Acura ILX 2013 Review & Road Test with Ross Rapoport by RoadflyTV

Car Review: 2013 Acura ILX
Host: Ross Rapoport
To see additional pictures and the window sticker for the 2013 Acura ILX 6-speed, visit: roadflytv.com
Fuel economy (EPA miles per gallon rating): 22 city / 31 highway MPG
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[@TheReapersSon]

Best review I've seen of this car yet. Loved the perspective from someone who's enjoyed Hondas for a while.

[@SL_barn]

I

[@TerranceHorton]

Ross, you are so much easier to listen to than many of the other reviewers here on KZbin (like the guys from CNET, Motorweek and Drive Time) who for some reason feel they have to shout at you while they affect an obnoxious sportscaster-type delivery style. Insofar as the limited slip differential, I read elsewhere that Acura did not include it due to what they felt was its "roughness", which they felt detracted from the luxury aspect of the ILX.

[@PrototypePrjs]

Acuras are very dependable cars...

[@Dillon1791]

I'm one of them, but im in 10th grade and have many many great plans for Honda. All going back to the roots. Wish me luck, and you'll see.

[@shreyasdube]

I've been driving this for about 9 months now - ILX 6-speed manual. Your review is spot on. I do miss the tech package. The 6-speed manual transmission is so damn good.

[@blacuraRL]

1:11 Excellent analogy, Ross. As an ex-Integra owner myself, I lament the passing of one of my favorite cars. The first gen TSX was pretty good, which I currently own, but this ILX can't really replace either of those cars IMHO.

[@76carmel]

I think the Acura ILX's main competition is the Buick Verano. However, the powertrains are different for both. The ILX's base is the 2.0L I-4 with 150 hp, Buick Verano's base is 2.4L I-4 with 180 hp. The uplevel engine for both are the following, the 2.4L I-4 for Acura is the one Ross has tested. For the Buick Verano Turbo - it's a smaller engine 2.0L with 250 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque, and has both a manual or automatic. Acura's ILX 2.4L is manual only.

[@3rdRockRider]

Ross has quickly become one of the best car reviewers out there today!

[@sexymommakat]

Whatever happened to Ross I don't see him anymore.

[@pit32s]

This guy can do this job very well. Most informative video for this car unfortunatly I had to go thru a lot of sales videos before I reached it

[@TypeR1013]

My Android nav is good too, but it doesn't always work, and when I receive a call it suspends the NAV session (I use Sprint). So even though the factory stuff is less precise, it's good to have it integrated. It also helps resale value for whatever that's worth.

[@phototristan]

He is so right. I totally miss the Type R and S2000. They never should have stopped those and boring current Si. Still keeping my 2000 Si.

[@gwgrote5]

Ross, I enjoy watching and learning from car reviews. I share the same sentiment of "TheReapersSon" below. Reviews coming from diehard fans of the auto brand that they are reviewing always come across genuine. No one can put a price on the experience you are able to share by owning previous models. I am a Volvo fan (no, I'm not old! lol) up to 2000 and now drive a Lexus. I know this review is 7 years old, yet there are some of us that just want to get in a car and go without all of the bells and whistles. I like a bit of luxury and demand reliability. The latter x's out the BMW and Mercedes. Thanks for your review...Excellent job! Wade

[@roadfly]

I realize I'm no Ross Rapaport, but there are two videos with me and the Abarth here on our channel. One is a straight up review and the other is on the track. I love the Abarth!! -Emme@RoadflyTV

[@itsmegp46]

Most people might not notice, but I sure would. The more gears a transmission has keeps the engine revs in the sweet spot resulting in quicker acceleration. It also improves fuel efficiency. Not to mention about bragging rights. Acura is simply not keeping up with the competition. In this very competitive market, not keeping up with the newest tech. can be devastating to sales. I believe you might be thinking of the dual clutch automatics, I agree about issues.

[@adventureinlife7700]

I'm in training right now with Hendricks Acura. Thank you for the well made and educational video. I will be subscribing to your KZbin page and using it to help with my training.

[@redwineisfine]

Duly noted Ross, I respect your opinion and understand that not all minds can agree. The big complaint I've always had with the Acura products, TL, Tsx, Rdx, and Mdx just seem like upscale versions of Honda products. Same as Lexus. But that's just my mental block. Either way, great job with the review

[@Tig-Wan]

Ross I owned 2 prelude type-sh. Awesome handling. I still don't understand why they don't use that tech on all their front drivers? You can take corners at ridiculous speeds. It's a great tech feature that IMO should be utilized more.

[@cm18cam]

My friend has this car and it really does haul five people in comfort.

[@mvfs]

My girlfriend and I are in the market for our first dealership car, and have this in mind today. It would mean buying a 4 year old car for $17,000, but the features, style, and fuel economy has us very convinced. The $17,000 car we looked at had 43,000kms of history, one owner, its the 2nd trim so it has the push start, bluetooth, camera, sunroof, 17's. What do you guys think? Should we do it? We have a 2004 Jetta comfortline right now, so bumping down to your average civic or corolla is a no go, and we arent big vw fans!

[@cungbacnguyen]

MVFSULLIVAN the depreciation on this is amazing for a Acura! Almost half the price after 4 years is such a bargain! Pull the trigger

[@AbsoluteMdot]

Do it!!! Jetta's suck!!!

[@Acc0rd79]

I owned one of those brand new back in 00. Sold it a few years later, was a very nice car but I wanted more sporty cars. Plus the '13's are 33k fully equiped, I almost choked when I saw that and loled out the door. Got my 09 Z used with leather, nav, every option for 23.5k, I did good:)

[@TypeR1013]

They have announced that they will drop the 2.0L and make the 2.4L the standard motor. So hopefully they get their acts together w/the NAV too.

[@jso726]

Hey Ross, I've seen your reviews on the gt-r and this one...Great reviewa, right on the spot, and it seems like you've had your share of exciting cars, keep the good work up man!

[@dootndo2]

With LSD, Tech package and ED tech, this could be a winner. Here's hoping for 2014.

[@sungod1976]

Thanks for the feedback Ross. One gets into these tough dilemmas when trying to make these cars all-in-one. The Civic SI is not a true sports car like the S2000, but a compromise between a sporty package and daily practicality.I'd say get the Accord Sport with a lightly used S2000. Ross, keep making your great reviews, which got me to subscribe in the first place. Emme Hall - You are cool too!

[@AbsoluteMdot]

This will be my next car!

[@aaronjones1991aj]

Not to be argumentative but Ross forgot the Buick Verano. Like the Acura Ilx it's in the same segment and also offers more standard equipment for the same price. You can even get a turbo with more horsepower and a six speed for a cheaper price at the end of the day.

[@TypeR1013]

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

[@aaronjones1991aj]

I would love a roadfly do a comparison at the end of the day to see which 1 is better in the segment.

[@feo130]

Fantastic review, Ross. As an Si owner, I admit the LSD and nav are missing pieces from the ILX, but nonetheless, I believe the Acura is a much more refined and "mature" car than any Honda on the market right now. Here's hoping for a tech package in 2014!

[@techdude6693]

depends on down payment and other factors too. I was looking between an ILX 2.4 and a 328i. w/ 2000 down, the ILX came to $250 per month and the 328i to $400. The major difference was that the 328i stickered at right around 50K and the ILX was 30K. I ended up with the 328i, but I love the ILX as well. We even have an RDX in the family :D

[@kevkrush7434]

Great review! I'm a Honda fan owned 3 Hondas. The Integra was my favorite. The ILX is cool but the fact that they don't offer the navy option or the limited slip dif and you still pay 36k for the Dynamic option in Canada makes it not worth the price. There are so many other options. 2013 VW Jetta GLI Autobahn with Nav for 37K Canadian.

[@palebeachbum]

It actually starts more like $26k, which is priced about right for what it is. The closest thing to compare it to is a Buick Verano, which starts about $24k. Both are compact, entry-level luxury vehicles based on economy cars. Drove the Verano and wasn't too impressed. Reminded me way too much of the Chevy Cruze. I have a feeling I'd like this ILX much more.

[@TypeR1013]

Tinny feel? Maybe. Afterthought interior? Can't agree w/that. They do a really good job w/that...better than most IMO.

[@wheelerwheels]

I agree wholeheartedly: This car has sharp looks but isn't for the "posh" crowd. Maybe some aftermarket companies will pick it up and treat it with some nice performance bolt ons to make it sportier. The starting sticker price seems to start a bit high for that purpose but it fits a small target audience nonetheless.

[@scopiusyankel]

You're an awesome reviewer, Ross! Roadfly rocks!

[@hy77281]

@dsourn Acura does make one, the TL with SH-AWD is available with a 6 speed manual.

[@rossrapoport5197]

End of the week; end of the month; end of the year. Also, the Crosstour doesn't sell that well so deals are pretty easy to come by.

[@karamgh14]

couldn't have said it better myself, but you're missing 2 very important things... 1. Bigger engine and 2. cheaper to consumer. Acura needs to work on those too. Otherwise, body is looking sexy so please don't change it too much. I was seriously considering leasing this same car but wanted to wait til may to see if the next model would appear. Any ideas anyone?

[@khunopie]

Ross, you look HUGE standing next to this car!

[@h4u123]

great review as always Ross

[@tallen35875]

My Honda Fit Sport has a total of TWO covered storage areas. The lower and upper gloveboxes. sure there's a center console as a dealer accessory, but I don't want to pay for it.

[@jiminkrott1569]

Nice review. This model needs the limited slip, aero trim package, and dual exhaust (or at least some variation of the Si exhaust tip) to be competitive in its class. Even Kia offers most of those options. As is, I'm hesitant to buy, thinking it would be better to wait and save for a TLX.

[@sungod1976]

Ross, based on this review sounds like the ILX sits closer to the latest civic SI then the accord sport with a 6MT. For those looking for a similar experience to the SI in a more classy package, this may be the car.Sounds like I may be at the keep up on the corners with the SI with the ILX. However, one thing that concerns me is the absence of the SLD. As a grown up daily driver and some canyon/Dragon (RT 129) runs, would you go with the Accord Sport, Civic SI, or ILX?

[@joeguerra6044]

Excellent review! Wife has a 6speed TSX with the miles getting up there. The new TSX's have become way too bloated and the TL's are now yachts. This looks a little too small (civic based) The fact that you can't get the six speed with the navi is an absolute deal breaker.

[@blacuraRL]

I'd agree if you were referring to the second generation TSX, but the original from 04-08 was considered one of the best handling FWD cars Acura has ever made (even stock). Put the 'Accord Euro R' suspension bits on it, and it will surprise many. Truthfully, I can't say I like the new ILX because it does nothing new, infact it looks rather dated already. I'm hoping a mid cycle refresh will change my mind by adding better cosmetics and direct injection, just as the 2013 Civic won me over lol!

[@awhellnaw41]

Im gonna be getting my license in a few months and Im in the market for a manual RSX, Integra, or Prelude

[@bottomlayer]

I notice that you're Canadian. Did you cross-shop the CSX Type-S? I really wish they sold them down here! Was your previous car a Honda or Acura?

[@skye1212]

Good review. First one of your video's I've ever watched.

[@bottomlayer]

What do you think about the Canadian Acura CSX? Basically a rebadged luxury version of the 8th Civic. It was available with the base RSX engine, or the previous Si's 8000-rpm K20 in the CSX-S. Do you think it would've been successful in the US? Because I wish they had sold it down here. In regards to the current ILX, too bad they don't also offer the base engine with the 6-speed. Do you wish the ILX had the Civic's two-tier dash?

[@Clintpoon]

sick review ross

[@johnwalker2512]

Honestly I don't think that's as big a deal as people make it seem-it's pretty hard to tell the difference between a 5 speed, 6 speed, or 7 speed automatic on the road. Or even a 4 speed for that matter I drove a Forester recently which if I'm not mistaken, even in 2013 still uses a 4 speed automatic and I didn't think too much of it when I was driving the car. Honda's 5 speed is probably one of the best. A lot of these newer transmissions are having lots of annoying problems.

[@redwineisfine]

Ross, it seems the dinosaurs of the world like us who love the feel of a manual gear box are going away to the dual clutch Manu-utomatics taking over. Excellent review, however after spending time with Acura, I felt their cars were tinny if their feel and the interiors were an after thought by design. However maybe that's just me.

[@turbo311]

Ross, always appreciate you sharing your knowledge of a brand's history! You had an Integra Type-R???? You should have never sold it, those, like e30's are only going up in value. I miss having a Honda product, and even though there are more exciting enthusiast cars out there (GTI, WRX, Focus ST, etc) cars like this ILX and the '13 Civic Si sedan still interest me strongly. I'm 27 now and can appreciate luxury over strict performance. I think I'd still choose the Si for the $8k savings.

[@normaspirated]

This is the only thing Honda has to do to have the ILX own this segment: Drop in the 1st generation RDX engine with fwd OR sh-awd drive train trim and an available 6-spd manual or 6-spd auto. Tech package trim available, too. Doing that would, in my opinion, put it in 3-series/IS/C-class territory. That's it. It won't cannibalize TL(X?) sales.

[@TheMakfather]

I have a 2015 ilx dynamic manual.. I love it... just having a trouble finding replacement front shocks! The dealer has them but the price is too expensive.. any ideas or hints? I live in Montreal canada btw

[@TerranceHorton]

The clutch has a hill hold feature, per Autosavant's review (@ 6:06)

[@TypeR1013]

It will once the TSX gets axed, which should happen for 2014 or 2015

[@jkmsaturn]

Great stuff Ross… and a good move for Acura. My favorite Acura right now!

[@ReggieSanchez23]

yea I agree, 30k for the six speed manual (i forget the name of that package) is a bit much and you can get so much more for your money.

[@TheK24Kyle]

alot of people miss the point. this is supposed to be that straightfoward simple driving machine. really refined and combed over placement, nice styling and great modern refinements YET driver oriented. push to start, single Imid screen, one of the best 6 speed manuals in the game and the K24 trim model is an un-computer enhanced un direct injected driving machine. its not like the germans entry level BS or overpriced.its like the old integra.if you dont have a ton of money,ejnoy driving&quality

[@bnr32gtr90]

needs an exposed exhaust tip, but that's just nit picking but a reasonable upgrade from a civic si

[@thomas4776]

Really good review Ross. I like the Acura a lot. However I would perfer a 2013 Honda sport for its price features and size and save myself between 3 to 5 k on this Acura. .

[@kalargyi]

Finally, Ross-Size Sedan.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Really good review, Ross. Thanks.

[@bottomlayer]

Hey Emme, while you're here, did you get a chance to do the laundry basket rating on the ILX?

[@TypeR1013]

The ATTS' real value was as the forerunner to SH-AWD. For a 2wd car a regular mechanical LSD like the ITR or Si is better.

[@porsche911CarreraRSR]

Honda made some badass coupes in the late 90's and early 2000's. It's sad that they're gone and now the used ones are being riced out!

[@fikes73]

Shoot the 2 liter is crammed in there. Changing the oil is a hassle. I wanted to put headers on my si when I first got it, but it is a total pain. But yeah reving to 8g is more fun then 7500 ;-)

[@fikes73]

Hey Ross, what do you like better, the new 2.4 or the older high revving 2 liter? I ask because I also have an 08 civic si sedan. Wondering how the new motor measures up

[@SuperWillieBeamin]

Surprising review.

[@blacuraRL]

I'd agree with that. I miss my Teg so much lol! The TSX (I have a first gen) was a pretty good replacement though with the 6spd manual.

[@olaf2046]

Where is Brian Cooley?

[@pwoo124]

They need to bring back the Type S versions of their cars

[@hallofghdg]

Good review. And i just can agree to your statements abou manual trans

[@tbok75]

@Ross rappaport yah I get that. But how did they suddenly become unsafe? I see lots of those old tuners rolling around and not all of them are riced out and still serve as daily drivers. I have an 04 Malibu, by no means a great car. Its old enuf yet new enuf the everyday man can still work on it, same as the old tuners. Not everyone has deep pockets. To me I think there's better money to be spent elsewhere if you want that kinda driving experience you're suggesting the ILX will give. :)

[@CMUBruin]

I am driving this car as a loner as my TL has some work done. My TL with the tech package was 33k out the door and after driving this, I would not pay more than 25k for it. If you can get it for that though, think its worth the money.

[@madjak30]

There is no need for Navi any longer...my Android phone with Google Nav is awesome! Plus I only need the one device which easily transfers from vehicle to vehicle. Great sized car and fun to drive...might just be the ticket when my daughter wants my current Jetta...Later.

[@TypeR1013]

I have to say I like this car A LOT better than the TSX...which was a great car in its own right. The ILX is much more nimble and is just quicker. The TSX would have been a great car but it was never fully developed so that it would not encroach on the TL. These problems will be addressed w/the likely new TLX, which will combine the TSX and TL.

[@jmiller8563]

I have to ask... How did you pull off getting 8k kick off the MSRP?

[@wikoproductions]

Does the ILX 6-speed have Hill-Assist that is absent on the Si?

[@canto_v12]

The ILX's worst enemy is Honda's own 2013 Civic Si, now with a premium cabin rivalling this one.

[@Rukkomag]

Ross, I like your reviews, please let us know more about handling!

[@MrWolf2212]

Are you guys gonna have 2013 Honda Accord Coupe V6 MT review in the future?

[@SL_barn]

The ILX replaces the CSX, and no I wouldn't have considered it. Way too close to the Civic (not bad, just not what I wanted). My previos car was a 2011 BMW 128i 6mt. But I do have a 2008 Honda Accord and have owned a TSX. All 0 problems. Also, 0 problems with the 128i in case anyone was wondering.

[@rossrapoport5197]

My pleasure!

[@XxChuyoxX]

Just like the rsx type s, no lsd. which sucks because the si does, and the version is thought to be the "nicer" version. But it still has that k24 :) cant complain

[@rossrapoport5197]

What makes you think I sold it?

[@TypeR1013]

I am to please, and to soothe :P Interesting point about the LSD...but as far as I know, the Honda LSD only works on acceleration, not deceleration (1-way) so that could just be an excuse for having made a big mistake. We'll see. They should at least make it an option.

[@tomtom5418]

Apparently the ILX isn't selling that well. I personally think Acura needs to step it up if they want to catch the enthusiast crowd

[@Anakin314]

What happened to the Honda/ Acura Design department.

[@derikdeanl]

Ross finally looks good, and fits in the car! Obviously he needs to stick with Acura!

[@TypeR1013]

Dude, I dunno...this is tough. I'd go w/the Si still, because of the point-and-shoot character and LSD. But the new Accord Sport is just a ridiculous value and a hell of a car.

[@techdude6693]

Which ILX Model do you have? the 2.0 or 2.4?

[@bottomlayer]

The RSX is probably your best bet if you can afford it. Integras get stolen all the time (I think Ross said in the past that his Type-R got stolen more than once), and Preludes have V8 gas mileage, use oil like a Wankel, and still don't really have that much torque. The RSX actually has security features totally lacking in any Integra. You should also consider the 2002-2005 Civic Si (EP3). The most reliable British car ever made!

[@turdsandwicher]

I see what you are saying but at the same time its not like it is over priced at 30.

[@nfusco618]

You didn't mention anything about the "yawn" styling...

[@bottomlayer]

Only Honda and Porsche can get away with charging you for a console! Do you have a 1st-gen or 2nd-gen Fit?

[@RealtimeReviews613]

You guys dont do enough videos!