IL 2013 Acura ILX First Drive

[2.0T_Convert]

Thanks. Meanwhile I'd paint a generic stroke and call you a Honda/Acura nut buster.

Lexus CT is a premium hybrid with a hybrid system that suits real world drivers better than Honda. The Honda assist hybrid system seems nice until you consider the fact you can get the same improved MPGs and low end torque from a diesel. But since I don't think we will see a diesel A3 or A4 anytime soon then Honda will be alone in offering what may be a fun to drive hybrid compact luxury sedan.... for the very small market of buyers who care about that.

Honda/Acura deserves nit picking else how will the brand improve if all we do is sing praise and buy up any crap with a badge.

I understand exactly why Honda wants the ILX. Get young buyers in the family early and keep them there. Fine by me, but I have nothing good to say about these buyers. I'll wait for real test reviews to continue on that. Reviews so far don't sound very promising however.

The ILX is good enough. Ok. Acceptable. Where is the pride in such a car. Forgive me for being critical of a car that is just plain ok.

[a2a4raddo]

Thanks. Meanwhile I'd paint a generic stroke and call you a Honda/Acura nut buster.

Lexus CT is a premium hybrid with a hybrid system that suits real world drivers better than Honda. The Honda assist hybrid system seems nice until you consider the fact you can get the same improved MPGs and low end torque from a diesel. But since I don't think we will see a diesel A3 or A4 anytime soon then Honda will be alone in offering what may be a fun to drive hybrid compact luxury sedan.... for the very small market of buyers who care about that.

Honda/Acura deserves nit picking else how will the brand improve if all we do is sing praise and buy up any crap with a badge.

I understand exactly why Honda wants the ILX. Get young buyers in the family early and keep them there. Fine by me, but I have nothing good to say about these buyers. I'll wait for real test reviews to continue on that. Reviews so far don't sound very promising however.

The ILX is good enough. Ok. Acceptable. Where is the pride in such a car. Forgive me for being critical of a car that is just plain ok.

Thats fine, Call me whatever you'd like. A Honda nutswinger? not in the least. I am a fan of the brand as a whole however. A big fan at that. Their history/heritage, their product over the years...from my Honda lawnmowere which starts on the first crank everytime to my World Superbike Championship winning Honda RC51 V-Twin, to the worlds fastest and most fuel efficient private jet, to the ever advancing Honda Asimo, to all the great cars they have built over the years. That said, i dont drive a Honda. I drive whatever fits my personal life best at the time of purchase. That could be a Honda, a Volkswagen, or BMW.


The Lexus is a premium hatchback with great fuel economy. For less money i can go buy a VW Golf TDi which gets better highway mileage real world and offers more features for less money then the starting price of a CT. Very similiar to the argument you make as to why the ILX sucks. That said, the CT offers the same over the Golf that an ILX will offer over compacts from non luxury brands.

It is 100% fine to critisize a car. but to critisize one car, yet praise another which can be critisized for the exact same things make you look like a disgruntled honda hater. Someone whos opinion i would take with a grain of salt. Having not sat in an ILX or driven one along with its competition....lets just leave it at that.

Lastly, there is no pride in such a car. But then again, i don't see pride in any entry level luxyr car. They are just that.....a cheap entry level car. Pride i see in flagship and halo cars...as well as cars that are the best of the best amongst their competitors...but today...there are not cars that are the best of the best, regardless of brand. They all do soemthing better then the next. They are all best at one thing but not at another. Many are a jack of all trades, master of none.

[dmorrow]

It has an Acura badge on it. That is really the only thing I can see this car has going for it. Dual zone auto climate and an Acura badge.

That's why there are many choices of cars to buy and everyone doesn't buy the same car.

Have you ever driven and/or sat in the ILX? If not, how can you say the Verano is any better? At best a weak comparison of "on paper" data comparison.

[invisiblewar]

Other than the NSX, the 3rd Generation TL was their best looking car. Everytime I see a 3rd gen next to a 4th gen, I scratch my head and wonder what the hell were they thinking. The design has been down hill since then

[gti5dr06]

such a lack of originality on the TCL, every thread involving acura requires rule 1: posting of a blue type-s TL, some comment about going downhill and how (insert your favorite up and coming automaker) is out to eat its lunch. In this thread it appears to be the verano.

[2.0T_Convert]

It is 100% fine to critisize a car. but to critisize one car, yet praise another which can be critisized for the exact same things make you look like a disgruntled honda hater. Someone whos opinion i would take with a grain of salt. Having not sat in an ILX or driven one along with its competition....lets just leave it at that.

Lastly, there is no pride in such a car. But then again, i don't see pride in any entry level luxyr car. They are just that.....a cheap entry level car. Pride i see in flagship and halo cars...as well as cars that are the best of the best amongst their competitors...but today...there are not cars that are the best of the best, regardless of brand. They all do soemthing better then the next. They are all best at one thing but not at another. Many are a jack of all trades, master of none.

Then we can agree on one thing a judgement will have to wait.

And what other car was I ignoring btw? My former CR-Z? If your talking about the unfinished exhaust the CR-Z was an entry level compact hybrid and the ILX is the first step into a luxury brand. If I'm paying extra for a luxury badge I want more attention to small details.

[dcmix5]

such a lack of originality on the TCL, every thread involving acura requires rule 1: posting of a blue type-s TL, some comment about going downhill and how (insert your favorite up and coming automaker) is out to eat its lunch. In this thread it appears to be the verano.

Nah, I don't think it is run of mill.

Acura dressed up a Civic, made it different enough so "people" can't tell it still has a penis under the dress, and will now push it out from the vacuum they live in and wonder why no one likes it.

[Aw614]

I wish the 8th and 9th gen civic had that regular dash, really hate the civic dash since the 8th gen..

[jepva]

But since I don't think we will see a diesel A3 or A4 anytime soon then Honda will be alone in offering what may be a fun to drive hybrid compact luxury sedan.... for the very small market of buyers who care about that.

We've already had the A3 TDI in the U.S. since 2010. Unless you are talking about the upcoming sedan.

Anyways, I really don't get the stick up TCL's ass when it comes to Honda's/Acura's. Show me a faster, better semi-luxury sedan with a nicer interior and more features than the TSX that can be had for under $30k.

[2.0T_Convert]

Anyways, I really don't get the stick up TCL's ass when it comes to Honda's/Acura's. Show me a faster, better semi-luxury sedan with a nicer interior and more features than the TSX that can be had for under $30k.

The TSX is going away. Or more likely I bet sticking around with a refresh as the next 2013 Accord sedan.

ILX - TLX - RLX will be the three Acura sedans of the near future.

[50fridge]

Thanks. Meanwhile I'd paint a generic stroke and call you a Honda/Acura nut buster.

Lexus CT is a premium hybrid with a hybrid system that suits real world drivers better than Honda. The Honda assist hybrid system seems nice until you consider the fact you can get the same improved MPGs and low end torque from a diesel. But since I don't think we will see a diesel A3 or A4 anytime soon then Honda will be alone in offering what may be a fun to drive hybrid compact luxury sedan.... for the very small market of buyers who care about that.

Honda/Acura deserves nit picking else how will the brand improve if all we do is sing praise and buy up any crap with a badge.

I understand exactly why Honda wants the ILX. Get young buyers in the family early and keep them there. Fine by me, but I have nothing good to say about these buyers. I'll wait for real test reviews to continue on that. Reviews so far don't sound very promising however.

The ILX is good enough. Ok. Acceptable. Where is the pride in such a car. Forgive me for being critical of a car that is just plain ok.

The US Audi A3 has a TDI option. Also it has an AWD option which the ILX and CT200H do not have.

[2.0T_Convert]

The US Audi A3 has a TDI option. Also it has an AWD option which the ILX and CT200H do not have.

A3 sedan/A4 sedan since we are discussing the ILX.

[50fridge]

A3 sedan/A4 sedan since we are discussing the ILX.

Audi has not said what engines they are doing. I am guessing they will have a gas option and diesel option since the current Audi A3 TDI sells pretty well.

[kraut_pauer79]

say what you want about the Verano, and I'm not really a fan of it myself, but Honda is delusional if they don't think it's a direct competitor for the ILX. They're the same size and price for crap's sake, and were designed with pretty much the same intent.

[Bones_Jones]

it's ok looking. but no way in hell i would spend 30k to buy a small 4banger with 'ok' mpg.

[vwwtchr]

The Lexus is a premium hatchback with great fuel economy. For less money i can go buy a VW Golf TDi which gets better highway mileage real world and offers more features for less money then the starting price of a CT. Very similiar to the argument you make as to why the ILX sucks. That said, the CT offers the same over the Golf that an ILX will offer over compacts from non luxury brands.

It is 100% fine to critisize a car. but to critisize one car, yet praise another which can be critisized for the exact same things make you look like a disgruntled honda hater. Someone whos opinion i would take with a grain of salt. Having not sat in an ILX or driven one along with its competition....lets just leave it at that.

Lastly, there is no pride in such a car. But then again, i don't see pride in any entry level luxyr car. They are just that.....a cheap entry level car. Pride i see in flagship and halo cars...as well as cars that are the best of the best amongst their competitors...but today...there are not cars that are the best of the best, regardless of brand. They all do soemthing better then the next. They are all best at one thing but not at another. Many are a jack of all trades, master of none.

I'm still waiting to hear what this offers over the cheaper GLI, or the far superior Optima or Sonata.

The Optima, Sonata, and GLI are all either the same price with much better equipment, or cheaper with similar equipment.

This is such a meh car when every new car introduction should have some sort wow to it with either the feature content, design, powertrain, something!!

I mean what will Acura do when competitors introduce their cheaper cars that have more time to either move the bar on content or powertrain?

This is such a disappointment.

Hopefully Acura will wake up soon. The RLX has great specs but such a boring design. Now this. Their SUV's are the only thing keeping them somewhat competitive.

[[spoon]]

It's by far the best looking Acura but that's really not saying much. Everyone else has pretty much hit on the problems. It's not bad but it's not class leading in any way or area. Sadly that pretty much sums up the situation that Honda finds itself in today.

[TOMPASS]

Why would the first impression be that its "more of a Jetta replacement", and then go on to (correctly) note that it isn't a Jetta competitor?

[WhistlerYOW]

I'd much rather have the new GLI over this. However, I'm looking forward to seeing the final production version of the new A3 sedan. May potentially be my next car


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Breaking news: VW driver would rather have VW or fancier VW. More at 11!

[WhistlerYOW]

Why would the first impression be that its "more of a Jetta replacement", and then go on to (correctly) note that it isn't a Jetta competitor?

The point they are making is that it replaces the Jetta from when it used to be a good car.

[WhistlerYOW]

Really sad how far Acura has fallen. Not only is the ILX pretty mediocre as a vehicle, the pricing puts it in the company of WAY smarter purchases... I think universally, the Hyundai Sonata Limited is priced right on top of the ILX variants, and IMO you get a much nicer vehicle - and its at least a size-above. Acura may not want to say so, but the Buick Verano IS a competitor and (as others said) pretty much blows the ILX out...

And Ford builds plenty of cars that have more features and are cheaper than some BMWs. Still plenty of peoPle that would never buy a Ford over a BMW.

Hyundai builds a good car for a good price, that appeal to value conscious people who don't buy premium brand cars in the first place - misers don't pay extra for badges.

[GTRaavv]

Anyways, I really don't get the stick up TCL's ass when it comes to Honda's/Acura's. Show me a faster, better semi-luxury sedan with a nicer interior and more features than the TSX that can be had for under $30k.

I agree TCL seems to be on a Honda/Acura hate bandwagon lately, but I think the dislike for the ILX might be founded. You stated the main issue - the TSX is a great car. The ILX is replacing it for nearly the same money. That's the problem!

[the modem wizard]

Sat in this car at the Toronto car show in February. It's an improvement over the Acura CSX and has inoffensive styling. But they priced this car thousands too high. They are trying to position this car as an alternative to the A3, etc. I just don't see it. Like others have said, the Verano is a more apt comparison.

[Golgo-13]

This is a candidate for my next car.

I bought one CPO. Adore it. Only complaint is that it rattles in certain areas. The ELS covers most of it up.

[mx5er]

What the... You can't get the technology pkg with the 2.4l? And it's only about $800 cheaper than the base TSX.

The price range for the ILX ranges from $25,900 to $34,400. While the TSX 2.4L ranges from $30,010 to $33,110. The overlap in pricing is interesting.

Me, I interior room is last on my priority so I'll take the ILX 2.4L. The ILX is a more compact package with the same(?) drivetrain as in the TSX. At least with the 2.4L, picking one out is simple as it gets. Just pick the color.

Is Acura gonna eventually phase out the 2.4L TSX?

[Professor Gascan]

Acura dressed up a Civic, made it different enough so "people" can't tell it still has a penis under the dress, and will now push it out from the vacuum they live in and wonder why no one likes it.

That sentence also described the Integra to a T, and people didn't seem to mind them.

[2.0T_Convert]

What the... You can't get the technology pkg with the 2.4l? And it's only about $800 cheaper than the base TSX.

Is Acura gonna eventually phase out the 2.4L TSX?

Yes. The future is ILX - TLX - RLX.

And the 2.4 ILX is the only trim level I'd consider. Roughly the same power as the TSX but the car weighs less so with a few tweaks it could be a better performer.

[Internal Combustion]

They're going to pick off a ton of people who want entry level lux. $25,900 for a Acura Sedan? They'll sell so many to teenage/sorority girls it won't be funny. The 3 series has been replaced. And honestly it's a great car. It's like the 1 series to the 3 series, people complaining that a loaded ILX is near TSX base money, well you get a lot more content. I don't think that's a logical argument. You can load a 3 series up to 5 series money but people still buy them.

I'd consider a 2.4 if you could get it with NAV for my wife.

[GTRaavv]

people complaining that a loaded ILX is near TSX base money, well you get a lot more content.

How so? The 2.0L premium gives you roughly the same features as a base TSX with 50 less hp.

[a2a4raddo]

How so? The 2.0L premium gives you roughly the same features as a base TSX with 50 less hp.

The ilx has more features then the TSX, Pandora, Pushbutton Start, Text Messages, etc to name a few.

That said, im not sure why anyone complains about the overlap in pricing. You see overlap in pricing with just about every luxury make. A loaded 1 series costs more then a base 3, a loaded 3 costs more then a base 5, a loaded c class costs more then a base e class, etc etc etc etc etc.....

[dcmix5]

That sentence also described the Integra to a T, and people didn't seem to mind them.

Which generation Integra? All?

[dmorrow]

I'm still waiting to hear what this offers over the cheaper GLI, or the far superior Optima or Sonata.

The Optima, Sonata, and GLI are all either the same price with much better equipment, or cheaper with similar equipment.

This is such a meh car when every new car introduction should have some sort wow to it with either the feature content, design, powertrain, something!!

I mean what will Acura do when competitors introduce their cheaper cars that have more time to either move the bar on content or powertrain?

This is such a disappointment.

Hopefully Acura will wake up soon. The RLX has great specs but such a boring design. Now this. Their SUV's are the only thing keeping them somewhat competitive.

We will be buying a car for my wife soon and she asked me about the Jetta GLI. She is driving a 11 year old Accord and wanted to know if a Jetta would be as reliable as a Honda product. I have owned 3 VW/Audi products (total of about 18 years) and based on my experiences and hers with her Accord I would have to say probably not. That is one of the most important features for her so the GLI is out. We don't have personal experience or know anyone that has owned a Optima or Sonata long term so that is also somewhat of an unknown.

[czykvw]

I'll let you guys know and post up some pictures of how the ILX is in person when it shows up at our lot. No ones really crazy or excited to see it show up, some people dont even know it even exists. Everyones excited for the NSX though. Which makes me believe Acura is doing all this on purpose to gather youth sales. Some mid 20something walks in to check out the NSX, walks out with a ILX

I cant help but think the ILX is just going to be a lexus hs 250h flop. IDK why though?
Call me nuts but I feel like Acura should play around with different options instead, like making the TSX a convertible. Or some big sedan that'll really scream Luxury.

[jepva]

I'm still waiting to hear what this offers over the cheaper GLI, or the far superior Optima or Sonata.

The Optima, Sonata, and GLI are all either the same price with much better equipment, or cheaper with similar equipment.

The Acura's also have HID's and remote start standard. And to get some of the standard items on the TSX / ILX premium you have to get the GLI Autobahn which is $28k with nav.

I'm not really sure we should compare these to the Sonata or Optima, those are more of camry and passat competitors and don't offer the same sportiness or driving dynamics of the Acura's.

FYI - I read on acurazine that the TSX is definitely NOT going away, the ILX will just be the new entry level sedan to compete more with the likes of cutesy Jetta types and offer a higher MPG car.

[vwwtchr]

The Acura's also have HID's and remote start standard. And to get some of the standard items on the TSX / ILX premium you have to get the GLI Autobahn which is $28k with nav.

I'm not really sure we should compare these to the Sonata or Optima, those are more of camry and passat competitors and don't offer the same sportiness or driving dynamics of the Acura's.

FYI - I read on acurazine that the TSX is definitely NOT going away, the ILX will just be the new entry level sedan to compete more with the likes of cutesy Jetta types and offer a higher MPG car.

Are you joking with these comments?

First you need the $3K premium option to get HID's, so your already at $30K with a 150hp screamer. Oh and navigation is another $2200, so now we're at $32K.

Or if you want the more performance model you're looking at $30K and no navi available.

Thinking this has more appeal than a loaded GLI, Optima etc is naive. This doesn't look premium, the specs don't sound special, and for the money many people will look elsewhere.