took a look at the RSX Type S today. Honda seems to be following the trend among car manufacturers to use cheaper materials in new cars.

ironically, the dealer (Rallye Acura on Long Island) had a GSR in the showroom as well (also NSX, and the other two Type S cars) so it was quite easy to compare the GSR and RSX.

generally, the RSX interior materials just seem to be cheaper and have a poorer feel than the materials on the GSR. The roof liner is very cheap cloth and seems flimsy. The quasi-cloth/canvas dash material also seems cheap. The interior door latch has a plastic feel and is very loose. The rest of the dash has a hard plastic feel to it, unlike the soft feel of the GSR. The lack of an armrest is disappointing. The circular vent controls are disappointing as they don't allow full directional control. However, the rotary climate control dials are very smooth and have an excellent feel.

The shift throw is decent, but longer than that of the S2000 and Celica GTS. The pedals seemed to be placed very close to the floor, which was very awkward.

This may be considered nit-picking by some, but having seen the cheaper materials and finish on other new cars such as the Celica, IS300, and also having the GSR to compare with, it is quite obvious that auto manufacturers are providing more features such as side airbags, six speed transmissions, etc. by cost cutting on the quality, quantity, and functionality of other features.

conclusion, nothing extraordinarily special about the RSX Type S. I wouldn't leave a Type R to get one.

 

I wouldn't either

 

Some people have this illusion that cars can be inexpensive and have everything good in it. Like for instance a Ford Mustang V8 is fast, and inexpensive, but with closer look, it's not just inexpensive, it's cheap (theres a difference)...Automakers are here to make money, and to make money they have to make sure what they sell you is worth less than the amt they get from you. I know none of you needed to know that cause ya'll did, but it's just a reminder.
Like one other reason why Acuras, Lexus, Audi and stuff are expensive, aside from the materials they use, it's also because they include a longer warranty, which isnt free, it's just incoperated into the price.


My parents are considering the RSX-S for my sister .....heh just to make me feel lesser i guess but i couldnt care less, im happy with my ride.

I have yet to actually get inside the RSX-S (acura dude dicked me over the other day im still upset ) no rush either, but kinda curious to see and compare.

I wouldnt trade my teg in and pay some more $ for one of these (friends call me crazy cause it's a better performance and stuff and more luxurious and better in every way basically) But my car is perfectly fine, and im not the type to go out of my way to impress anyone.

btw, the RSX-S does look better in person than in the pictures.

 

I just think a lot of the new Japanese cars are losing the refinement they were once renowned for.

the previous Celica was a highly refined car... the quality of the materials used was excellent, unlike the current Celica, which offers more performance, but at the cost of material quality.

Another issue is that many people confuse the appearance of the interior layout with it's quality. Many people say the new Celica or RSX interior looks great, and thus its interior quality is superior... well, if looks are all that matter, then fine. But if you actually spend time to touch and feel the materials used, you'll feel the difference. The Celica's dash is a hard, cheap plastic. That kind of plastic also helps reduce vehicle weight. It feels terrible, looks terrible, and guarantee you, in a few years after being in the sun, is going to be in terrible shape! Same thing with the RSX interior material.

Incidentally, this dealer had added on the spoiler and bodykit, and some other stuff... they wanted 26000 for it. Crazy if you ask me.

 

Dude, I think I have to disagree on most things w/you here.
The interior is way nice, the dash materials, door panels etc.... everything, YES, you can adjust the wents anyway you want to, they rotate. Its no Benz, some things I didnt like it, but still its an improvent on the teg.
Pedals wer fine and the shifter was really nice. You wanna see ackward pedals? Go drive the Boxster.
What did surprised me was the sound of the doors being closed, especially w/open window, it was as bad as the first integras. Than again, I might be spoiled by the bimmer.
Overall, I think its a great car for the money, if I was shopping for a car, they would have had me sold. I guess I'll have to wait for the RS-X type-R in a few years, coincidentally by than all the bugs will be worked out of the RS-X and my bimmer lease will be up.

 

Oh yeah, I REALLY didn't like the "nothing but a cigarette lighter" area under the radio, whats up w/that?
They could have put some kind of a compartmnet there.

 

actually, with regards to the rotary vents, no, they do not give you full directional control over the airflow. this is from extensive experience with my friend's Celica. once you get a chance to play around with it, you'll know what I mean.

I agree with the cigarette lighter... it seems awkward... maybe they did that to discourage smoking...

 

I agree with Kamil. The fit and finish in the RSX Type S is quite nice (A step up from the 3rd Gen GS-R/Type R). I test drove one and the shifting is very smooth with a short throw and a nice clutch feel. The short throw shifter is practically as short as the S2000 (I test drove the Type S and my brother owns an S2000). While the throws of the S2000 and Type S are similar the feel of the shifting is quite different. There is very little resistance with the Type S shifter while the S2000 has a notchier feel, both very nice in their own unique way. From what I remember the Type S has a bit longer clutch engagement than the S2000.

 

Yeah that's odd, most people have commented on the upgrade in fit, finish and general quality of the RSX. Car and Driver raved about it, so I'm guessing you just have a preference for your current interior.

Actually many people complain about the poor interior quality for the Integra, so....

 

Hmm, went to check out the RSX yesterday. The dealer only had a base model for me to test drive, although they did have a Type S in the showroom. I'd say the fit and finish is typical Honda, but I do admit the materials don't feel as refined as the Integra.

The dealer I went to had a 2001 ITR sitting right beside the RSX-S, (01-1279 for those who are curious), and the sales manager said he can give me a good deal on the ITR, since its been sitting there for 1.5 months. If I only waited for a few months, I think I could've had the ITR for ~1k CAD less. Oh well, the few months I've had it is worth the premium.

After driving the base RSX, the car feels very solid, quiet, very light clutch, smooth shifter, shorter throws. Too bad I didn't get a chance to drive the RSX-S, but overall, I'd say the fit and finish on the RSX is on par with other Honda products.