143CAR.com - 2014 Acura ILX Dynamic

If you grew up as a boy racer and now are a professional - what car do you buy that lets you look like a professional on the outside, and makes you feel like a boy racer on the inside?
Jonathan Yeung @ 143CAR.com reviews Acura's idea for filling in this niche.
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Web site: 143Car.com
Music by: Tom Cusack

[@lindarodriguez1372]

Family of 5 here and this car would be perfect! I have a 2011 CX7 and I need a second vehicle for my wife, this looks great.

[@jmiller8563]

Excellent review. I've been salivating over this car for about 14 months now. When I get back to America in July 2014, I think I'm going to purchase this car...

[@doomzmega]

As a professional videographer and musician of course, I must give my flowers where it’s due. Bro, you did excellent filming this video and editing great job, good work, I’m checking out the Acura’s because your boy recently copped one, I feel like I’m riding in a mini bus but, it’s a smooth ride!

[@143CAR]

Wow thanks for the kind words. Kinda funny looking on this older video...I definitely think we've come a long way. Thanks for watching!

[@143CAR]

Hey motormusique; thanks for the comments. The ILX is a good car, but it feels a bit hefty in the corners. Around town, its a pretty good compromise but if you are expecting a "sports sedan", you might want to take it for a test drive first to see if you feel the same.

[@143CAR]

Hey motormusique. Thanks for watching and commenting! The ILX is a good car, and is a nice alternative to the German alternatives, but I feel its falling a bit behind. Look at what Lexus has done with the new IS! Looks wise I think it looks pretty cool, and they have made some nice advances in the handling department, whereas the ILX feels like not much more than a Civic rehash. If I was to look at the ILX in isolation, the handling felt like it could have been better, and a bit "top heavy".

[@tmg06d]

I have this exact car. 3k miles on it after 2 months. It's a blast. Had an 2003 RSX Type S for 8 years (17-25). Had a 2005 TSX briefly then got the ILX. The shifter is the best I've ever used. Acceleration is better as well. Much better than my old Type S. Where it loses to the Type S is steering and handling. The car feels very heavy compared to the RSX and the electric steering doesn't give me the grip feeling of the road I used to have. Overall the car is a very good value and a fun car to drive. Other luxury car companies don't include a back up camera or leather standard? Give me a break. Can't remember how to back up without a camera! 8.5/10.

[@143CAR]

Thanks for watching and commenting Stack! Agreed the 2.4L engine in this car has just that bit of extra torque to give the car a bit more oomph on the lower end that I felt that it needed. And I totally agree the electric steering has taken away some of the feel, but in an entry-level luxury car, I'm not sure that is the worst thing in the road, but feel it is a bit lacking in the dynamic department especially if it is trying to compete with the BMW 3-series. Appreciate your thoughts and hope you enjoyed the video!

[@Bloodwake14]

Haha i just bought one of these and the comment at 8:45 hits the nail on the head. Cant wait.! Awesome review.

[@143CAR]

Hey istvan buda - totally agree. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@143CAR]

Hi Jack Mehoff; I completely agree with you. This is a pretty "stealth" car, in that not many would recognize that smoothness there definitely is some "hooligan" that can be exposed! I didn't mention this in the review but I loved the way the car sounded too. Shame the exhaust is so shy though? Thanks for watching!

[@Euxable]

Having just purchased one in 2019, I can confirm this video is very true lol

[@143CAR]

Hey GOODF311A - yeah sorry about the long wait there! I also have my Ice Racing video that I finished a few weeks ago if you haven't checked that out already. Thanks for watching and commenting, and glad you enjoyed it!

[@SL_barn]

I have a black ILX Dynamic, and THANKS for showing the ILX in black! This is by far the best colour for the ILX (most reviews I've seen have shown it in gray or silver). The ILX is great because it's so fun to drive, but can be very smooth and unassuming if you want it to. I can't think of too many other cars that are that "jeckyl and hyde". I'm also getting great fuel economy! Yes it could be quieter, but I'm not 75 years old and would rather have some performance to go with my luxury.

[@chrischarles9213]

I own one & I love my car, I'm a 6 footer😅

[@143CAR]

Hey Sweetsweded15 - thanks for watching and commenting! Yeah I agree, its probably not the most exciting car to look at, but I think for a car that needs to appeal to the "entry level professionals" - it has the right look.

[@FuuuhQ2]

Good review, my very first car was an Acura Integra, and now i'm 29 years old and turning 30 soon in literally a couple of days and this car just feels like how i feel, still that boy racer fire inside, but a bit more professional, classy, and refined in appearance now.

[@143CAR]

Thanks for watching and the kind words hilow4125! I have more coming - plese stay tuned!

[@njshore9272]

Okay...makes me want to take a test drive! Seems like a perfect car for someone going through a midlife crisis!

[@143CAR]

Haha yeah not a bad choice NJShore. But if you are going to go for a midlife crisis, why not go "all the way"? I'm thinking a sports car here ;) Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@143CAR]

Thanks FuuuhQ2! haha nice name. I think thats what Acura should really be going for, rather than chasing the BMW market that is already saturated. Thanks for watching and commenting! Please subscribe if you enjoyed what you saw.

[@GOODF311A]

Finally a new video! Oddly enough I was looking into the ilx. Good car and great video!

[@Turshin]

The ILX is actually light for what you're getting. My Dodge Dart weighs 3300 lbs. And it's not even the limited or the GT with all the toys.

[@143CAR]

Thanks Akuma Hadouken! I'm pretty humbled by your commenting and also secretly hoping this isn't the only review you've seen ;). Please subscribe if you like what you see!

[@hilow4125]

nice review brooo. you should really make more videos of "everyday" cars. really nice and informative. yet its not to harsh or biased.

[@mart182003]

Thinking about buying one of these with manual transmission. And supercharge it!!

[@motormusique]

Hey man, great review. I like the ILX too but I sounds like the handling isn't as good as it should be.

[@64majestic]

Best review I've seen

[@143CAR]

Hey Ricky Tisdale - thanks for watching and commenting! Please subscribe if you like what you saw!

[@rickyblinkeye]

143Car am glad the beef is done.

[@mjshaheed]

How does it compare against the 2014 Mazda (s or i or whatever) Mazda3 Hatchback? How about a review of 2014 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback?!! Thanks!!!

[@143CAR]

+mjshaheed here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJLHcoCur7horrs&feature=gp-n-y&google_comment_id=z12id545kr2etldop04cdrhzvlm4urcrql00k

[@mjshaheed]

+143CAR Thank you so much man! I watched it yesterday and liked it!!!

[@143CAR]

mjshaheed Thanks dude!! Stay tuned for more!

[@guillaumeg.beaulieu3326]

Is it Still a good car? A 2014 dynamic ilx? Thinking of buying one with 95km

[@143CAR]

2014? Yes it's decent. Not sure the new ones are worth it though

[@tikiman06]

Good review dude! A couple quick questions though. I know it has EPS and all that, but was the handling fun enough? Could you still take it out to a back country road and have fun? And, I currently have a 2010 Accord EX with a 5 speed manual; would I find the ILX to be a step up in the fun factor?

[@143CAR]

Hey tikiman06! Thanks for watching and commenting! Its hard for me to say whether it was fun enough relative to your Accord, so I would suggest you take it for a test drive yourself. For me, I really liked the engine and the shifter, but I found the car felt very heavy in the turns. So i guess it depends on what you are looking for and your personal preferences and personality. Hope that helps!

[@143CAR]

Just for the record, I drove the 2.4L engine in the ILX Dynamic; the base models use a very different engine which you may feel is underpowered if you think base Civics are underpowered.

[@nmende00]

3000lbs sounds like a lot of weight, but you have to realize, the civic has gone up a size class from subcompact to compact for 2001 model. Combine the size increase with stricter emissions and safety standards and there is no way you will ever see a civic as light as those of 15 years ago.

[@143CAR]

Hi John, thanks for watching and commenting. You are totally right; increasing safety standards and stricter emissions have definitely inflated size and weight, but I think somebody like Honda is capable of lightening their cars. Look at Mazda - the one class size larger Mazda 6 is only 100 lbs more than this compact Honda civic. Thanks for watching again!

[@nmende00]

143CAR Mazda6 might be light for its size but, even with 200lbs extra bulk, it can't match the Civic's IIHS small front overlap score. Also, the civic packed on some extra weight bc it was criticized for being too noisy and the 2013 refresh packed on extra sound deadening materials. Honda could make lighter cars if they made them noisier and less safe, but top safety scores, reliability and improved NVH are what Honda buyers want. It would be nice though if they could release a decontented racer boy version to keep cost and weight down (no AC,removable jump seats in rear, no traction control, no sound deadening materials, no sound system,recaro seats, brembo brakes).

[@143CAR]

John Wayne All fair insight John; there is definitely a cost to it. I haven't looked into the crash tests to be honest, but looking into the direction Honda/Acura are headed in, a refresh is desparately needed. They've done this with the TSX/TL (ie the TLX) but the ILX needs some work as well, as does the Civic Si. This platform has been around for too long with not enough changed to the car; proof in the pudding is the sales numbers of the ILX. I'm not necessarily pushing for a "boy racer" (although that would be appreciated in a Si/SiR, or even Type R version), just weight gain. Also my point about the Mazda 6 is that Mazda was able to design a car that was torsionally stiffer than the last generation, is one size up from the Honda Civic/Acura ILX, and is not that much heavier. But your point is well noted; further proof that a larger car isn't necessarily safer. Thanks for the continued discussion!

[@Qduece9]

Wait why does it say 260 on the dash

[@143CAR]

I'm assuming you are talking about the speedo topping out at 260 km/h? I think that is to make you think you can get there =P. Realistically a lot of manufacturers have a huge range on their speedo, not because they think they can get it there, but because it might be alarming to have the speedo only show 0 - 200 km/h (for example), and to have you running near the top end most of the time ;). Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@qingcong]

4:53, HAHAHA well done

[@jonathanyeung5938]

Thanks qingcong! Please subscribe if you enjoyed what you saw

[@qingcong]

Jonathan Yeung BTW, I thought vtec crossover was at 5000, not 4500.

[@jonathanyeung5938]

the vtec crossover points have varied on Honda's cars over the years but on this 2.4L (K24Z7 engine) it is at 4500rpm.

[@msndotnet01]

you Canadian?

[@143CAR]

+Bleu Ray Entertainment yup sure am!

[@msndotnet01]

wooooo

[@battosaijenkins946]

@143CAR, I dunno man I still think the Acura CSX is the prettiest and most bang for the buck as far as the options packed into the highest trim level. Even today I would get comments if I'm driving a new car and that is always a plus in my book! The rear exterior ILX is ugly compared to the CSX!

[@msndotnet01]

looks are subjective, I thought this as a prototype for the brand new 16 civic. The civic is such a nice car idk what Acura is going to do with its ILX brand name. Acura right now can only make the TLX which has a lot of reliability issue, and MDX.

[@143CAR]

yeah i totally agree. I feel the new design is actually overly busy...but it seems people are into that these days.

[@rickyblinkeye]

i dont get why people have a probblem with a civic ,,,one of the most well rounded car on the roads,,, not to mention its reliability... and no it does not completely feel like a civic... unless u take off the suit,,,, it is tuned for higher revving ,,, and the suspension has better parts,,, i cant stand when these people do reviews,,, they confuse most of us who dont have money to be driving any car under the sun... this car will easily do 400 thousand miles... check out other videos.... do not make your decision on buying a car based on this review.........this car will destroy mercedez any day..

[@143CAR]

Ricardo R I don't have any problems with a civic. But Acura is trying to build a higher end car, and this just doesn't cut the mustard amidst other competitors out there. I have no doubts about its reliability, but the sales of this car vs. it's competition tells you that Acura is off the mark.

[@rickyblinkeye]

143Car the other competition has higher sales a lot due to badge buying.. a lot of people buy cars on badges.. for example.. the starter luxury car of Mercedes... There is a BUNCH of those out there and the reviews are horrible and yet people are buying it.. as long as the badge though...ehh

[@143CAR]

Ricardo R I don't disagree that lots of people buy mediocre cars purely because of the badge (Take the Mercedes CLA for example). However, that is how the premium market works, and I think the ILX needed to stand out a bit more if it was going to differentiate itself, but I don't think it has done that. Likewise, I would think the Kia Stinger will do well inspite of its badge, because it is a good car.

[@rickyblinkeye]

agreed.. i get lazy on my typing as i mainly drink whisky and smoke while replying on youtube videos. Hence i study at least 9 hours everyday and you tube is my entertainment when i dont. shout out to youtube by the way!!!.. i just wanted to clarify one thing as it appears as you do know your cars and i cant be a bigot.. So i want to clarify one thing.. when i say badges I mean BRAND names such as MERCEDEZ, BMW etc... u know what i mean... hyundai, kia...etc have made major changes on their line up and have demonstrated that they want to be back in the game especially hyundai they have been working on it for about 10 years or so... when the hyundai elantra came out it was a shitty car....hyundai has made major improvements and now in 2018 i can safely say a sonata or an elantra are reliable and good cars.. Keep in mind that (us) as car afficionattos cant say a car its a good car if it its first year on the market ...it takes time,, i personally analyze cars for about 6-7 years b4 i can safely say they are reliable.. i watch cars on the road,, which car goes in for such and such maintenance, and also drive them so i can feel for myself rather than wait for a review and base my decisions on a review.. cheers. i can say u want to do good reviews ,, and u are trying.. one thing though... when u do a review,,, focus more on what the car can do for a consumer rather than comparing the vehicle to another...remember a good review its based solely on the vehicle and what it brings to the table... IT IS NOT YOUR JOB to advertise the car,,, JUst to review.. IT is the consumer's job to do their research on the vehicle they want to acquire. It is also up to them to do research on their financial decisions. I would suggest doing reviews on what the car is. SOme people want a vehicle for point a to point b. some want a vehicle for point a to point b with a lick of luxury. some people dont care how much the car sucks as long as they have a badge and money to afford it,,,they dont care... just saying, u have potential for good videos am just saying focus on the product...

[@1215GRAHAM]

It’s little people.

[@dieselboy77]

Also, Acura has better reliability then the BMW

[@guinmaan]

Dynamically a decent car...but it's still a civic. Dash design is Acura/Honda ghastly space ship centre stack nightmare. Exterior styling is less obviously a civic, but really whats to brag about (or whats tricky, Toyota does this with Lexus) that when Acura never tried to differentiate the look from the civic in prior offerings(and were such a joke they were never marketed to the U.S.), considering the actual styling is not very pretty, and certainly not masculine enough, and I'm being kind here because this car is bordering on ugly for a entry level premium luxury brand vehicle. I see a civic still all day long when I look at it by the wheelbase, A pillar and stance of the ILX. For this money it's a joke compared to a Mazda 6, and with both cars on same tires, the 6 will out handle the ILX all day long at the track. Factor looks, price, performance, mpg and the 6 runs on regular gas while your bucking up for premium fuel in the ILX....a mid level trim 6 is at least 5K less than the starting price of the ILX. Despite the fine drive train the civic platformed ILX is a fail in my books for Acura. This car is not getting much love from the auto enthusiast media publications either so I think others feel the same way. Acura is on the down swing.

[@143CAR]

Hey guinmaan! Thanks for watching and commenting. You have some very valid points here. Overall, I think the ILX is in a very difficult spot; not upmarket enough to be a true competitor to the entry level offerings out there (all you need to do is look at the new IS as a reflection of where Acura should be), and not down market enough to rope in people from the lower segments. As you pointed out, this is something highlighted by the Mazda 6. Yes, they are in slightly different segments (compact vs. mid-size), but the Mazda 6 looks quite a bit better. I think if Acura really wants to get serious about this they need to start with a clean sheet at this point. Again thanks for watching and sharing! Much appreciated.

[@zhuolizhang7837]

the video make me think the ILX just a civic with a Luxury package. Now, I don't want to buy it anymore. pay $10K more :(

[@143CAR]

Hi Joe - thanks for watching and commenting! I guess thats kind of the difficult position with the ILX; its sort of an entry level luxury sedan, but at the same time its having a difficult time escaping its Civic underpinnings. Ultimately the choice is yours, but this IS a good car. If you are looking for prestige, you will have to look elsewhere. That being said, all Acuras are essentially Hondas (and have Honda underpinnings) so there isn't really an escape. The TLX is based on the Accord, the RDX based on the CR-V, etc. etc. Ditto Lexus. Thanks for watching!

[@zhuolizhang7837]

WOW， really? TLX, RDX saved the same underpan whith Accord and CR-V too?

[@143CAR]

Yup. Platform sharing. Lots of manufacturers are doing this as well. Lexus shares many platforms with Toyota, Infiniti shares platforms with Nissan, the list goes on. The question is - does it really matter to you?

[@henrypacheco9048]

You don't fit in there

[@143CAR]

Thats very true; mostly my asian-fro to blame i think (just for reference i'm 6'0")

[@henrypacheco9048]

You are tall and that's awesome, the car is too small lol

[@143CAR]

Henry Pacheco yeah i think there are enough people that are 6'0" and over for there to be more headroom in that car. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rickyblinkeye]

horrible review

[@143CAR]

Ricardo R why do you say that?