
If you’re looking for a reliable car with reasonable mileage, the Acura RSX could be for you. Featuring leather or sports cloth upholstery, a fairly powerful sound system, and an iconic body that speaks to the style of the mid-2000s, the Acura RSX is a perfect car for any daily driver. And since the last RSX was released in 2006, you may be able to nab one for as little as $4,500.
But before you go out and buy your own RSX, you should take a minute to learn more. Luckily, we've compiled everything you need to know about the Acura RSX.
2006 Acura RSX
Starting price: $22,375 (Original Market Price)
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 201 hp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 140 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm
0 to 60: 5.9 seconds
With 12-spoke chrome wheels, 10 color options including Milano Red and Taffeta White, and an optional rear spoiler, the RSX was among the top affordable sports cars of its time. While it doesn’t hold up especially well against modern premium cars, the RSX is still a comfortable, reliable option for anyone who needs a new car for their daily commute.
The RSX’s luxury features were years ahead of their time, and even today they help give the RSX a premium feel. Here are a few of the RSX’s key premium features:
- Safety features: Anti-lock brakes, side-impact airbags, and a top-of-the-line security system makes the RSX one of the safest cars of the mid-2000s.
- Automatic climate control: The RSX comes with an auto-climate feature that adjusts fan speeds to accommodate your temperature settings. If it gets too hot or too cold, the climate system knows to adjust accordingly.
- Bose premium speakers: The sound system is made of seven premium Bose speakers and a subwoofer that all work together to create an immersive sound experience.
How’s the fuel economy?
The Acura RSX has excellent fuel economy. In the city, the RSX is rated for approximately 27 miles per gallon, while drivers can expect around 34 miles per gallon on the highway. The average car only gets about 24 miles per gallon, so the Acura RSX is actually exceptional in terms of fuel economy.
Which Acura RSX models have the V6?
Unfortunately, there are no Acura RSX models with V6 engines. The RSX originally used a 160-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine, but was quickly replaced by a new inline four-cylinder engine with about 200 horsepower.
While the RSX’s engine is plenty powerful in its own right, there is no V6 alternative.
MORE: What is the best daily driver sports car?
How fast is the Acura RSX?
Even without the V6 engine, the Acura RSX can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds. While there are plenty of cars that accelerate even faster, the RSX still holds its own against modern competitors. It even has a top speed of 140 mph, which is pretty good for a $20,000 car.
Here are a few of the RSX’s biggest competitors along with their acceleration times:
Each of these models was highly desired in the mid-2000s, and they were all in heavy competition with one another. Despite how much time has passed, they’ve all held up relatively well and continue to be sought-after vehicles.
Key Takeaway While the Acura RSX doesn’t have a V6 engine, it’s still plenty powerful, gets incredible mileage, and keeps up with competitors in terms of speed and acceleration.
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Which is better: Acura RSX or Toyota Celica GTS?
That said, the RSX and Celica GTS are fairly comparable cars. Both are extremely reliable, they both perform at high levels, and they’re both old enough that they should only cost a few thousand dollars. However, there are two main categories where they differ: mileage and aesthetics.
While the Celica GTS has relatively good mileage, it only gets 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Alternatively, the RSX gets 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The difference may sound small, but the gas savings add up over time.
In terms of aesthetics, the Celica is known for looking a little wonky. With headlights that stretch onto the hood and a short slit in the front bumper, the Celica looks a little like what happens when a car gets a facelift. While it isn’t such a bad look, the Acura RSX has a timeless body that stands as a good example of premium cars from the mid-2000s.
While both cars are great options, you’re probably better off going with the Acura RSX.
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Does the Acura RSX come in V6?
The Acura RSX does not come in V6 and there are no upgrade options including a V6 engine. That said, some owners have taken it upon themselves to switch out the traditional RSX engine for a V6 alternative—but those are major aftermarket changes.
Are Acura RSXs reliable?
The Acura RSX is a very reliable car, but it’s old. When it first came out, the RSX was one of the most reliable cars on the market—but cars tend to require more care and maintenance over time. Since the last RSX came out in 2006, it may be difficult to find one in good enough shape to be reliable.
Does the 2006 Acura RSX have AWD?
The 2006 Acura RSX comes in front-wheel drive and does not have an AWD option.
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