Honda Integra DC5

The DC5 received a facelift in 2004 (MY2005). The headlight and taillight assemblies lost the so-called 'teardrop' shape. This made the assemblies flush with the bumpers. Aside from the facelift, this year also saw other changes. The interior received new trim and gauge clusters, an immobilizer and alarm became standard, the body became stiffer, the suspension springs were redesigned, and the car's tendency to bump steer was reduced.[5]

In Japan, the Integra was introduced in two versions, the iS (later renamed Type S in the 2004 refresh) and the Type R.

The iS/Type S (not to be confused with the RSX Type-S), which was essentially the same as the base Acura RSX, featured the K20A3 engine with an output of 160 hp (120 kW) and mated to either a 5-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. The 2001-2003 iS was available with 15-inch steel wheels with covers, or optional 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. The 2004-2006 Type S was equipped with 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels shared with the RSX Type-S. The JDM Type R had reduced weight, a 217 hp (164 kw)  K20A engine (Japan-only; Oceania models use an engine similar to the RSX Type-S), 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, as well as a helical limited slip differential (LSD), stiffer springs and shocks, high intensity discharge (HID) projector headlights, aluminum pedal set, 4-piston front Brembo brake calipers, 17-inch 5 double-spoke wheels on Bridgestone Potenza tires, Recaro suede seats/matching interior, leather wrapped MOMO steering wheel, body trim, front strut bar, and more. The Type R lacked many of the luxury features (like vanity mirrors or side airbags) found in the Type S, true to its racing heritage. The C package on the Type R added various accessories, such as a rear window wiper, remote control, and folding mirrors.[6] Interior-wise, the JDM iS had one interior colour, Ebony, in its first year. After 2002, Titanium interiors became available for all exterior colours. The Type S had redesigned cloth and leather seats. The Type R had choices of black/blue/red interiors (including colour matching Recaro seats), depending on exterior colours. The refreshed Type R had the option of either the high wing, or the trunk lip spoiler. Both the iS and Type S were available with sunroof, and navigation systems.[7] Additional interior and exterior accessories were available from Honda's Modulo line. Modulo accessories offered include interior trim (shift knobs, decals, etc.), foglights, aero kits (front/side/rear bumper enhancements), wing spoilers, alloy wheels, push button start, upgraded speakers, and navigation.

Interestingly, Japan's vehicle parts road compliance regulations means many tuning parts for the DC5 can be purchased from Honda dealerships. For example, M&M Honda, a Honda dealer, manages their own brand of parts.[8] Honda tuner Mugen sells their performance parts via Honda dealers as accessories.[9][10]

Honda Integra Type R Mugen Front side

Honda Integra Type R Mugen Rear

Honda Integra Type R Mugen Interior

In Australia, the Integra was available in four models: the base model, simply named Integra, Luxury, Type R and Type S. The base Integra was simply the Japanese-market iS, while the Luxury added accessories like leather seats and a sunroof. Australian Type Rs were different from the JDM models, as they were not equipped with all of the features of the latter. They lacked the Brembo braking system, used the 200 hp K20A2 in place of the slightly more powerful K20A, and regular 16-inch 5-spoke wheels, painted in gun metal or white, were used instead of the 17-inch, 5 dual-spokes. However, the Australian Type R does retain the JDM model's helical limited slip differential, and full Type R interior (MOMO steering wheel, aluminum pedals and shift knob, Recaro seats and colour matched carpets) and aero (wing and front/rear bumper lips). The Type R was dropped in 2004, and replaced by the Type S, which was mechanically identical to the USDM RSX Type-S (though it did lack cruise control), but badged like the JDM Type S. With the Integra's refresh in 2004, the base model was dropped. The only trims available in 2006 was the Luxury and Type S.[11] Black was the only interior colour available for the redesign. For facelifted Oceanic models, extra strengthening was given to fit higher safety regulations.

New Zealand only had two models, the VTi and Type R. The VTi came standard with alloy wheels, but was otherwise the same as the JDM iS. The Type R was also replaced by the Type-S like Australia in 2004. NZDM Type R models are the same as AUDM ones, but did not have ABS.

2005-06 Acura RSX Type-S, with A-Spec small trunk lip spoiler and A-Spec/Type R wing.

Two models were available in the US: RSX and RSX Type-S. The RSX had numerous standard features such as cruise control, 4-wheel ABS, power windows and a power moonroof. The RSX used the 160 hp (120 kW) K20A3 engine throughout the entire production run. (Engine was rated 155 hp (116 kW) after SAE net revision)[12] Sport cloth seats were standard with optional perforated leather interior. An optional 16-inch 7-spoke alloy wheel was available that is very similar to the USDM 15-inch DC2 Integra Type R alloy wheels. The RSX was available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control.

The RSX Type-S had a 200 hp (149 kW) (2002–2004) K20A2 or 210 hp (157 kW) K20Z1[13][14] (Labeled in 2006 as 201 hp (150 kW) due to SAE hp calculation revision)[12] in 2005-2006 and a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission was not offered on the Type-S. The Type-S included additional features such as sport-tuned suspension, gunmetal painted wheels, 11.8" ventilated front disc brakes, larger sway bars and a Bose 7-speaker (including a subwoofer mounted on the spare tire) audio system.[15]

One peculiar note for the initial 2002 model year were two available options. HID projector headlights from the Integra Type R was made available to the RSX for $1500.[16]

In 2005, the RSX received a refresh. On the exterior, Acura updated the headlights and taillights and the Type-S received an updated rear hatch spoiler. The base model received 12 spoke Enkei alloy wheels, while the Type-S came with 17-inch 5-spoke Enkei/Asahi wheels wrapped in Michelin HX MXM4 215/45/R17 tires.[14] 17-inch Enkei J10s alloy wheels (with Acura specific fitment and center caps) were optional. Under the hood, the RSX Type-S received the camshafts, b-pipe and muffler, 4.77 final drive ratio, crankshaft pulley and the intake snorkel duct from the Japanese DC5 Type R.

The "A-Spec Performance Package" was a dealer option package. The body kit is essentially debadged JDM Honda Modulo kit, while the wing is from the Type R. The package included a sport suspension system, under-body spoiler kit, wing spoiler (came with stronger hatch shocks to hold additional weight), exterior badging and 5 dual spoke 17-inch gun metal wheels.[17][18]

The RSX had numerous exterior color options but only two interior colors: Black (Ebony) and Beige (Titanium). The exterior color choice would dictate the interior color. Some colors were available in either trim package while other colors would be available in one trim level but not the other.

In 2002, colour options were as follows:[19]

In 2006, the available color combinations were as follows:[20]

Three models were available in Canada: Base, cloth interior (no leather optional), no ABS, no moonroof, no cruise control, unpainted side skirts and front lip, 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, non heated seats, non leather wrapped steering wheel, essentially an Integra iS.), Premium (Moonroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated, leather seats) and Type-S (bigger front brake rotors than premium and base, BOSE sound system with sub, stiffer shocks, 200-210 hp, oil cooler, upper sway bar). The A-Spec package was available to the Type-S models. The Canadian RSX had a significantly larger washer sprayer bottle to deal with harsher weather. They were 4.5 litres vs. 2.5 litres for USDM cars. All Canadian cars with leather seats were heated along with side view mirrors.

The refresh in 2005 brought the same updates as USDM cars. Base model now has standard alloy wheels (16 inch, 12 spoke). Sport cloth standard in 2005, optional leather in 2005-2006.

Wheel types varied according to model year. 2002-2004 models had a 15-inch steel wheel with covers (Base), 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels in silver (Premium) or gunmetal (Type-S). 2005-2006 had 12 spoke wheels for both Base and Premium. Type-S had the 17 inch 5 spoke alloys. Acura branded Enkei J10s, 16 inch old ITR, and 17 inch 5 dual spoke A-Specs were available as accessory wheels.[21]

The CDM RSX had the same interior as the USDM RSX, however the exterior and interior colours are different. e.g. CDM Taffeta/Premium White Pearl exterior cars came with Ebony black interiors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined crash test ratings of the RSX.[22]

NHTSA scores

Acura RSX (2002 - 2006)
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Rollover: