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Power
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owners consistently describe the CSX as an extremely reliable, fun-to-drive car that shares its underpinnings with the 8th-generation Honda Civic but adds a more powerful standard engine, nicer interior materials, and unique body panels.
7 problems reported (2 recurrent, 5 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentPaint and clear coat peeling or chipping
Reported across 2006-2007 and 2008 examples, with owners noting the Civic of the same generation received a recall for this but the CSX did not.
- RecurrentRust, particularly around the rear wheel wells and driver-side rear quarter
Described as typical Honda rust, with advice to inspect frame, control arms, springs, and engine support mounts.
- IsolatedFront bumper fragility
One owner described the front bumper as fairly fragile.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedElectrical issues appearing at high mileage
One owner reported electrical problems emerging around 341,000 km.
- IsolatedAir intake hose breaking and difficulty finding an OEM replacement
One owner reported the hose failing and an aftermarket intake causing the vehicle to shut off.
- IsolatedLonger-than-usual cranking
One owner suspected spark plugs, with fuel filter contamination and ignition coils suggested as possible causes.
- IsolatedTransmission, power steering, and spark plug concerns
Mentioned as items to check during inspection rather than confirmed failures.
The version owners recommend
The Type-S is the clear owner favorite, described as a luxury Civic Si with the K20Z3 engine, and its rarity (roughly under 4,000 units built across 2007-2010) is frequently highlighted. The base model with the K20Z2 is also well regarded for offering more power than the Civic's R18.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Civic, Acura TSX, Acura TL, Toyota Camry and Mazda 3.
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Overall sentiment
Owners consistently describe the CSX as an extremely reliable, fun-to-drive car that shares its underpinnings with the 8th-generation Honda Civic but adds a more powerful standard engine, nicer interior materials, and unique body panels. Praise centers on bulletproof powertrains, low running costs, and easy parts availability, with several owners reporting trouble-free ownership past 300,000 km. The main criticisms are paint and clear coat failure, front bumper fragility, and rust on older examples. The Type-S is treated as the standout model, prized for its K20Z3 engine and rarity, while the base model is seen as a solid but less special commuter.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the CSX as a more luxurious, better-equipped Civic rather than a true step up to other Acura models, noting it was sold as a premium compact in Canada while the Civic was the mainstream equivalent. It is repeatedly described as more reliable than older TSX and TL models, cheaper to run than those cars because it uses regular gas instead of premium, and easier to maintain thanks to Civic parts interchangeability. Against the Civic, owners see the CSX as the fancier version with a stronger standard engine, though some argue the two are equally reliable and that the Acura badge alone does not justify a large price gap. It is generally not cross-shopped against the Camry or Mazda 3 on driving character, but appears as a value alternative when used Civic and Toyota prices are high.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the Type-S for those wanting the K20Z3 and Si-level performance, and the base K20Z2 model for buyers who want a reliable, cheaper-to-run commuter. A 2008 five-speed manual is cited as still going strong at 341,000 km. Buyers are advised to avoid rust-belt examples and to prioritize clean-title cars with documented maintenance.
General recommendations
This is a good choice for first-time buyers, commuters, and anyone wanting a cheap, durable daily driver, particularly in Canada where the model was sold. Owners strongly advise a pre-purchase mechanic inspection, checking for rust on the frame, control arms, springs, and engine support mounts, and walking away from heavily rusted cars. Watch for paint and clear coat condition, as repainting is costly. High-mileage examples are acceptable if maintenance has been kept up, but owners suggest negotiating hard on price given the age, with $7,900 CAD seen as too high for a 2008 and $4,500 CAD considered reasonable for a higher-mileage car.
Remarks
The CSX was a Canada-only Acura and was never sold new in the United States, which surprises many buyers who mistake it for a rebadged or modified Civic. Owners note it was effectively the template for the 8th-generation Civic sold elsewhere. Parts interchangeability with the Civic keeps ownership costs low, and the Type-S shares its engine with the Civic Si. Enthusiasts value the car for accepting Civic Si and Type R styling and suspension parts, and clean, stock examples are held in high regard. Analysis based on approximately 42 substantive owner discussions.
Specifications
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
2.0 i 16V
2.0L 4-cylinder · 157 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2009–2011