Acura RSX
K20 2.0L I4 160 hp Automatic Front-wheel drive Coupé 2002–2006
Engine K20 800–2,000 $
The K20A2 revs to 8,100 rpm, VTEC switches personality at 5,800. NA benchmark for FWD cars. 2nd gear synchro is the known weak point — gearbox otherwise bulletproof.
Fun Factor? Decent
Base RSX — K20 without the VTEC magic
160 hp K20A3, auto or 5-speed manual. Nice car but the Type S is a different class. Budget option: get it, but get the manual.
Engine Weaknesses 1
!! Manual Transmission: 2nd Gear Synchro Wear
2nd gear synchro rings wear prematurely, causing grinding especially when cold. Common even in normal use.
Symptoms: Grinding when shifting into 2nd, worse when cold, pops out of gear at speed
800–2,000 $ from 120,000 km
NHTSA Owner Complaints
195 complaints · 2002–2006
Top Reported Issues
⚠ Powertrain (51 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (34 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (27 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04