Quick Spin: High-Strung Fun

Getting in and out of the Acura RSX is easy, especially for a sporty car. With its sloping roofline and standard moonroof, headroom is limited, but the height adjustable driver’s seat helps to remedy that problem. A tilt steering column and manual lumbar support also help to ensure a more comfortable driving position. Climate and radio controls are smartly angled toward the driver, offering rotary knobs and large buttons that are nothing but intuitive. What is not so simple to understand is the placement of the moonroof and cruise control activation button, both of which are located on the lower left side of the instrument panel. One of the few things we missed was a delayed power feature. The key has to be turned on to operate the windows or radio, something many non-premium vehicles don’t even require.

The front seats offer plenty of support, for both your back and thighs. However, given the narrow cushions and relatively short seat bottoms, larger adults might feel somewhat confined. The rear bucket seats were surprisingly comfortable and nicely contoured, and were relatively easy to enter and exit thanks to a passenger-side easy entry feature. With lots of foot room underneath the front chairs, taller rear seat occupants shouldn’t complain even if their legs rub up against the soft cloth seatbacks. Tilt your head under the rear hatch glass and you’ll even find some extra headroom, but those with thinning hair might want to pack some sun block for long trips.

There’s plenty of room in the 2005 Acura RSX for inanimate cargo, too. A few rubber-lined slots can be found in the center console, and each door includes both small and large storage pockets. There are five cupholders, two in front and three in back, but be warned that the Keg O’Cola from the late night drive-thru may not fit. Rear seat passengers get small storage cubbyholes, a fairly useless tray dividing the seats and a map pocket on the back of the front passenger seat. The 50/50 folding seat is a cinch to use, and expands cargo space to 16 cubic feet.