Redline One-Year Review: 2013 Acura ILX 6-speed

[@SL_barn]

I have an ILX 2.4, and you nailed it on the head. It's a blast to drive, has a really sporty exhaust note that is super fun to rev up. Yes, it's a tad on the noisy side, and I really wish it had exposed exhaust tips, but the ILX is really a great looking car - especially in Crystal Black Pearl that I have. Under appreciated, to say the least.

[@ian-hm6cx]

7 years later they have exposed tips mow

[@stevenrosengren6376]

I am so glad that you are still enjoying the Acura ILX a year later. I own a 2014 Acura ILX 2.0 and I really love my car. I think some of the recommendations you have for the next generation are thoughts I have as well. The engine in mine, while it is rated at only 150 HP still feels very responsive and strong, I agree the next generation should have more power and less road noise. Other than that the car is great!!!! I enjoy your reviews and I am excited to see some positive thoughts on a great car that is underrated!

[@tmg06d]

I love my 2014 2.4L ILX. Very fun drive. Not as much grip in the corners as my 03 RSX Type S but the 6MT is light years ahead of the RSX. Truly butter. I'm very unhappy that Acura with their decision to have no 6MT for the new TLX (my next car in 2017 once my lease is up).

[@treydaypnw]

Man there's something about these kinda sleeper 4 door manual transmission cars! it's a Beauty. keep making Great vids dude

[@Rainbowrobb]

+treluvsjay1 Sleeper in the same way you can add a turbo to a 1980 subaru.

[@emmanuelrodriguez1043]

In 2019 almost 2020 you can get it for around 10-11k... loving depreciation and good deals! K24 has been used for over a decade in almost every honda/acura... (small depreciation compared to the big German cars I love)

[@efrenmendoza3388]

Delete this comment before they go up, ive been trying to get my hands on one

[@emmanuelrodriguez1043]

@@efrenmendoza3388 for real! I wished the 2019-2020 was stick

[@yegutierrez87]

U predicted everything that now came true for the 2016 model, I think Acura really saw ur video and listened to u haha, good job man!

[@Post_Leako]

Can't wait to see your review of the 2019 Acura ILX, hopefully with the A-Spec package.

[@svenskfox]

Long-term fleet vehicle? lol that's just your personal car mate.

[@DamplyDoo]

I have a personal fleet of... Two.... Vehicles

[@pchae1]

You called it man, ILX did lose the manual transmission for the refresh..

[@ssj4david]

I have a 2010 TSX with the same 2.4L engine and 6 speed MT, and it gets about 22mpg in pure city driving. However, when I was loaned an ILX with the 2.0 5AT for a week, I didn't understand how it only managed 18-19mpg within the exact same driving conditions and commute as I did in my TSX. I think the 5AT Honda/Acura transmission shouldn't be mated with any of their 4 Cylinder engine. The ILX 2.0L with the 5AT feels like a weak/ smaller person trying to pedal a bicycle in high gear, but the transmission seems to be seamless when mated to the TL's V6. Really too bad the market is dying for us MT drivers out there... I think having a MT really wakes up and makes the most out of those 4 bangers....

[@andrewhwang6206]

Your reviews are so good! Your car intelligence is impressive and you're very articulate and speak with great diction. Much respect. Please do a 2015 Honda Accord Sport and 2015 Subaru WRX if possible! Thank you~

[@krayzie281]

This guy went from a fit to an ilx and as of last I lnew he had a Porsche crazy how far he’s come

[@turbo311]

Torn between pickup up one of these preowned or the outgoing Civic Si. Really want a K24 6MT car before they're all totally gone. Actually considering giving up my Fiesta ST for one and that car is a riot!

[@LouAntonioGiordano]

The VTEC stickers only look good on the Honda's. Acura's are not meant for that

[@AkioWasRight]

Yeah, but they still add 1 horsepower per sticker.

[@Jdm_fl5]

He predicted the future 9:46 type s with the type r 2.0 turbo

[@revaholic]

Nice review man..I like this car a lot, especially for the 6MT 2.4 combo. I'd like to see the interior refreshes that you mentioned as well.

[@tuolumne9]

Had the pleasure of driving the new Audi A3 last year in Frankfurt, and I said it then and illl say it again - it feels like a notch up from the ILX, which unfortunately feels like a Civic, right down to the HVAC vent placement, the American A3 I drove last week felt nearly the same, which means a suspension that feels every bit as taut and refined as A4, and an interior which feels like an A4 as well. And MMI could feel at home in a $100K A8. Acura navigation feels downside plebeian by comparison. the Audi It drives down the road with a very expensive German poise that the ILX just doesn't have - straight arrow stability, and great isolation benefitting a car twice as much, Shut the doors, take a look at the weather stripping - A3 sounds like typical Audi vault doors, and has 2X the amount of rubber stripping - it's far quieter than ILX too. Don't get me wrong, I like the Civic SI, I've owned one 3 years ago, but the ILX is nothing more than a Civic with a reworked body and modified interior. You can state that MK7 Golf and A3 both ride on MQB, but they are really very different, especially since MQB is just a standardized shell for common mounting points, not a carbon copy architecture like Civic/ILX, and A3 certainly doesn't share the same HVAC vents as Golf.

[@flexor212000]

Ruined with the Vtec sticker...

[@PabIoMexican]

why? whats wrong with the sticker ... the engine is a vtec engine

[@obitouchiha2537]

TurtleLuverZ because acura is "luxury" thats why it kind of takes away the class of it!

[@ih8momjokes1]

@@obitouchiha2537 well said

[@NovemberJoseph]

Boy...ya do like to Hug that Red Line when you drive! I've been thinking about the ILX but I didn't know it had a manual my Acura dealer didn't have one.

[@Xxlespaul14xX]

LOL was watching this and was like..something's familiar...look down and I'm wearing the same shirt

[@buhketz]

Same as mine! Well, almost lol I got the 2.0 premium... Same fathom blue pearl though... Really wish I knew how to drive manual when I was in the market, would have definitely picked up the 2.4. My 2.0 already drives pretty well with the paddle shifters, that 2.4 must be great

[@buhketz]

And it's hilarious because your review on the 2.0 is what helped me decide to purchase mine. I'm just now realizing you actually have an ILX too lol. Your reviews are great man, you definitely have a permanent subscriber here

[@M67v]

8:28 Nissan GT-R!

[@torguy5763]

Uh Ohh, someone has ADD, you were focusing on the background instead on the reviewer

[@M67v]

No, I can spot a nice car from a mile away.

[@maxdob757]

***** GT-R IS UGLIEST

[@torguy5763]

Max Dob You want a smack now or later, ill let you decide

[@BernardWei]

Hi. Just bought my 2014 ILX dynamic with tech here in Canada a few weeks ago. It come with run flat tire... Does yours come with the same? Is that tire a keeper? You see, I'm planning to get Nokian GR3 for better traction for cold and wet weather here. If you find the stock tire good enough, I might keep it for summer, otherwise I'll get a summer tire just for the warm summer weather. Thanks for posting all the fun videos.

[@puma_kid]

love-it great review !

[@dsi19961]

Great review Sofyan! ilx isn't a bad car at all, Every car has some things lacking but not every car is perfect.Gas prices are going up ,I just filled up at shell yesterday ($3.69), My 98 Accord fills up at $36 but i wouldn't mine driving a ilx or a civic any day. If someone asked if you can do a review of their car and lived in the dc area or in md, would u?

[@m-c-m-]

good review, thanks.

[@chris14091975]

great review

[@lambosuperleggera1]

Just one thing as I'm watching... the 2014 ILX 2.4L 6-spd most definitely CAN be had with the Technology package, in Canada. Wouldn't want to scare away any potential tech/enthusiast buyers up north! :)

[@theredline]

Lucky for you guys up there, send that model over to the states :)

[@lambosuperleggera1]

I don't know what it is that Honda has against the US but it's odd. The 2014 Civic Si comes standard with climate control here in Canada but not in the US, as well.

[@hussali8838]

Honda likes Canada haha

[@lambosuperleggera1]

They still don't like us enough to bring the 2015 Civic Type R over here though haha. But then, they did give us the Euro EP3 Civic SiR hatchback.

[@technews64]

the camera banging on the window is really annoying...

[@leesepulvado7975]

Don't act like a sissy, Amanjot.

[@nezerac]

I thought we were doing the Focus ST? That car and the subaru WRX are literally tearing at the cash in my wallet and dashing my common sense. I don't want to get one but it feels like I'm being forced to get one. I'd love to see a 1yr review of a wrx or focus ST.

[@borninhk1]

Can you do a review on the updated 2016 ILX?

[@glog5934]

Hi to the redline production you were saying that the ilx 2.4 doesn't come with the tec pack....I from Canada and I stop by a local dealer and I found that the ilx 2.4 now comes with the tec pack and navigation system i don't know if it's the same down there but it is up hear...

[@infidel900rr]

You buy Acura because it's reliable, all the updates you keep complaining about needing would just ruin what this car is.

[@henry18hk]

I agree with other posts said Acura is not the true luxury band ..its near luxury..so I don't agree with u that acura ilx is the same level with Mercedes CLA and Audi A3 ..I don't understand why acura don't offer tech package for your model..that is so unwise..

[@h.nguyen8609]

my 328i 6 speed averages 26mpg. It has more power, torque and a lot quieter. I bought it CPO so the warranty is just as long as a new ilx but has more bells and whistles at 4k cheaper than a new ilx...acura needs to step up.

[@mass112594]

The ILX 6-speed manual was not designed for Fuel Economy. It is a High-Reving 4 cylinder that is a lot of fun to drive. Who really cares about a few miles per gallon. Who actually sits down and does their budget and says "oh my gosh, this car only gets 22 average mpg vs that one over there gets 26 mpg. Lets see, that is a difference of about 84 Gallons per year (12,000 miles/year avg), X's $3.50/Gallon fuel cost = $294/year or $24.50 per month. I am going to go with the model that gets 26 mpg. That makes perfect sense in my budget." People buy whatever they like for the most part wether they are reliable or not; wether they get good or bad fuel economy. Every model you purchase is going to have a compromise in it.

[@Darksyne]

Acura addressed all those issues but they completely screwed it all up with that terrible dual screen infotainment system >.> I hate how Honda fixes their mistakes and create new ones for no reason -.-

[@TheNicodoescoolstuff]

they should make a Acura cl again

[@SeverdSeouL]

Amazing how a new 2.4 liter i4 engine gets such amazing mileage, whilst my 2.2 liter VTEC Accord from 1997 is thirsty as fuck @ 21 MPG city and 25 combined. $70 a tank to fill up too. 16 gallon tank...

[@PaulyGuy1]

The next gen is gono be way better

[@PhreshNBeat]

make the ilx a coupe ^^

[@RobHeathers]

Agreed.

[@NovemberJoseph]

Question… How would you compare the Acura ILX to the Mercedes-Benz C250 which is also a $30,000 car?

[@39Hundred]

A dressed up Honda Civic. The Cadillac Cimarron of Japanese "luxury" cars.

[@walkerdarin2003]

Put the new TLX four banger in a ILX and I'm sold. I'm cool with the auto trans. I drive 66 and 495 lol.

[@mass112594]

Just so that you know, the new 2016 model ILX coming mid next year is going to have the 2.4 L w/ a standard Automatic trans. Word has it from Acura that they are going to be using the same 8-speed automatic with the dual clutch from the current 15 TLX 2.4 and upgrading some other stuff including the headlights to the Jewel Eye LED's. That's the word on the street anyways. Keep our fingers crossed.

[@AckbarsFist]

So how many clutches have you been through in 14,000 miles??

[@SSC3034]

Are you going to get a new Fit as your next car?

[@crissodag9133]

I wanna get one and lower it with nice rims not too low and turbo it

[@aznDrgoonZ3]

I don't want a turbo in this... it'll reduce the reliability. The 2.4 is heavier, but still perfect with the car. Bring back the N/As!

[@WelshyAutomotive]

you mean the 'Dynamic' ILX, did you not know the series?

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

Great reviews, very informative. The word 'thing' when referring to any car, not so great, and 'way' over-used. suggest using the word 'car', or leaving that spot blank.

[@marccandrift]

Nice vid! Still have the ILX?

[@marccandrift]

Oh thanks for the info!

[@LukeO-1234]

Are you trading this in for the 2016?

[@cesarm1347]

Hello, I am looking to buy a sporty sedan, I am in between the 2013 Acura ILX 2.4L and the 2014 Volkswagen GLI, both manual. I am 18 years old, I like a sporty sedan but yet something cheaper to modify. I really like the ILX, could you please tell me why I should buy the ILX over the GLI? Or the GLI over the ILX? Thank you !

[@SHKim-xr1jl]

Jacob Aolao I have driven the both and let me tell you, ILX is better car period. Just test drive them both... GLI is no longer GTI Sedan, it's a America specific model with lame performance. ILX is more comfortable, faster and more dynamic not to mention reliability. I remember C&D doing a Long term on ILX, go read their review it gives you a general idea about both cars.

[@turbo311]

Jacob Aolao Get the GTI or Fiesta ST. Mazda3 GT is also a lot of car for the money. Buy an Acura if you really appreciate Honda/Acura products. They're unique and kinda nerdy in a good way.

[@jayda1654]

peep that gtr trolling 8:28

[@jayspencer3248]

40MPH and 2.4 6 speed? No way

[@conlazymeo]

are you going to trade it in? What will you get next?

[@tonythedriver1161]

nice car

[@TheGobinG]

You should review the Infiniti Q50 soon!

[@mass112594]

The Infiniti Q50 is fast on a straight line w/ 328 HP if that's what you like but no fun in the corners. Feels extra heavy and boaty and just slides all over the place. The Q50 has gone away from it's sporty roots that's for sure. A good driving car is more than just a mere 0-60. You're going to be driving it everyday but not on a drag strip.

[@honestycounts9352]

its basically a Civic / Civic Si that costs $10,000 more, and has a much nicer looking interior. Other than that, not much difference; just a more expensive Civic. I looked at it and said "sure, I'd get the 2.4L if I can get an automatic with it, but that will have to wait until the 2016 model comes out. I would much rather get a Civic Si with an automatic and save $10,000 but Honda is keeping the Si purely manual (oh well). I really hate the digital dash in the Civic, that's something I just cannot live with and the main reason I'm willing to spend $10,000 more for the ILX when it's basically just a Civic in nicer clothes. Oh yeah, another thing; the Civic automatic is now only a CVT, and I hate CVTs, so the geared automatic in the ILX is another huge bonus for me as well. Better non-digital interior, 2.4L with an automatic, and a geared automatic instead of a CVT = all great reasons to spend an extra $10,000 on a fancied up Civic sedan. I'm sold.

[@Fishwagon22]

Do a review on a Scion Fr-s or a Br-z

[@aznko2]

Sofyan ill race you!!! :) -kris

[@2159money]

can you please review the audi a4? any year just 2009 and up!

[@jtorres1486]

The way you keep shifting your ILX you wont have a clutch much longer. BTW I traded my Ford Focus ST ST3 for the 2014 Honda Civic SI sedan Blue W/0 Nav I downloaded honda link NAV not to bad! Love the comfort over the ST.

[@theredline]

It was driven aggressively for demonstration purposes. We don't drive the cars like that off camera :)

[@jtorres1486]

2theRedline ok good! :)

[@sejunekim8840]

Where did u get the exhaust tip?

[@MrJamesguy9]

In your opinion, how does your ILX compare to a VW GTI?

[@theredline]

It's about your personal preferences. The GTI is a bit more sporty, rides a tad harsher, and handles a bit better. The ILX is softer, but we prefer the shifter and clutch to the VW. Speed-wise, they feel even although the Acura has a more aggressive engine note making it feel quicker. Interior wise, they are a tie with equal levels of fit and finish. We like the GTI because it's a hatchback but we prefer the styling of the ILX more. It's really just a toss up between the two. Both are great cars.

[@DerikPiano]

He riced it out by putting that stupid v-tek sticker. wtf man?!

[@Hermetic_]

Seems loud inside that cabin

[@DaOldSchoolRapLova96]

They should probably push this car to have at least 240 hp.

[@mynameizjordan7968]

Is this not just a more luxurious Civic Si?

[@matthewcheung5136]

Isn't the Subaru WRX the same price or possibly even cheaper?

[@johnhenry17]

Im a 6'0 feet tall i was wondering if ILX good choice for my height. im driving a honda civic lx and cant really put anyone to sit behind me bacause i need put the seat all the way back.

[@mass112594]

The back seat space on the ILX will be about the same as your Civic, sorry. But the new TLX 2.4 is an excellent alternative for just over $31,000 with a lot more space.

[@carbrickscity]

I still prefer the Mazda3 over this.

[@carbrickscity]

Moby Dick Well that's your choice. The top trim Mazda3 actually kinda compete with this. But I prefer the look, styling, handling, interior, options, price, gas mileage, etc, of the Mazda3 than this.

[@carbrickscity]

Moby Dick Since the new Mazda3 was just released, we should wait and see.

[@carbrickscity]

Moby Dick I don't plan to keep the car for more than 5 years, so should be fine.

[@carbrickscity]

Moby Dick Yeah...wish I could control to keep my cars longer, it really hurts my wallet. lol

[@paroffice]

Dear redline review - if you had to choose 2013 TSX with a 6 speed or 2013 ILX with 6 speed? help!! I have decisions to make!

[@jacktran960]

I'd pick the TSX since it has double wish bone front suspension, it handles better than my friends 2020 ILX.

[@xuimod]

Review a 2016 WRX please.

[@CadillacEscaladelove]

Ill save everyone some time and summarize this video for everyone. He is better than all of us because his civic has an acura badge. The car is better than a civic even though it offers less for more money because acura badges. Stop being a douche and trying to justify a car that sucks just because your a massive snob. I can hear the horrendous amount of road noise this has and see you battle torquesteer every time you juice it. the car sucks bro

[@AkioWasRight]

Stop being a douche by thinking your opinion of his car is any more valid. It's his car, his review, his perspective.

[@Dave2four]

Nah, you're the real douche.

[@occamsrazor6613]

Is that your boyfriend next to you?

[@im1greatman]

This is a overpriced Civic and Civic's are overpriced. I'm ashamed of Honda/Acura where they went with the prices.

[@Noah199995]

putting premium gas in the car is a deal breaker for me!

[@Kiverx]

Which exhaust is that? :)

[@TheRzarectah]

its stock dooby butt

[@ANDRIY_H]

ILX looks waaaaay better than civic. But not as good as TSX in my opinion.

[@erimei8478]

AP2 S2000 at 7:15

[@sunnyj209]

You don't pay 31k when you buy the car. I ended up buying my 2014 ilx brand new for a little over 26k. It really is a nice car, and if feels very roomy like my 1999 camry le used to be.

[@hdstance3594]

what car do you own now?

[@Cooldog904]

Mazda Miata

[@PulledPurk]

Is that fake engine noise?

[@juanzingarello4005]

You know, as much flack that this car gets I'd rather pay extra for this than own a Civic. That Civic has so much plastic inside it feels like a Little-Tykes toy. If anything I'd get the ILX for the upgraded interior materials.

[@JuanGarcia-fv9ph]

Lacking direct injection is a good thing; so your valves dont get stuck to hell

[@rajmuk8065]

Did he buy it brand new? And the way he drives I doubt he would get good gas mileage at all

[@MegaXxB3ASTxX]

yeah he bought it new and he only drove it like that a bit aggressive for demonstrating purposes

[@justplayen4070]

Does he know how to rev match?

[@MrNINYTXIS]

miss the Fit?

[@DanielBlaney]

31 on the highway. Thats awful for such a smaller engine. Even the mustang v6 gets that mileage with a 100 more horsepower.

[@Dansotherutubeacount]

Vtec bro. It's the Vtecs.

[@holycross2]

who the fuck buys a Mustang with a v6?

[@salty126]

Los Pollos Hermanos V6 mustangs outsell V8s 2:1

[@holycross2]

salty1264 o i know they sell a ton of them. I just feel its like buying a pickup with a 4 banger or a sports coupe with an automatic.

[@mercury64]

Los Pollos Hermanos The manual v6 Mustang hits 60 in 5.2 seconds..for around $20k.

[@GetALifeCommentators]

If I got a car and knew I will eventually change it man I'll rip the engine all day all week.

[@TheGreg129]

Anyone care to explain why the K24 engine only make 201hp and the K20 made 210hp? Am I missing something? Yeah less torque in the K20 but couldn't they make the K24 higher than the K20 stock?

[@TheGreg129]

I'm assuming this was after the SAE changed its ratings?

[@GOBbluthagain]

noise levels are so loud for this car u can really hear it in the video so much road noise and jarring bumps

[@Nerdygamer000]

it needs : 1. a more potent engine 2. a fucking 2 door version

[@hamzabhatti_24]

If it didn’t have the ugly back door design, I’d buy it

[@poppaschlong2000]

Acura does not compete with Mercedes or Audi. Not sure why you even mentioned them in your video. Acura is near luxury. Its main competition is Buick, Volvo, Lincoln, Saab(RIP) etc. It's no match for the German's, despite what the fan boys think. I happen to really like Honda/Acura, and hope they can hit Lexus levels of refinement. The RLX is promising.

[@AkioWasRight]

I don't know about that. Have you driven the new A3? It feels a lot like a GLI or GTI, but more boring, hardly greater than a "near" luxury car. Mercedes and Audi are simply better at casting a superior image while charging you for it.

[@poppaschlong2000]

emdec55 Wait a sec. You would consider a 60 sprint in 5.8 to be boring? It almost matches the B5 S4 in performance and size. That's pretty damn exciting. Also Audi's fit and finish are a head and shoulders above Acura. I am not saying Acura is a bad brand. Not at all. An Acura will probably still be on the road long after the Audi has perished. But, lets get real. Acura is not in the same league as Audi.

[@AkioWasRight]

Darren C Acceleration isn't everything. The Camry V6 posted a 5.8 sec 0-60 time for C&D and Motor Trend, but that doesn't make the Camry an exciting car. And I never said the A3 was boring, I only said it was more boring than the GTI and GLI.

[@poppaschlong2000]

emdec55 That's why in my second sentence I said it almost matches the B5 S4 in performance. Which is more than outright acceleration. For an entry level luxury compact, the A3 sedan is a home run. It was named world car of the year in 2014 for a reason. I have owned a handful of Audis and VW's over the years. I have yet to drive the MKVII and new A3, but I look forward to the release.

[@AkioWasRight]

Darren C Well, I don't place much weight in the WCOTY award. 5 of the last 6 WCOTY awards and 6 of the last 8 WPCOTY awards were given to the same company. That's 11 awards to one company in 8 years. They should just change their name to the Volkswagen Group awards.

[@KevinNgYoutube]

40 dollars to fill? where you live?

[@poppaschlong2000]

Must be the US. I live in Ontario Canada, and I just filled my LS2 CTS-V and it cost $90 from 1/4 today(11mpg FTW). My wife's MKT Ecoboost cost over $100. Both on premium.

[@failandprevail]

DC area, I recognize the streets.

[@AutoTuned]

failandprevail yep northern virginia

[@AntoniaEdison-h8b]

Kamille Ports

[@v60polestar88]

0-60 in 6.2 my ass. Car and driver beats the crap out of this car and they have it listed at 6.9 secs to 60. No way its a 6.2 sec car. Its also 15.9 1/4 mile time. This car is only fast to honda fanboys.

[@Veyronp87]

they need to make that 2.4 from the TLX standard on all models of the ILX. the base 2.0 is a big turn off for me

[@RealtimeReviews613]

I so agree! Put the 2.4 in all models but acura doesn't listen! They are way behind the times

[@mass112594]

That's coming standard for the 2016 model ILX refresh. Stay tuned. Mid next summer.

[@artchiu584]

i will take the lexus IS f-sport over this anytime, with the new 2.0 turbo engine coming out for the 2016 model...

[@Logicsupremacy]

2theRedline You don't rev like you do in the video (to the redline) in your everyday driving right? I doubt if your engine will last 50k miles if you rev like that everyday.

[@juxtagenesis1120]

You underestimate the quality of Japanese cars, lol. But yea I still wouldn't do it either.

[@bucknut2000]

it should be ok, i have a civic si where i rev it to 8000 daily for 180,000 miles and it runs great . at 150,000 i sent the oil in for a lab test and they said the engine has little wear.

[@underhated7340]

bucknut2000 You rev your car to redline on the daily. Why would you even do that?

[@bucknut2000]

thats where the power is. the engine revs quicker than most cars so its really easy. below 5000 rpm its underpowered. the 2.0 K20 pull harder than the current 2.4 in the higher revs. you just have to like shifting. i thought of getting a GTI and when i drove it I liked how easy it was to drive but I also got bored because I didnt do much.

[@jacktran960]

It's a Honda, you can redline it everyday with no issues. This is legit how most Honda drivers with a 6MT or 5MT drive. They're flooring it everywhere.