2005 Acura RSX A-Spec | Retro Review

Fast and Furious was in full effect at Acura for the 2005 model year.
Show 2342 | Original Airdate 06-05-2004
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[@vMaxHeadroom]

What a great car....So light, free reving engine, and handling to match...those were the days...

[@Xonda_]

It's kinda funny because back then when this thing first came out, they were despised because of driver aids and being too heavy and boring.

[@Momo_8k]

@@Xonda_and now people want to K swap the world 😂

[@smithsfan425]

By this time they had worse suspension than the older ones so it was getting softer. But yeah 200k miles being sold for $15k but only really worth 3. Crazy times.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

newer one is better

[@Kacpa2]

​@@Momo_8k Because things got infinetly worse...

[@JPZ89]

Had my 06 RSX-S since 09. 175k miles now and still driving great!!!

[@Asiansxsymbol]

*have

[@gallaxzycollidez]

@@Asiansxsymbol no, JPZ is right

[@invisibleghost15]

Love my A spec type S. 22 years together so far 240k miles. You dont see many on the road these days, much less the A spec

[@nickval5962]

Love these cars, the A-Spec package always caught my eye when seeing one on the road. Kudos to the people who still have stock ones, these came perfect out of the box.

[@_louis.se_]

2005 is considered as retro now... I feel old.

[@BP-fx3qc]

Can't believe it's been almost 20 years

[@PrinceDavid]

@@StandingFirmAlways yeah this aired in June 2004 so almost 20 years now

[@Perceni]

you are

[@bn9983]

In my state this can now be classic plated.

[@shawndon7374]

​@@StandingFirmAlways25 years ***** get it right kid

[@dohc1067]

It's a rare sight on the roads today. I love how Honda Motor Co back in the day did not mind exposing much of the engine valve cover. It's a beautiful sight vs the competition.

[@greggamandabarkus4235]

My ex wife and I had a brand new 04 S -type, and I put a Jackson supercharger on it with a fuel programmer and tons of other performance parts. She was a little rocket.I miss that car, .... The ex, not so much. LOL

[@mickeyhartsell6096]

I had a 2002 RSX TYPE S and sold it at 283k miles and it was super reliable, never an issue with the engine, just amazing to me the K20. I now have an 02 S2000 and it's about the same but with LSD and a little faster but just as reliable with a 158k on it's clock. But I do drive a Honda fit as my daily because an S2000 is not as comfortable or as daily driving friendly as the RSX.

[@buhketz]

Haha just like me. I used to have two 04 Type S’s. Just bought an 04 S2000. I want to get a manual Fit to daily.

[@JDMEXforme]

Oldschool still breaking more necks at car meets than modern cars. I see it all the time.

[@hellkitty1014]

The Fast & Furious age was a time to be alive! 😂 Subaru vs Honda vs Mitsubishi vs Toyota dominated for a while before the pony wars heated back up. I remember seeing a deep blue version of this Acura for the first time. It was quite the looker for the time and Honda started losing their way on the Civic(anybody remember the hatch Si?😢).

[@sjhudon386]

The EP3 is a great car! Wish the US got type r motor.

[@TwisteeTheDefiant1]

The EP3 was a good callback to how the si started... as a hatchback but I guess it was for the better that torch got passed back to the Type R and later on the current gen Integra.

[@hellkitty1014]

@@TwisteeTheDefiant1 i don't disagree and in hindsight, I can see that Honda was trying to catch up to the GTI. But the styling of the Civic during that era really didn't translate well to the Si.

[@TwisteeTheDefiant1]

Plus I think putting the Base RSX/Integra engine and transmission in there instead of the Type S variant that had the usual 8K rpm redline was the nail in the coffin while those engines were a mere swap away the K series was new at the time so that was probably a costly factor plus there was another option via the matrix XRS high revving 4 cylinder and 6 speed manual no limited slip diff tho but it was a damn good alternative to the ep3 in the states.

[@AyyGin]

As a former Type S owner.. watching this review for the first time in 2024 is pretty surreal.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

this was my favorite 2005 Acura RSX A-Spec. white with the teardrop headlights and big spoiler wing

[@sdlausen1]

Too bad this isn't an 05. It's an 02-04. They refreshed the car in 05/06.

[@HondAcura111]

Ya pretty sure all 05 and 06 had the straight lights. I'm all about the scoop lights as you can see.

[@texan176]

Really sad how no one will ever make a car like this where the entire purpose is the pleasure of driving the car. No screens, assist tech, Bluetooth text or talk, or even fake engine noise through the speakers like cars today. People used to miss the older Integras when these were new and complained Honda lost its way. If they only knew how it would become nearly 20 years in the future.

[@billymays7210]

Porsche still makes some cars where that is the entire purpose, albeit for a LOT more $$$

[@Aikynbreusov]

People don't buy so they don't build.....

[@RallyLancer95]

If MotorWeek made it's KZbin channel 1 year earlier, this could've been uploaded here as a new review. Let that sink in

[@PhillyDee215]

These are still on the road today🤟

[@SP84Fanatic]

I didn’t realize there was basically an Integra A-Spec before the current Integra A-Spec.

[@Neodestro]

yeah me too is wow mandela effect

[@SnubBarracuda]

Except A-spec was the highest trim for the RSX and TL of that gen, not the low one. Type-S with A-spec package and you had it all.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

at the time, A-spec was an upgrade package for the Type S. But since then A-spec has become an appearance package for the base model.

[@lexisnep525]

Even funnier they get to 60 in the same amount of time

[@TheBreakfastLover]

Back then A-spec was an upgrade package on top of the Type S. Nowadays A-spec is an appearance package for the base model.

[@xxCablexx]

I don't remember this Type S having an A-Spec, did I just forget? maybe because I knew I could put my own mods on it, this is such a treat though

[@TheBreakfastLover]

It was previously called the RSX Type S Factory Performance the year prior. Then Acura Canada created the "A-spec" line for the 3.2 TL Type S, and Acura in the US picked up the label.

[@ftr911drvr]

Two more years and the GTR is going to be the only production car in the US thats still available for sale and old enough to be a retro review......this RSX type S was super fun to drive i used to love driving one.

[@punemax]

A friend of mine had a Type S, the wheelhop on it was crazy.

[@ak2112]

It sucks that these didn’t come with an lsd while the civi si did

[@dillo2916]

Also, I heard the suspension setup wasn't the best either. It does look good though especially the facelift.

[@user-ek5nl1jc4b]

Better motor mounts fix the wheel hop. I've had mine forever and it's been a great car.

[@rokav5221]

I have a 2006 type S, black on black. Completely original, garage kept 24,000 miles. Mint condition. Crazy fun to drive but never drove it much cause it was always a second car. I will probably never sell it but they are selling for a lot right now. I wonder if it will become even more sought after in the future? I think it is a great looking car and people check it out wherever I take it. I'm proud to own it

[@fijitears]

Definitely going up.

[@boxer4engine]

to have a mint one of these now..

[@Acc0rd79]

About the end of the greatness of Acura. They haven't been worth crap in 20 years for the most part. The 90s were their golden era.

[@TheCaffeinatedDrive]

Sad to think we’ll never get Honda’s with NA engines like this again

[@hellkitty1014]

Nope. Thats why K20s are nosebleed high these days.

[@mrbane8721]

Not necessarily. The N/A engines were lethargic, all that turbo lag with no turbo.

[@hellkitty1014]

@@mrbane8721 for some, that is true. But very few things are more satisfying than ringing out an Integra Type R or Honda S2000. Honda's 4cyls were the pinnacle.

[@rcmodder]

​@@mrbane8721That's because a segment of the population didn't know how to properly drive them. These NA engines required you to rev them high and keep them in that power range. Its not for the blockheads that wanted power power power on tap using turbos or having large displacement engines. It was more nuanced than that. This is why many of today's cars lack the personality of yesterday's engines. Ppl just want power, they don't want the satisfaction of working for it.

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

I always liked the RSX. My friends younger brother had a really nice Integra Type R. White with white wheels, but after it was stolen for the 3rd time he sold it and got something else. My grandpa had an 80’s Buick Regal that was also stolen multiple times. Some cars just seem to be magnets for thieves

[@BlitzkriegRap]

So amazing to see this car new and stock, love these retro reviews!

[@mwinner101]

A 2-door Integra as intended! I wish the 2024 was a coupe.

[@marcusw3marcusw]

This A Spec is a 2004. 2004 was the year A Spec was released in the US. Continual complaints about the US not receiving the R is what led to its release. The less power complaint was resolved by a very rare limited edition Supercharged edition. Only two or so were sold worldwide. Can you find one of the rare ones? Good luck. And good luck even finding anything about that elusive and rare edition.

[@tc3sean]

I can't wait for the retro review of the 2018 Honda Accord, 2.0L and 6 speed manual. Ill tell my kids, I used to have one of them bigger Type R's !

[@johnm5131]

I miss the days of these types of cars!

[@alpinedb150]

I’ve had 2 type S models. I love this platform. My first one was in this color with this same a spec kit.

[@jragonheart]

Wait a second. What am I missing here. The head and taillight design for the car featured fits the 2002-2003 model design. 05-06 got the "face lift." Either way, both cars are gorgeous. The RSX Type S is one of the most underrated cars I've ever had the pleasure of driving. Drives like a grocery getter if you wanna save on gas, but you can get nuts with that RPM range and start flying.

[@someyoungguyjohnson7239]

2005 Type S models were (officially) rated at 210 bhp, not 200.

[@davidaubin3902]

3:28 John: As always, the rear seats are super coupe tight! LOL

[@CPAJayhawk]

A tune and some bolts would have these trapping 98-100mph in the 1/4

[@wiltfongdc5]

Seen one trap 105mph with just bolt ons

[@redghost5773]

I ran 98mph in a bone stock 06 Type- S. Buddy in a bolt on Srt4 ran 107.(95° or so on that day)

[@wiltfongdc5]

@@redghost5773 that's pretty good man

[@mking9446I]

These things destroyed srt4 on the track.....not the strip. Still both were very capable cars. Had a 08 fa5 si. Made 247 whp and 199 wtrq. Probably the most fun all around car ive owned in nearly 30 yrs of driving

[@jonmcclane7433]

Great cars with tons of parts for them and fun to drive. I still have my 8th Gen Si

[@mking9446I]

@@jonmcclane7433 I wish I still had mine. Dad life hit...now I'm rolling the camry xse...nit nearly as fun

[@jonmcclane7433]

@@mking9446Icould be worse, brother. I like Camry’s. If you get bored I got videos of mine on my channel.

[@mking9446I]

@jonmcclane7433 it's not bad by any means. Just miss banging the gears hitting 9200 ya know. That Vtec crossover was awesome. Had a full mugen exhaust. I also like full size fridays

[@JohanSalvattore]

I was in high school when these came out. Up to this day I want one. I just found out today there was an A spec model lol

[@corrd3ll]

This is a first gen RSX 02 -04

[@elvissantos5690]

Had no idea Acura used the A-Spec badging in the 2000s

[@SnubBarracuda]

The Acura TL had A-Spec trim and parts for the 3rg gen too. 2004-2008.

[@jameson108]

its crazy that all those dealer upgrades were still expensive even back then. At least Nissan sold actual performance parts through their dealers

[@roguea987]

I miss my '03. Unfortunately, it was one of the totalled ones. Wasn't an A-Spec; but, i had a Type-R full front and highwing.

[@vicgill1980]

$28 k for this vs $60k for todays model!!! Ahh the good old days

[@noseefood1943]

Drove one back then what a jewel of a motor and shifter hi reving tossable fun torque steer pocket rocket

[@marshalmagooo3899]

Owned one. Decent but Integras, CRX and Preludes were more fun as a driver

[@Defy_Convention]

Wanted one of these so bad in Blaze Orange Metallic, Honda was nearing the end of its prime

[@PANTYEATR1]

I would love to try one of these as my first Honda/Acura experience

[@MMitr204]

I love how the 05 rsxs paid homage to the dc2 Integra with the rounded bottom of the headlights

[@RabbiJesus]

This car was great. Too bad they’ve mostly all been wrecked.

[@oliverdelgado6952]

Riced out, roached out.😢

[@williamlevy1981]

Not true. Most RSX are still on the road or can be restored. Also this is a 2094 model. 2005 - 2006 models are a significant upgrade.

[@190SkyTeam]

Stolen, vandalized, destroyed by Mother Nature ect ect

[@EmoDKTsuchiya]

I dont think I've EVER seen one on the road! I didnt even know this existed! Wth!? This is the closest we've got to a Type-R

[@nickelarcade6934]

Why can’t they make another model that looks this good?

[@mackk494]

I got a 2005 type es here in Canada only $1650 back in 2020. It only had about 130,000 kilometers or about 80,000 Miles. Some of the paint sucks and it had a rebuilt title what had a newer clutch brakes find tires on the engine and transmission run great and still run great. I had to replace the spark plugs and clean a dirty plug for some electrical stuff but everything works now.

[@sketchpv3080]

Loved my old ‘04 Type S, especially when I added A-Spec suspension!

[@BlindMansRevenge2002]

These cars are really cool to look at and very interesting to drive. Not only that they came with the renowned mid 2000s Honda reliability especially if they were paired with the six speed manual. I still feel that Honda missed the mark by not upgrading the horsepower which could have been done very simply. A free air flowing exhaust, exhaust header to swap out the restrictive manifold. Ported out upper and lower intake manifold as well as an easier breathing cold air intake system. Would’ve really helped the engine breathe get those revs moving up higher quicker and would’ve been an easy way to get more money out of the customers

[@ShaiyanHossain]

they had the type r for that. of course honda of japan hated the US and never brought the dc5 type r over...

[@snriver1089]

My cousin wanted to buy a wrx back in late 2005 but the Subaru dealer wouldn’t let us test drive one, he said “everyone already knows about these cars” okaaay! So we went to Acura of riverside (CA) they let thrash the would 2006 RSX type S copper colored, we ended buying it right then n there and went back to Subaru and told them you could’ve had a sale tonight….low key the Subaru sales guy was perplexed 😕! K20z1 was a ringer!

[@mrblubot987]

Mine is at the shop getting new motor mounts rn😭 I want it back so bad

[@MisterChips]

I wanted one of these back in the day but my goodness they were expensive in Canada; nearly 40 thousand dollars at the time.

[@dchrish]

Is there any good examples out there these days. This car looks so good

[@mikeyoutube7920]

That's a 2002-2004.. Not 2005. One of best cars ever made!

[@Abdul_240]

Yeah that looks like a pre-face lift.

[@RetroKingOG]

Pretty sure 2005 was the last year until they just canceled this. Until they came back with Integra recently in 2021

[@roddydykes7053]

That’s what I was thinking too, the RSX is one car where the facelift model looks quite a bit better than pre-facelift. Maybe the A-Spec package had something to do with the year difference

[@ensignjimmy3237]

This was aired in June 04…maybe they decided to make changes afterwards.

[@AlaskanSnowLeopard]

​@@RetroKingOG 2006 was the last year for the RSX-S. At least in North America.

[@richardhaas9519]

Had an 05 RSX Type S. Fun car.

[@SnubBarracuda]

Why does it have 2002-2004 pre facelift headlights and tail lights? 2005 doesn't have the circles on the lights and bumpers but comes with the K20z1 engine.

[@williamlevy1981]

The title is incorrect. That was a 2004 model. 2005 - 2006 are even better

[@mitchkelleher7972]

Damn, this is almost 20 years old! I remember test driving the standard Type S and not being impressed with the torque, steering feel, or handling balance (especially compared to the wishbone cars that preceded it). Bought a Mazda3 2.3 hatch instead. That wasn't great to drive, either, but it was cheaper and had better utility than the Acura. Rusted by 5 years old like it was built in the '80s, so the Acura surely would have been a better bet there.

[@sjhudon386]

They are reliable but the paint and interiors did not hold up well on these cars.

[@justinborysenko3885]

I had a 2004 RSX brand new. I got a high spec automatic as it was a daily. It was under 20k and got 30 mpg. My brother had a late Intega r type that was simply magic on a twisty road

[@JohnEvans-ct6mz]

Best part about these engines (and the B-series it replaced) was just add a V-tech timer and you could easily shave 1/2 second or more off that 1/4 mile.

[@harrymajarian9680]

It was basically parts from the Japanese Type R version but without the power train. If you have one of these it’s very collectible because that was a lot of money to pay at that time. Can’t imagine too many of these sold

[@invisibleghost15]

I'm one of those proud owners of an A spec type s

[@gibememoni]

its too bad we didnt get the type R

[@buhketz]

Type R and A-Spec are completely different actually.

[@fhowland]

I really wish Honda still made two-door hatchbacks!

[@fhowland]

My 2008 Civic SI is pretty similar to this car!

[@thefastlane1]

this is the pre-facelift 02-04 version

[@JohnSmith-qe6fb]

I always wanted an RSX Type-S. Near impossible to find a clean one anymore : (

[@sdlausen1]

This is not a 2005, it's a 2004. The RSX received a facelift for the 2005/2006 model year.

[@XCVi_MAC]

I still drive mine with almost 200k miles lol

[@abracing199]

man that pre face lift is such a good looking car!

[@Asiansxsymbol]

I was gonna buy one back in the day but opted for a new S2000.

[@Dillon1791]

2005 but has the prefacelift 02-04 headlights, taillights and bumpers?

[@davdjimenez1150]

I saw a post the other day that said, 2000’s songs today is what people in the 2000’s saw 80’s music as, and 80’s music today is what 2000’s people saw 40’s music as

[@rosajulia78]

Esse programa já foi exibido em 16/03/2005❤❤❤

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

This is when Honda wasn't trying to be 80's Buick.

[@dfuserxyz]

huh?

[@dimaslopez-dejesus2371]

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Motorweek ☘️

[@j_mars_cars]

I have a 2002 type s. Fun car

[@jasonculver3516]

Really miss the easy to read analog gauges and the simple knobs and buttons to control everything else. Newer cars are so needlessly complicated and driver unfriendly, no matter how they try to spin it

[@enzo4122]

Those A-Spec wheels are something I desperately want for my RSX.

[@gsxellence]

Why are we seeing an '04 model as an '05?

[@AM-uk7jv]

The Integra Type S should have been a 3 door hatch, much like the RSX.

[@ftr911drvr]

The original integra was a 4 door hatch let it go already.....why would Honda spend the money to develop an all new body style for a niche model it would have made jt even more expensive

[@AM-uk7jv]

@@ftr911drvr Nah. The Integra might have started off as a 4 door hatch. But it’s remembered by everyone as a coupe. The Supra started off as a Celica variant. You think people remember the 1st gen Celica Supra? Or the Mk 4? YOU people drop this nonsense. Legends are made by people’s memories, for better or worse. Not what they started as. But what they have become.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

look at how poorly the civic coupe and accord coupe sold in their final years. Why would people pay for something even more expensive? @@AM-uk7jv

[@thehondacura3773]

Some noob rookie tags Motorweek's youtube videos. Anyone dumb enough to pay for 2004 A-spec add ons was really pissed when the refreshed 2005 and 2006 Type-S models showed up looking way better with 210 hp. for way less.

[@dmc7911]

I’m a little lost, the car was face lifted for 2005 and the car in the video is trimmed like the earlier cars.

[@ensignjimmy3237]

This was aired in June 04…maybe they decided to make changes afterwards.

[@gumbie007]

I never could understand why the Japanese brands, from the early 2000s, would offer upgraded “performance” models without giving the cars MORE power…😳🙄😏🤨🤔🤦‍♂️

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

I now have an Integra Type S.... Wooohooo!

[@Stephensouraski]

Beautiful car

[@Canadian_Gamer]

The GOAT.

[@kotarojujo2737]

almost look identical to jdm dc5 type r except the wheels

[@20JK10]

"We know you want the Type-R, but you're not getting a Type-R. Have a water downed version instead."

[@niveketihw1897]

I had an 8th gen Civic Si with uprated suspension and brakes that was fairly similar to this for a lot less. Great car leaving money aside.

[@christopherconard2831]

And reduces rear visibility! They almost make it sound like a bonus feature.

[@AlaskanSnowLeopard]

2005? I thought 2005-2006 RSX had the straight bottom headlights and tail lights?

[@user-ek5nl1jc4b]

They did, I'm not sure why they are calling this an 05.

[@raging_carnut]

I remember what I did in 2007 😂 how come 05 be retro now

[@oliverdelgado6952]

05-07 was a great fun time for me. I miss it so much.

[@aaronbryan5095]

Meanwhile the A-Spec name in the new “Integra” almost has no meaning at all.

[@greggc.touftree5936]

I miss this car so much. There is a new A-Spec but it's not affordable nor as fun to drive. Far better than most cars, but a 3 series costs less and can outperform it.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

what 3 series costs less than an integra a spec? and which one of them have a manual, like the a spec does?

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

Even though that’s not an 05

[@mohmdakel]

Great cool simple cars are gone

[@ryanm.3681]

I had no idea this existed. Did it actually make it to production?? Also, that is a pre-facelift 2004. Not a 2005

[@Mx5pro]

I totally spend 28k today for a mint condition rsx type s

[@brandon_buildsDIY]

There is a really really clean low mileage one for sale in Ohio on Facebook marketplace.

[@joesailor61]

I had a 2003 type s, a silver one just like in the intro. Had it for 7 years and traded it in for a 2010 Camaro with the V6. The Camaro was a piece of crap, worst car decision I ever made.