Road Test: 2013 Acura ILX

MotorWeek Road Test of the 2013 Acura ILX.

[@rickyblinkeye]

this is the best review for the 2013 ILX. period. i have been driving this car for a year and a half and it is a beast the driveability on this car is amazing... response is immaculate. i love this car

[@Shade_Tree_Mechanic]

Do you still have it? Just wondering how it's been as I'm looking at buying one

[@RussNann]

I test drove the 2.0L version of this car yesterday at an Acura dealership. I loved everything about the car except the 150hp engine. It was nice to drive on the street but when I took it on the highway it was sluggish. This car either needs a turbo in the 2.0L or an automatic 2.4L version. If it had either one of these options I would buy it!

[@FuuuhQ2]

It's a good-looking car, especially for professionals and hard workers wanting entry into the luxury car segment in today's economy.

[@김동준-t9p]

ok fuuuhQ2

[@jwardTLS]

Well i'd certainly take a 4th gen TL (2009-current) over an teg/rsx but when it was time to give up my 05 TL I went straight for an 07 Type-S rather than a newer model - there just isn't enough competitive advantage in the newer TL. Why do you think dealers have been running ridiculous incentives on it? They can't move the things. The sales numbers for the current TL are half of what they were for the 3rd gen (04-08). There's a reason for that.

[@ionlybluffAA]

this car looks million times better than a civic...

[@nmende00]

Huh? No, the 2.4L 4cyl is just a shared engine. The current TSX is based on the European Accord, but in the past, the entry level Acura (Integra, RSX etc) was always based on the Civic.Rumor is that the TSX will be phased out as the entry level Acura is once again based on the Civic.Some say that the Acura family is too close to each other in size, so the Flagship will get bigger and the entry level smaller.It will be sad to see TSX phased out bc it is the perfect size especially in wagon form.

[@mhs411]

I'm surprisingly impressed. I do like the Verano a tad better because of the cost difference but I'd still get the Acura just because I couldn't explain that I drive a "Buick" and also, the Arizona backdrop was beautiful!

[@azimmey]

An Acura is not just a car. They build them to last, unlike many many others.

[@zackerymcpherson9409]

let the haters hate, this is the integra successor. I just got rid of my RSX-S I cannot wait to get me a 6 speed ILX. A lot of people ask why not the TSX Special Edition? It weighs 500 more pounds. I bet this thing will keep the things I loved about the RSX-S and fix the things I hated about it.

[@TaurusSHO97]

I'm glad to see people realize what this car really is. I'm also surprised to see people saying you should buy a Focus or even Dart over this. Time are definitely changing for the better :)

[@trewright1482]

Owned one for 2 years with a sales job I had. Awesome driving car. Only complaint was zero room in back seat. Getting kids in a car seat was terrible due to the low roof line. Otherwise a pleasure to drive.

[@Offshore1977]

This is one of the sharpest looking cars out there. The drive is very comfortable and sporty. Gas mileage is excellent. The optional ground effects package give the vehicle a unique look.

[@Dillon1791]

Honda uses i-VTEC along with VVT as of 2009+. That along with a exhaust manifold integrated into the head cause's it to be less audible. VVT/ i-VTEC (Variable Valve Timing / Intelligent-Valve Timing Electronic Control) i-VTEC starts to open the valves more and more based on what RPM the engine is at while VVT opens them sooner or later to control combustion swirls for better emissions and economy. (CVCC). Old Honda used VTEC where valves suddenly open fully at a certain RPM and causes an orgasm.

[@AS-fx3xh]

Are you kidding me? This is the best looking car I have seen in a LOONNGG time

[@ravenCLI]

Having driven the Acura marque for close to 20 years, I picked up an ILX a fortnight ago. that's fine, I must say, it is even better than expected. The premium model seems to have most features that one could reasonably want. Being a map-orientated person, I certainly did not want the navigation system or anything like it. JFK

[@Dillon1791]

2.0L in the ILX is said to be dropped today and a face lift to come soon!! 2.45AT or 2.4Spd or 1.5Hybrid is the new options! Thumbs up so all can see.

[@jabrother]

Live your reviews john Davis!!

[@tlaccord]

yes I agree the new accord is a great value

[@nmende00]

How is that different? The RSX and Integra were both highly modified civic platforms. RSX got killed off bc the Civic Si offered similar performance for a lot less money.With the exception of the TSX (based on European Accord), entry level Acura has always been based on the civic.The biggest difference between rsx and ilx is that rsx was a 4 seat hatch and ilx is 5 seat sedan.If they brought back the hatch they would match the rsx in weight (200lbs less) and cargo capacity (4extra cubic feet)

[@AlexTheeGr8t]

I know but I was being a bit lazy and didn't want to write it out as "mah" and "may" but you nahamean. I agree with you that there's a difference between the RSX FB/LB and say a Mini hatch - RSX flows better. I've had both and just called it door #3

[@keke6894]

Is this good for a new driver/teen?

[@azimmey]

I sat in one and not too bad. BUT I could get a new TSX for about the same money. I guess you would want the size and gas miles. Sweet car though for my 6.1 foot frame, I was actually comfortable in it. Still can't trade my 97 RL though, it is still too sweet!

[@progleader]

Mine (Acura Integra 2001 bought new) did not last. Disgraceful engine death after 150.000 miles. Never abused the car. When I asked Acura to check for manufacturing defects: "Yes, for $700.00 - inspection only". After the warranty ran out - "Sorry, we can't do anything for you." How many Acuras did I have: 3 since 1993. Never again. Main point: the ILX is not sporty or in any way extraordinarily looking or a performance car. It's a Honda Civic with a few changes. I'm not thrilled by Civics.

[@yosheeut88]

The rsx is also an integra. It's called Honda integra in japan.

[@BurningUp99]

This is a nice looking car inside and out and definitely better than a Civic. I think it's sharper looking than the Verano also which is what a lot of reviewers are putting it up against. Also there is a rear deck lid and a spoiler that is put on some of these. None of the reviews that I have watched show either one. They really make the car look even sharper I have looked at these in person.

[@AlexTheeGr8t]

Neither. That's a dealer installed option along with a host of other skirts and kits. Just like my TSX. Even in SE trim (which Acura does a weird thing of making options available - no Tech in SE) it doesn't come with neither the decklid spoiler nor the wing spoiler, though it comes with front, rear and side skirts. They could/should have at least tweaked the hp or torque.

[@nmende00]

ILX 2.4 matches RSX in 0-60 despite being 200lbs heavier and having room for one more passenger. I do have a soft spot for hatches though, and really wish Honda/Acura would bring back their hatchbacks so they have something compete with Elantra GT MazdaSpeed and VW GTI

[@autonathan]

I'll take the Verano as well. The base model ILX is just 2 grand shy of a fully-loaded Verano.

[@TaurusSHO97]

The TSX is being discontinued for this. Such a shame. I think it looks a lot better than the Civic, so I wouldn't mind spending the extra $2000, but at the same time you would have to be crazy to buy one over the Verano.

[@walkerdarin2003]

I've seen this priced as low as 22k. This is a great car. I drive a 2010 MDX with everything on it. That being said this would be an outstanding daily driver in traffic.

[@knack0125]

1st!!! lol, personally I like the Verano more, plus where the ILX starts is right around where Verano finishes and it has heated seats and steering wheel. Its not a bad looking car, but for bang for your buck i'd stick to the Buick. But if it was this vs a Civic (just looking for a small car) then i would choose this.

[@palebeachbum]

Well, since Acura is a division of Honda, a better question would be "What was Honda thinking?", since they make both cars. Acuras have gotten rather homely looking. The trademark grill looks like a giant medieval shield.

[@emantabrizi]

The RSX has name recognition already. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather they brought back the "Integra" name instead, but RSX would be fine.

[@ChiTownDoubleUp23]

Well if you need to floor the gas pedal to pass someone starting out at 0mph something is wrong. Im SURE there would be NO problem merging or passing someone (obviously they are going slow if you need to do so). Push the pedal it will move.

[@jwardTLS]

burlyduckling is absolutely right, actually, lol. I've got a TL type-s 6speed and every time I've had to drive a loaner from Acura's service dept, I'm severely disappointed. There's absolutely nothing aside from Sh-AWD that I would want from the new models. The company is struggling with an identity crisis whether anyone wants to admit it or not. The only car that truly seems to fit is the MDX. Acura's golden years were 2002-2008 with the 1st gen TSX, 2nd gen RL, the RSX, and the 3rd gen TL

[@insidertrading1]

I still think Acura should go back to its heritage and use letter names like Legend and Integra. You can tell the ILX is a bean counter corporate decision and not a car based in heritage or car enthusiasm. I'd love to see the return of the Integra, an affordable car that's smaller, more fun to drive, more reliable and cheaper car than an Audi A4 just as the original was....

[@nmende00]

I have personally seen, no joke, a 6 foot tall 15 year old in an intensive care unit, in a coma for 3 days who was sitting in the back seat of his friend's car without a seatbelt on and he ended up head down in the front seat. The guys in the front were equally stupid but never made it past the emergency room bc they died the second their skulls went through the windshield. So if you want to be technical about it, you can cram more people than there are seatbelts, i just wouldn't.

[@nmende00]

Not legally, at least not in the US bc it only has 4 seatbelts, but then again, in Phillippines I rode a dirtbike "taxi" with six passengers, so anything is possible if you dont care about safety.

[@tehepicmashimallow]

I was hoping that it would have the old civic si 2.0 engine

[@ineway1121]

I still don't understand vehicles like the ILX and Verano. Why wouldn't someone spend $2000 more and get a TSX or spend $2000 less and get a Civic EX-L, and the car didn't even have 60/40 split rear seats for $26,000. However, this is Acura test interpretation of their shield grille.

[@adams1696]

i have a 0-60 video up of mine with a few mods

[@emantabrizi]

EXACTLY! The '13 Accord looks better, and you can get a V6 with 6-speed for less than what you'd pay for a loaded ILX. What was Acura thinking?

[@Chandon1]

I would only pay this price for the hybrid, I’m looking @ one for 12k but obv talk them down on the price, the mpg sounds amazing. Around 40mpg combined

[@codycrawford2385]

Good luck these cars even with 100k miles are still worth 15k, I got my 13 Technology for 11k dealer gave me a huge discount

[@ldawson103]

Sharp looking car.

[@kei0kusanagi]

ILX definitely looks good. Has anyone seen the 2016 ILX on Acura's website? It's looks so much better than this one. The 2016 ILX comes standard with Jewel Eye headlights and the grill "beak" looks better IMO because it dips down, more stylish.

[@TimJoseph08031990]

If Civic's i-VTEC: incredibly Very Torqueless Economy Car, then ILX's i-VTEC: inefficiently Very Torqueless Expensive Car :P

[@importcarenthusiast]

I wish the 2.0 was availble with a manual transmission. Its much cheaper than the 2.4 model.

[@mrmaturitydelinquent]

This car is for people who have a Civic budget and want to look like they have premium money. I can't knock that!

[@sdlausen1]

You can STILL seat 5. I know because I have an RSX-S. There is no federal mandate for anyone in the back seat to ware a seat belt -- technically making it a 5 seat vehicle.

[@vtec407]

haters gonna hate, this car has already been selling like hot cakes, i seen an average of 3 a day and the car only came out last may

[@jrel210]

oh thats the 2.0 with 150 hp and something torque. I thought it was the 2.4 L at first.

[@fmmnta]

Really nice car.

[@streesmut70]

Asian Honda Civic with Acura grille , dashboard and steering

[@Darksyne]

I dont think it looks so bad i mean the front bumper looks weird but its not so bad when you put a license plate on it

[@AZfordtruck]

The Vernano is a Chevy cruise , which isn't all that great using daewoo parts :-(

[@letmetellyouwhatsup]

So this car has the same engine as the honda civic si which has the same engine as the acura TSX? So the ILX is actually the TSX? Wtf? This is mind blowing!

[@Xx1SailorScoutxX]

If I had the money, I would consider this car.

[@CarSteve]

2.4 engine should be standard. High end is too expensive for this level car.

[@ProV68]

I like the car, but I wouldn't buy it with that kind of a price tag. You're better off with an Accord if you think about it.

[@Insanity_Crow]

A Luxury car that makes 150hp, give me a break, and getting one of these things loaded costs over 34k? Do yourself a Favor and buy a Ford Focus Titanium, it's got features this thing can't even touch and is fully loaded at 26k. Hell I'd even recommend a Buick over this thing.

[@nappiral]

holy f@ck 9.3 secs to 60 might as well just say 0-60 yes

[@Darksyne]

The 2009 TL shouldve looked like this imo

[@bmwmsport11]

I will take a ILX 2.4 over anyday over another compact premium car. Don't care wether its not a "good deal" cause it's a revised civic SI. It's alot more unique car than a civic.

[@biba2u]

paddle shifters on a 4 cylinder? makes no sense to me

[@Turbosaunderground]

Look much better than Civic.

[@jms4367]

The ILX concept was amazing!! This is complete watered down crap. What are they thinking? There aren't even any LED lights. CHEAP! Honda/Acura are stuck in the early 2000's.

[@TunerFreak]

I only wish it was a V6

[@TheSheZombie]

HONDA / ACURA BEST CARS !!!!!

[@Djonemore]

Love those audi taillights... I thought Hyundai was the only one that copied others?

[@itsmegp46]

For the price, the TSX with the V6 is a much better value and gives a lot more pep. The ILX is slow in comparison.

[@SL_barn]

or learn how to drive the 6 speed manual. It's sweet.

[@ChiTownDoubleUp23]

Yea cause all consumers want to race their fucking cars....

[@JAMAICANTECHDUDE]

I much prefer the 2013 honda accord sport. Superior vehicle in every way

[@Fussinated]

Then who is stopping you go buy one.

[@TheCireMC]

i know...Right

[@codycrawford2385]

Mine is a Silver Technology paid 11k for it

[@jayis21]

cant belive its 4 grand more then Buick Vallero and more shocking is the host comparing price of ILS to A4!!! u must be kidding me. COme on now i expect you guys to be more realistic on review...

[@celsorod]

Nice car, needs a better name like the rest of the Acuras.

[@ktktsun]

Wow up scale civic

[@nrborod1]

I can imagine a number of much better ways to part with 32K when it comes to a car. Two thumbs down on that--really!

[@danielpark94]

the new civic should have looked like this..

[@stewardlie]

Five speed is just unacceptable for 2013. That's absurd..

[@sdlausen1]

The RSX can seat 5... Just not as comfy as a 4 door.

[@progleader]

for enthusiasts? Come on, who are you trying to fool? It's a car, that's all.

[@insidertrading1]

***word names I meant

[@ashrick718]

Damn this car isn't far in performance from the Lexus CT!!!

[@palebeachbum]

Honestly, I'm so sick of everyone using these 3-letter names. How about some REAL names for cars again! PS, the front of this ILX looks like a Toyota Camry. Blah. I'd rather pay less and get a loaded V6 Accord.

[@JAMAICANTECHDUDE]

i have a 2000 Acura 1.6 EL sadly this crappy car is the successor to it. what happened Acura I've driven so many integras in my life time 25 to be exact. im 25 with my company and now i don't know which car to buy. i love my old Acura el it has 415000 km and still going.

[@b53O]

You're on crack, this is a gorgeous looking car.

[@krzintegraboi]

its a civic blah they should have just kept the RSX aka integra..

[@sirot5561]

Sucks that these things need premium gas

[@Drj2021]

this just a tsx

[@TheKingxj]

Honda designs seem stuck in the early 2000, does not stir emotion'

[@jstnhnh]

Why is John Davis always yelling?

[@googledroid9848]

Did you catch "near luxury pretender " this guy's a hater

[@grism01]

Well if you're actually listening to what type of car/engine the ILX is based off of, then you'd understand why he keeps mentioning the civic. Lol..

[@belizetj]

Its an Acura Honda Civic fool.

[@AlexTheeGr8t]

uhhh...tomato - potato! Or something along those lines

[@pwoo124]

Uh yeah, you might as well save yourself a few thousand dollars and buy the civic

[@alexsiul1142]

this is too civic...especially the performance. who would pay so much more just for the interior?

[@UncleAlpha1]

LIKE