The last of the naturally aspirated 2.4 VTEC plus a super slick 8 speed DCT. This car is so underrated. I bet it makes for a great daily. Headlights are cool too.
Gotta admit, I'm a bit surprised at how positively Nathan viewed this car. For some reason, I just didn't think Acura would make such substantial improvements to the car just two years into its cycle. I wish a bit more was done to luxury-up the interior, but I'm excited for this car. And Nathan tends to be a pretty hard-to-please reviewer sometimes. So good job to Acura.
It is absolutely an amazing car. The dual clutch transmission is what differentiates this car from the others. I was actually in the market to buy a Fusion, but upon testing the Ford Fusion, Mazda 6, Mazda 3, Honda Accord Sport, Honda Accord V6, I test drove the Acura ILX just in case and it turned out to be the best feeling car for them all. It's really a drivers car.
I’ve had this car for 3 years now, just reached 90k miles and never had an issues, I bought it used too. It’s a great daily and long distance driver, needless to say I’ll be sticking with Acura when the time comes to upgrade but this car is my baby ❤ (the app system and display screen is kind of outdated, AcuraLink doesn’t exist anymore so I can’t use navigation but a simple phone Mount works for me. You can hook up Xbox/ps4/switch through the HDMI and play on the bottom screen if you’re bored on a camping trip 😂)
Great review. Especially at the 9:20 mark when the VTEC Kicks in. Honda still knows how to make the best NA engines and nice pairing with 8-spd DCT..I'm sold!
I have to say that I like the looks. I'm even okay with the lack of a visible tail pipe. I'd much rather it have that stylized rear design without a single, tiny exhaust pipe sticking out. I've noticed a lot of people complaining about this car being a poor value compared to the competition, but remember, this think is about 35k fully loaded. That same amount would get you into a decently equipped A3 or CLA, but you're still going to be missing quite a bit. Ultimately, I think the biggest advantage Mercedes and Audi have over Acura here is AWD as an option, something that I pretty much refuse to live without as a resident of Michigan. Also, I would say this care competes more with the BMW 320i than the 228i. Yes, the 3 series is larger, but it is actually a sedan and still comparable in price. Realistically, the 228i is, at least in North America, pretty much a sports car. Personally, I would love it if they brought over the 1 series hatchback to the US.
Great car, thanks for the review! Some thoughts... I'm 6' 3" so if he can't fit in the car (he looks so cramped) neither can I. Also, I will feel as if I bought a really nice Civic. Lastly for the price range there really are a lot of other options: Q50, CLA, Mustang GT (not luxury but good power) just to name a few. This would be a good option to buy 2-3 years used because of the great reliability.
Very informative review, glad acura is making this car right. I know honda knows how to make a good compact so this car should shine. The power transplant was exactly what it needed. They should also however offer a turbo charged variant.
Acura has done a great job with this updated ILX. Don't know what they were thinking with the original version only having 150hp. Totally unacceptable but this little car is badass!! I would even consider buying one but have my heart set on a TLX Advance instead.
Hey! Fellow Coloradan here. great review! Have you been able to see how the performance in CO is? My hope is it doesn't lose too much power with the altitude
"that's a lot of money but it is similarly priced to the CLA" um, yes its similarly priced, so long as you don't go crazy with the options... or even reasonable... oh, let's face it that's price is basically the closest thing you will find to a striper CLA. I like the merc, but wow do they know how to slap you with option charges. glad to see their bringing back the Acura's I know and love, I am defiantly going to watch the Colorado review.
I know it may seem like a dumb question but is it possible to use sport mode without using the paddle shifters? Also, will it give the same performance of using sport mode without using paddle shifters as it would with it?
I am getting this car next week, for the value 34k it beat's its competitors CLA and A3 by far. To get what the A spec has on a mecedes CLA you have to drop 45K!!!!! and 43K for the A3. It am very excited about it, the color is supposed to be belladonna white pearl : )))))))
I really want to love this car, but 2 things hold me back. 1st, Acura is a different manufacturer than when I fell in love with them- not as much clout or cache as they use to have. 2nd, because of the 1st reason, for the price- a V6 Accord is such a better deal (coupe or sedan). And while Lexus was a tarted up Toyota, they expanded their line-up with rwd IS, GS, LS, etc. Acura keeps giving us some lame duck RLX blah blah instead of a modern day Legend. I thought they were coming back with 2nd gen TL but lost their way again. Acura, please give me another reason to love you and make it more affordable than the NSX. thx
I was talking to an Acura dealer sales rep and he was telling me that the pre-sales demand is SO HIGH, he thinks he could possibly get $65,000 for some of the first models, that is if he could get his hands on one. Out in Vancouver some of the rich kids from China are driving around in $500,000 gold plated Jeep Grand Cherokees, and these kids will easily pay $80,000 for a new ILX just to be able to gold plate it and drive it to their university classes at U.of B.C.
Good review...! Good changes from Acura... This just may be a great car...! Cant wait to drive/ own one... Reminds me of the Integra sedan... Now we just need a coupe based on the Civic SI...Lol
Hi, I've driven both the 2017 Acura ILX ASpec 8-speed and the 2017 Mazda 3 sedan 6-speed auto. I can't decide between the two for point to point acceleration. I sensed the Mazda 3 is faster from idling rpm to about 30mph and the ILX wins the crown at the end of the line. I can really feel the Mazda push me more back to the seat from stop light. What do you guys think ? Cheers !!
I think for $35k you should be getting a more powerful power train. Also, anyone considering this car needs to watch the Consumer Reports review on TH-cam. Their reviewers don't get flown all over the country by the auto industry. No personal offense meant.
Nathan, I realise most ordinary men experience difficulty in finding a little button with their finger. However, I would have thought a man of your legendary experience would have found it a breeze. ;-)))
Acura is almost good again. Slap a turbo on this and it will suddenly be really good. Or even better a turbo and AWD. Or even better a turbo, AWD, and a manual option. And add a hatchback option. OK, so turbo, AWD, manual option, and hatchback/wagon option. That would make things really interesting. At least they've improved the styling enough that every comment isn't about an ugly beak. That's progress.
Of course, but it could recapture the mindshare of the enthusiast crowd. You could probably say the same thing about a wagon version. But in reality, just the AWD and a turbo would make it pretty good.
goatmonkey2112 Never understood the appeal of a wagon. Americans hate wagons especially since they hearken back to the days of wood-paneled station-wagon awfulness.
I disagree. Americans love wagons, but we hate calling them wagons. Many popular SUVs now are essentially wagons on stilts. Don't you dare call it a wagon though.
goatmonkey2112 Precisely, Americans hate anything called a wagon. They dont care for wagons either. They prefer SUV's and CUV's, you can use whatever semantics you wish to call them "wagons" but they are less versatile on the inside as a wagon, so I would hesitate to call them "wagons on stilts".
That's his photographer, Ian. Most reviews are very positive over this, it's a smart buy. Especially with all the safety tech you can get at any trim level; adaptive cruise, collision warning and mitigation, rear-cross traffic, lane keep assist, road keep assist, etc...
Such a great improvement. Too my disappointment it's like 4 grand too expensive. I can get a premium Quattro A3 (not the baseline referenced in the video) with 220hp. I can get the absolutely fantastic Infiniti q40 (g37). I can get either the tlx with a v6 or the tech package (trade fuel economy for a usable backseat and trunk for a family of four). I won't mention BMW or Mercedes or Lexus. I was really hoping to get this car for around $32k, the ballpark price of a fully loaded and much bigger accord, or altima. Anything but the top level trim of the ilx doesn't even seem to be worth it considering that Acura doesn't include "basic" luxuries like all four windows automatic up/down or a heated steering wheel. It would have been nice if for the 2016 MY they included android auto or carplay. I also read conflicting reviews on the jewel eye headlights and for now consider them inferior to HIDs. So much for my high expectations.
ssr1680 really it's just four grand more than 30k are you really that cheap lol. And 35k for an fully loaded ILX compared to the A3 2.0t starting is 33k which not as much as the Acura but you don't really get anything to luxury wise and compare the same feature set and the A3 is almost 10k more than the ILX. The ILX is the ultimate luxury and performance bargain in class for sure.
VTEC kick in I'd rather get the new CLA250 or C300. Very nice interior and great performance. More expensive maintenance is the only thing that would set me back.
I just heard that there is so much demand for that car that some dealers are selling them at .... wait for it.... $52,000 each ! Yes, that's right, about $20,000 over list price ! My advice: Wait 2 or 3 years for the hype to die down and prices return back to Earth.
I was waiting for you to get inside the back to see how you would fit. I seen the Volvo s60 review and you've basically said that car is really cramped in the back. I know those 2 cars has bad backseat space but which one is worse? I know the Volvo s60 is a wider car so maybe that helps for something?
I would not call an ILX a civic nor will I call an A3 a Jetta. The ILX and A3 have much better interior than the civic and the Jetta. The A3 also has a much better chassis than the Jetta. The A3 can also come with AWD, which the Jetta cannot.
wrong there is heavy chassis mods on this one. 12% stiffer and redesigned front. No longer a civic chassis. Almost enough for a new chassis code. All acura exterior all acura interior acura chassis now. acura engine 2.4 TLX acura Tranny 2.4 TLX its about 10% a civic now. but theres not talking to a brz fan. hahah subaru's are so shit. boxster engine sounds like crap too. Terrible boring cars with weak tech.
Hys Zahre Its still mostly Civic underneath and still FWD......If you want to be taken seriously as a Luxury car and/or Performance car - you need RWD chassis! Sure BRZ is a terrible car - thats why every person that drives it can't stop smiling and it has a HUGE enthusiast following and aftermarket support. It does have weak tech, but the purpose of the car was always driving enjoyment, not tech stuff to distract you from driving.......
***** I doubt that there will be any major refreshes every 2-3yrs, bec that costs $$$$. Dedicated sports cars rarely sell well after 2-3 years. As a Honda fan, you should know this as the NSX ans S2000 are great examples of amazing cars that were not great sellers and therefore discountinued. If your comparing the driving dynamics of a Civic to BRZ/FRS - you honestly never pushed a car to even 5/10s.
Luxury is nice and all (especially if you want that badge) ... but for $30k you could get such a better/safer overall car! I get it ... people want Luxury but it just doesn't make sense with these *entry level luxury* cars! You are willing to compromise so much just to get the badge/sense of luxury that you completely overlook the fact that you yourself can customize a car for luxury for sometimes 1/2 the manufacturer cost! True there are somethings that are better/more reliable when OEM (especially if it has warrnaty), but comeon, seats/soft touch materials, audio systems and even sound deadening can be bought/installed aftermarket! You just have to willing to live with the sub-luxury nameplate! Top of the line (premium) edition of these cars (base price): VW GLi $29,3k, Subaru WRX $31,990 (AWD CVT version) Just two examples, one is what the Audi A3 is built off and the other has no current competition in terms of overall package. If you want luxury, go all out and get the TLX/3 series/C class/ A4 group of cars ... coming down to an ILX/A3, 2 series, CLA (not sure anymore since it just went up in price) is really dumb! You pay so much more and sacrifice so much just for an "ultra premium" version of the car its based on with a new badge.
I like this car because it offers awesome fuel economy with Hondas reliability. So what if it doesn't have 300hp and a v6. I mean really what's the point of having all that power If you can't use it on the street only the track
kushdaddy144 I dunno, I guess my engineer's mentality sees things differently! If you luxury spend your money right and don't compromise! 35K for ILX just doesn't make sense because that's knocking on the doors of the BMW 3 series groups of cars! You could even get a slighty used Lexus IS250 for that sum of money, that's somewhat equipped! If I could justify spending money on a luxury car, it would have to be a Porsche ... I currently own a budget Porsche (i.e. Subaru WRX) in terms of engineering design. Porsche are easily 60k+ whereas my WRX is a mere 28k+, I would never justify compromising to say 35-40k just to get a luxury badge because when it comes to engineering design, I know I can't match Subaru WRX or STi at their price points. The 2016 Focus RS might come close, but at the end of the day, I'm not a drag racer and could care less if I have 300hp .... I say that because on the track (same driver), if a WRX has all the electronic gizmos the Focus RS will have and roughly same weight/power, it will always win! Why, flat engine (Subaru/Porsche Boxers) have significantly less physical limitations (i.e. physics/gravity) of an upright engine on a track. Kind of why Subaru AWD is like the best thing on the market for cost and simplicity, the next thing would be a mid engined boxer AWD car (e.g Porsche Cayman). My bad, I went off topic ... anyway, everyone likes their own things ... just carefully research before you spend BMW 3 series money for a BMW 2 series type of car (e.g. A3, CLA, ILX and etc...).
Acura is kinda more of a sub-luxury brand right now. It compares more to Volvo and Buick. Not sure if A3 or CLA buyers would cross shop the ILX. It doesn't have the nameplate, performance, technology, or luxury. The interior looks very cheap and dated compared to Audi or MB, even Volvo. I think this car is only going to attract people who love Honda/Acura because there isn't much about it that would get people to buy it over competitors.
was planning on getting a mazda 3 sgt or a jetta gli. crossed out the gli because premium gas only and low mileage. plus its a bit overpriced. if I can get this car decently specced for like 30k out the door i will get it over the mazda 3.
I like the styling of the car except for the front, its enough already with the silver v shape front. They need to update that. I also think the interior is a bit bland. Other than that I want one.
So Acura is the luxury version of Honda... (Here in Europe they don't have the Acura brand at all) Now I've read somewhere that Honda in the US is cheaper and lower quality than Honda in Europe and that what we get as Honda over here is more or less the standard that would be an Acura in the US. Can anyone confirm that? Because if that is true I can't understand why americans consider it a luxury brand. Honda here is a normal brand, decent balance between economy and quality. It sounds to me like they sell the cars that in Europe are competing against the likes of Opel, Ford, Toyota, Mazda, Skoda, Peugeot etc. and then rebadge it, market it differently and put it up against Mercedes, BWM, Audi, Jaguar... How could that possibly work?! To the ILX: I actually like the looks. But what Nathan said about banging his head seem like a dealbraker to me, since I am 6 ft 7 but like to sit fairly upright. I guess I'd have a Golf GTI instead.
Guys come down! The 16's civic is out already. So the next ILX will be bigger and turbo. The NewHonda Ceo said Honda is going to be competing again in his era no more eco-fun, it gotta be real fun. Also some source of reported say Honda/Ạcurra will Have AWD option....
You guys do great reviews, but there's one thing that bugs me. You keep saying "normally aspirated". Nowadays forced induction is becoming the norm, which makes it even more relevant to use the correct term "naturally aspirated". Keep up the good work. Also, I hope you can do an Ike Gauntlet HD with a diesel Super Duty.
Yet another great, if damp, review from Nathan, of yet another great Japanese car. And, yet again, the only rivals are from Europe. So, yet again, I've got to ask, where are the US cars ????
That age group story came from Acura? To add Acura hates to admit that ILX didn't sell nowhere as well as planned and CLA/A3 outsold both the ILX last year. Why would anyone buy this over similar priced Accord with pretty much identical tech? Second for just 2K more you get the loaded A3 Quattro AWD premium plus. Quicker and with AWD the handling should be bit better. Plus the navigation is few generations ahead of this. Certainly Acura has the reliability going for it but you can get that from Accord/TLX as well.
Unfortunately people who buy the A3 and the CLA buy it for the badging. I feel bad for them because they think they are getting luxury,but they arent. All they did was get suckered in to their marketing. The ILX is more luxurious then either of them. Sadly people will probably not look at it because it's an acura.
SAT NAM Thing is, a lot of cars don't have full auto windows for rear passengers, the fact that these are the cheaper, compact sedans for those who want the luxury for less money doesn't help the issue.
Way too expensive. For the price it should be all wheel drive at the very least. For what it is, it really shouldn't be any more than 30-32K especially considering the Yen is down 30% or more. Agree with the comment about get a fully loaded GLI for several thousand less or even a GTI.
You need to remember that these are MSRP. By the time you go to the dealer to get one you could walk away with the car for much less. I just did a search on Autotrader for new 2015 Acrua ILXs. There is one listed at $23,900. Even the 2015s were supposed to start at around $27k. And that's before negotiating.
Agree but the heavy discounting is a sign that the price is too high. I walked away from the dealer after he said the all new at the time Ford Escape fully loaded (we were looking at a Titanium model) was almost $39K and bought a fully loaded CX-5 instead for several thousand less. I told him they needed to discount these a lot more. Guess what several months later (I know him), he told me they were giving thousands off sticker in incentives. The ILX is a nice decent car with a bit of "pep" and sportiness, but we all know this is essentially everything the Civic wishes it could be if it wasn't so constrained with cost cutting.
vader11111 Yes, I know. But the same thing applies to the higher end models. Maybe not the same dollar amounts, but the point is there will be some good discounts if you don't rush out to the dealer to buy one on the first day, just wait a few months or longer if you can.
IMO the price is a huge deal breaker. It's wayyyy too high. Considering this is based on the Civic, I really have a hard time understanding how they can justify charging *$11,000* more than the Civic Si sedan. At $29k, this car would be great value, but at $35k, it's just a joke. Considering many of the competing cars you can get for $35k, this car makes no sense. You could get a loaded Buick Regal 2.0 Turbo, a loaded WRX or basic STI, a loaded Focus ST, a loaded GTI, any loaded midsize sedan, the list goes on and on... Even in Honda/Acura's lineup this car makes no sense. It costs $2k more than the Accord Touring, which offers almost all of the same equipment, but with the addition of a way more powerful V6.
splewy But it starts at 28k, they just have the fully loaded version. I think you still get a great value even with the base model, the extra gadgets are only there if you really need it.
splewy Fully loaded Si does not offer half the things fully loaded ILX does. So please stop comparing unequal things. Fully loaded Regal will land you at $37-38k. WRX and GTI will make you look like a kid who never grew up out of his 20's besides road bike probably has softer ride than WRX. ST comes with Manual only if you drive few hours a day in heavy traffic it's not an option for some. I don't see how this car supposed to cost $25k with everything included in it.
***** I 100% disagree with your statement below: "GTI will make you look like a kid who never grew up out of his 20's" I see different people of all ages driving newer GTIs around town. They are practical and fun cars and the people who own them love them. I had a blast with my MK6. Best car I've ever owned. I'm in my mid-thirties and would happily own one again. Heck I would get one in my 50's if wanted one. I don't care what people like you think is age appropriate. If I didn't need a truck for utility I would definitely own a MK7 with DSG. Just because you age doesn't mean you have to buy a car that is approved for your age group or is boring.
I really like GTI as well. It's probably the most mature hot hatchback available in US and it looks pretty much appropriately pulling up to valet parking in dress suit in GTI rather than Lancer, WRX or any ford ST. I'm not trying to say that GTI is bad. I'm trying to prove that ILX is NOT bad of a car considering price, looks and features. As so many people are trying to compare it to civic.
So you guys are saying fuckin Acura is a luxury vehicle and Mercedes and audi are not. Somebody who is looking for a luxury vehicle will buy a mercedes
The practicality of cla's are not too good because the rear headroom and space also the reliability has not been good.. Personally I do think the cla is better looking than the ilx but the ilx is very reliable and doesn't have such expensive options like the cla
I like it but,,,,, i still think its too expensive. of course I haven't driven any of these cars so my opinion is moot. But I see other cars and I go " I understand the cost" not this one
The last of the naturally aspirated 2.4 VTEC plus a super slick 8 speed DCT. This car is so underrated. I bet it makes for a great daily. Headlights are cool too.
I wasnt a fan of the ilx before, but I am now.
Gotta admit, I'm a bit surprised at how positively Nathan viewed this car. For some reason, I just didn't think Acura would make such substantial improvements to the car just two years into its cycle. I wish a bit more was done to luxury-up the interior, but I'm excited for this car. And Nathan tends to be a pretty hard-to-please reviewer sometimes. So good job to Acura.
It is absolutely an amazing car. The dual clutch transmission is what differentiates this car from the others. I was actually in the market to buy a Fusion, but upon testing the Ford Fusion, Mazda 6, Mazda 3, Honda Accord Sport, Honda Accord V6, I test drove the Acura ILX just in case and it turned out to be the best feeling car for them all. It's really a drivers car.
I’ve had this car for 3 years now, just reached 90k miles and never had an issues, I bought it used too. It’s a great daily and long distance driver, needless to say I’ll be sticking with Acura when the time comes to upgrade but this car is my baby ❤ (the app system and display screen is kind of outdated, AcuraLink doesn’t exist anymore so I can’t use navigation but a simple phone Mount works for me. You can hook up Xbox/ps4/switch through the HDMI and play on the bottom screen if you’re bored on a camping trip 😂)
Great review. Especially at the 9:20 mark when the VTEC Kicks in. Honda still knows how to make the best NA engines and nice pairing with 8-spd DCT..I'm sold!
At least his hair didn't get wet
The rattling at 3:08 reminds me of my Subaru when the heat shields got loose.
I have to say that I like the looks. I'm even okay with the lack of a visible tail pipe. I'd much rather it have that stylized rear design without a single, tiny exhaust pipe sticking out.
I've noticed a lot of people complaining about this car being a poor value compared to the competition, but remember, this think is about 35k fully loaded. That same amount would get you into a decently equipped A3 or CLA, but you're still going to be missing quite a bit. Ultimately, I think the biggest advantage Mercedes and Audi have over Acura here is AWD as an option, something that I pretty much refuse to live without as a resident of Michigan.
Also, I would say this care competes more with the BMW 320i than the 228i. Yes, the 3 series is larger, but it is actually a sedan and still comparable in price. Realistically, the 228i is, at least in North America, pretty much a sports car. Personally, I would love it if they brought over the 1 series hatchback to the US.
This is quicker than a similarly priced A3, CLA and 320i and it is better equipped as well. You can't spend more than 35k on this.
Bought mine at a steal for 27,000 before taxes tags and what not. I have no regrets the car is amazing, clean, quiet
Acura your making wanna buy this car now lol but I already have a TLX lol nice review as always!
I'm actually leasing it this coming month.
@Jonathan: your gonna have an awesome car bro! I love Acuras!
Brian Vtec Same here! Was thinking about a TLX but i like compact luxury cars. Looking to get a tech pck and hopefully A-spec.
Let's not hope! Lol Just go there and get the a spec for sure it looks bad ass!
Should have pictures up some times next month!
had this car for two years now, still love it
Even though It's raining very informative,thanks for your dedication.
The ILX looks really nice in person, especially in the black paint.
I have the 2018. Bought for 17k used. Popped a cold air intake and did some minor exhaust work. Plenty fast. Love this car
So overall is the car pretty fast?
Thanks for being in the rain. I hope you were well compensated for this review.
Nathan~~~Take a lesson from those of us living in South Florida,always take an umbrella with you (LOL)!
Great car, thanks for the review! Some thoughts... I'm 6' 3" so if he can't fit in the car (he looks so cramped) neither can I. Also, I will feel as if I bought a really nice Civic. Lastly for the price range there really are a lot of other options: Q50, CLA, Mustang GT (not luxury but good power) just to name a few. This would be a good option to buy 2-3 years used because of the great reliability.
Very informative review, glad acura is making this car right. I know honda knows how to make a good compact so this car should shine. The power transplant was exactly what it needed. They should also however offer a turbo charged variant.
Acura has done a great job with this updated ILX. Don't know what they were thinking with the original version only having 150hp. Totally unacceptable but this little car is badass!! I would even consider buying one but have my heart set on a TLX Advance instead.
Rather get an A3, but Hondas are more reliable
The ilx is quicker and better handling.
would consider it if priced lower than A3; haven't researched it yet
Tony Yayo It costs less than an A3 when similarly equipped. In the A3 you have to pay extra for things like seat heaters and side airbags.
MrLalasd Also the maintenance should be substantially lower in the ILX.
I agree. I would rather get an A3 over the ILX. Similarly equipped, the A3 is only a couple thousand more for a much more refined car.
Get over that tiny button to open trunk. It's right underneath bottom right pointer of Acura tag. Very easy to find.
Good Review I like when they floor it in their reviews, and I also wonder why Acura is suddenly hiding their exhaust tips.
I love the Terminator 2 reference as your reving the engine with the song from the movie in the background in the beginning lol
great review nathan, very informative with personal experiences
Just bought this ILX base model for 22994. I love it.
Hey! Fellow Coloradan here. great review! Have you been able to see how the performance in CO is? My hope is it doesn't lose too much power with the altitude
Wish I could afford this, ill stick with my 16 accord sport for now.
"that's a lot of money but it is similarly priced to the CLA" um, yes its similarly priced, so long as you don't go crazy with the options... or even reasonable... oh, let's face it that's price is basically the closest thing you will find to a striper CLA. I like the merc, but wow do they know how to slap you with option charges.
glad to see their bringing back the Acura's I know and love, I am defiantly going to watch the Colorado review.
I know it may seem like a dumb question but is it possible to use sport mode without using the paddle shifters? Also, will it give the same performance of using sport mode without using paddle shifters as it would with it?
I am getting this car next week, for the value 34k it beat's its competitors CLA and A3 by far. To get what the A spec has on a mecedes CLA you have to drop 45K!!!!! and 43K for the A3. It am very excited about it, the color is supposed to be belladonna white pearl : )))))))
Wouldn't mind seeing that transmission on the si
What's an Si without a stick shift?
thebluexanadu78 good point
I would rather have the si transmission on this car.
The tunners will be furious. Only manual for a tuner car.
A lot of people didn't really like the TLX, hopefully the ILX will do better.
have a base model 16 ILX. Good car even at base level. Just need someone to bring out solid mods.
I really want to love this car, but 2 things hold me back. 1st, Acura is a different manufacturer than when I fell in love with them- not as much clout or cache as they use to have. 2nd, because of the 1st reason, for the price- a V6 Accord is such a better deal (coupe or sedan). And while Lexus was a tarted up Toyota, they expanded their line-up with rwd IS, GS, LS, etc. Acura keeps giving us some lame duck RLX blah blah instead of a modern day Legend. I thought they were coming back with 2nd gen TL but lost their way again. Acura, please give me another reason to love you and make it more affordable than the NSX. thx
new engine? wasn't the TSX a 200hp 2.4 litre?
Is it the same engine as the Accord?
Boost in torque. Adds 10 more lb. Ft.
Also this engine is direct injection. Meaning the injector ports are directly inside the cylinder not behind the intake valves anymore.
Thanks for a great review. Thumbs up and subscribed!
The problem you had with the seat is the same one I had when I tried to downsize to a Civic. I had it for a month and couldn't take it.
I was talking to an Acura dealer sales rep and he was telling me that the pre-sales demand is SO HIGH, he thinks he could possibly get $65,000 for some of the first models, that is if he could get his hands on one. Out in Vancouver some of the rich kids from China are driving around in $500,000 gold plated Jeep Grand Cherokees, and these kids will easily pay $80,000 for a new ILX just to be able to gold plate it and drive it to their university classes at U.of B.C.
Good review...! Good changes from Acura... This just may be a great car...! Cant wait to drive/ own one... Reminds me of the Integra sedan... Now we just need a coupe based on the Civic SI...Lol
He looks soo huge in that car hahah keep up the great videos!
He is quite huge
The politically correct term is not huge, fat, husky, chubby, rotund or voluptuous, it is CORN FED.
bigcrowfly awesome corrected
***** Lmao. When I first saw him, I thought he looked like Pro Wrestler Big Van Vader.
***** he is built more like a couch potato imo
If they're bringing back the A-Spec name, hopefully we can see a Type-S again soon. I hope you're listening Acura!
I feel the back looks outdated by 3 years. Just doesn't seem like a 2016.
Hi, I've driven both the 2017 Acura ILX ASpec 8-speed and the 2017 Mazda 3 sedan 6-speed auto. I can't decide between the two for point to point acceleration. I sensed the Mazda 3 is faster from idling rpm to about 30mph and the ILX wins the crown at the end of the line. I can really feel the Mazda push me more back to the seat from stop light. What do you guys think ? Cheers !!
I think for $35k you should be getting a more powerful power train. Also, anyone considering this car needs to watch the Consumer Reports review on TH-cam. Their reviewers don't get flown all over the country by the auto industry. No personal offense meant.
Nathan, I realise most ordinary men experience difficulty in finding a little button with their finger. However, I would have thought a man of your legendary experience would have found it a breeze. ;-)))
The OCD in me hates that the rims are one directional. They are facing thus opposite ways on two sides of the car. That's goofy to me lol
Acura is almost good again. Slap a turbo on this and it will suddenly be really good. Or even better a turbo and AWD. Or even better a turbo, AWD, and a manual option. And add a hatchback option. OK, so turbo, AWD, manual option, and hatchback/wagon option. That would make things really interesting. At least they've improved the styling enough that every comment isn't about an ugly beak. That's progress.
Manuals wont happen, 5% of customers bought it, it makes sense to get rid of it with such a small take rate, plus a DCT will out-perform a manual.
Of course, but it could recapture the mindshare of the enthusiast crowd. You could probably say the same thing about a wagon version. But in reality, just the AWD and a turbo would make it pretty good.
goatmonkey2112 Never understood the appeal of a wagon. Americans hate wagons especially since they hearken back to the days of wood-paneled station-wagon awfulness.
I disagree. Americans love wagons, but we hate calling them wagons. Many popular SUVs now are essentially wagons on stilts. Don't you dare call it a wagon though.
goatmonkey2112 Precisely, Americans hate anything called a wagon. They dont care for wagons either. They prefer SUV's and CUV's, you can use whatever semantics you wish to call them "wagons" but they are less versatile on the inside as a wagon, so I would hesitate to call them "wagons on stilts".
I have a feeling that because he was sitting next to the Honda rep, he was saying what the rep wanted to hear. Nothing south of 50k is "superb".
That's his photographer, Ian. Most reviews are very positive over this, it's a smart buy. Especially with all the safety tech you can get at any trim level; adaptive cruise, collision warning and mitigation, rear-cross traffic, lane keep assist, road keep assist, etc...
Awesome review. Thanks!
Such a great improvement. Too my disappointment it's like 4 grand too expensive. I can get a premium Quattro A3 (not the baseline referenced in the video) with 220hp. I can get the absolutely fantastic Infiniti q40 (g37). I can get either the tlx with a v6 or the tech package (trade fuel economy for a usable backseat and trunk for a family of four). I won't mention BMW or Mercedes or Lexus. I was really hoping to get this car for around $32k, the ballpark price of a fully loaded and much bigger accord, or altima. Anything but the top level trim of the ilx doesn't even seem to be worth it considering that Acura doesn't include "basic" luxuries like all four windows automatic up/down or a heated steering wheel. It would have been nice if for the 2016 MY they included android auto or carplay. I also read conflicting reviews on the jewel eye headlights and for now consider them inferior to HIDs. So much for my high expectations.
4 or 5 grand too much is exactly what i thought too,$29,000 starting price would be perfect
ssr1680 really it's just four grand more than 30k are you really that cheap lol. And 35k for an fully loaded ILX compared to the A3 2.0t starting is 33k which not as much as the Acura but you don't really get anything to luxury wise and compare the same feature set and the A3 is almost 10k more than the ILX. The ILX is the ultimate luxury and performance bargain in class for sure.
VTEC kick in I'd rather get the new CLA250 or C300. Very nice interior and great performance. More expensive maintenance is the only thing that would set me back.
An a3 similarly specked is 37k. Remember in the audi you have to pay extra for heat seats and rear side air bags.
Just because it's at a similar price, it doesn't mean you're making your comparison apples to apples.
Seen like you choose the best day to review the car lol
I just heard that there is so much demand for that car that some dealers are selling them at .... wait for it.... $52,000 each ! Yes, that's right, about $20,000 over list price !
My advice: Wait 2 or 3 years for the hype to die down and prices return back to Earth.
I was waiting for you to get inside the back to see how you would fit. I seen the Volvo s60 review and you've basically said that car is really cramped in the back. I know those 2 cars has bad backseat space but which one is worse? I know the Volvo s60 is a wider car so maybe that helps for something?
2016 fully loaded ILX or very slightly used lincoln mkz? Weird comparison but price wise...
Decent refresh, still a Civic with some LEDs at the heart of it.
Like all Acuras grille needs to go and the lack of exhaust tips ruin the rear
Audi A3 = Jetta with LEDs at the heart of it.
I would not call an ILX a civic nor will I call an A3 a Jetta.
The ILX and A3 have much better interior than the civic and the Jetta.
The A3 also has a much better chassis than the Jetta.
The A3 can also come with AWD, which the Jetta cannot.
wrong there is heavy chassis mods on this one. 12% stiffer and redesigned front. No longer a civic chassis. Almost enough for a new chassis code.
All acura exterior
all acura interior
acura chassis now.
acura engine 2.4 TLX
acura Tranny 2.4 TLX
its about 10% a civic now.
but theres not talking to a brz fan. hahah subaru's are so shit. boxster engine sounds like crap too. Terrible boring cars with weak tech.
Hys Zahre Its still mostly Civic underneath and still FWD......If you want to be taken seriously as a Luxury car and/or Performance car - you need RWD chassis!
Sure BRZ is a terrible car - thats why every person that drives it can't stop smiling and it has a HUGE enthusiast following and aftermarket support.
It does have weak tech, but the purpose of the car was always driving enjoyment, not tech stuff to distract you from driving.......
***** I doubt that there will be any major refreshes every 2-3yrs, bec that costs $$$$.
Dedicated sports cars rarely sell well after 2-3 years. As a Honda fan, you should know this as the NSX ans S2000 are great examples of amazing cars that were not great sellers and therefore discountinued.
If your comparing the driving dynamics of a Civic to BRZ/FRS - you honestly never pushed a car to even 5/10s.
Luxury is nice and all (especially if you want that badge) ... but for $30k you could get such a better/safer overall car! I get it ... people want Luxury but it just doesn't make sense with these *entry level luxury* cars! You are willing to compromise so much just to get the badge/sense of luxury that you completely overlook the fact that you yourself can customize a car for luxury for sometimes 1/2 the manufacturer cost! True there are somethings that are better/more reliable when OEM (especially if it has warrnaty), but comeon, seats/soft touch materials, audio systems and even sound deadening can be bought/installed aftermarket! You just have to willing to live with the sub-luxury nameplate!
Top of the line (premium) edition of these cars (base price): VW GLi $29,3k, Subaru WRX $31,990 (AWD CVT version)
Just two examples, one is what the Audi A3 is built off and the other has no current competition in terms of overall package. If you want luxury, go all out and get the TLX/3 series/C class/ A4 group of cars ... coming down to an ILX/A3, 2 series, CLA (not sure anymore since it just went up in price) is really dumb! You pay so much more and sacrifice so much just for an "ultra premium" version of the car its based on with a new badge.
I like this car because it offers awesome fuel economy with Hondas reliability. So what if it doesn't have 300hp and a v6. I mean really what's the point of having all that power If you can't use it on the street only the track
kushdaddy144 I dunno, I guess my engineer's mentality sees things differently! If you luxury spend your money right and don't compromise! 35K for ILX just doesn't make sense because that's knocking on the doors of the BMW 3 series groups of cars! You could even get a slighty used Lexus IS250 for that sum of money, that's somewhat equipped!
If I could justify spending money on a luxury car, it would have to be a Porsche ... I currently own a budget Porsche (i.e. Subaru WRX) in terms of engineering design. Porsche are easily 60k+ whereas my WRX is a mere 28k+, I would never justify compromising to say 35-40k just to get a luxury badge because when it comes to engineering design, I know I can't match Subaru WRX or STi at their price points. The 2016 Focus RS might come close, but at the end of the day, I'm not a drag racer and could care less if I have 300hp .... I say that because on the track (same driver), if a WRX has all the electronic gizmos the Focus RS will have and roughly same weight/power, it will always win! Why, flat engine (Subaru/Porsche Boxers) have significantly less physical limitations (i.e. physics/gravity) of an upright engine on a track. Kind of why Subaru AWD is like the best thing on the market for cost and simplicity, the next thing would be a mid engined boxer AWD car (e.g Porsche Cayman).
My bad, I went off topic ... anyway, everyone likes their own things ... just carefully research before you spend BMW 3 series money for a BMW 2 series type of car (e.g. A3, CLA, ILX and etc...).
Very nice car but I would wait for the prices to go down like I did with my last acura.
Acura is kinda more of a sub-luxury brand right now. It compares more to Volvo and Buick. Not sure if A3 or CLA buyers would cross shop the ILX. It doesn't have the nameplate, performance, technology, or luxury. The interior looks very cheap and dated compared to Audi or MB, even Volvo. I think this car is only going to attract people who love Honda/Acura because there isn't much about it that would get people to buy it over competitors.
was planning on getting a mazda 3 sgt or a jetta gli. crossed out the gli because premium gas only and low mileage. plus its a bit overpriced. if I can get this car decently specced for like 30k out the door i will get it over the mazda 3.
I like the styling of the car except for the front, its enough already with the silver v shape front. They need to update that. I also think the interior is a bit bland. Other than that I want one.
So Acura is the luxury version of Honda... (Here in Europe they don't have the Acura brand at all) Now I've read somewhere that Honda in the US is cheaper and lower quality than Honda in Europe and that what we get as Honda over here is more or less the standard that would be an Acura in the US. Can anyone confirm that?
Because if that is true I can't understand why americans consider it a luxury brand. Honda here is a normal brand, decent balance between economy and quality.
It sounds to me like they sell the cars that in Europe are competing against the likes of Opel, Ford, Toyota, Mazda, Skoda, Peugeot etc. and then rebadge it, market it differently and put it up against Mercedes, BWM, Audi, Jaguar... How could that possibly work?!
To the ILX: I actually like the looks. But what Nathan said about banging his head seem like a dealbraker to me, since I am 6 ft 7 but like to sit fairly upright. I guess I'd have a Golf GTI instead.
Guys come down! The 16's civic is out already. So the next ILX will be bigger and turbo. The NewHonda Ceo said Honda is going to be competing again in his era no more eco-fun, it gotta be real fun. Also some source of reported say Honda/Ạcurra will Have AWD option....
I live in northern California!!!!!!!
And the dash is freakin awesome
this say's a lot he hated the first one. But I still prefer my 2.4 2014 more.
You guys do great reviews, but there's one thing that bugs me. You keep saying "normally aspirated". Nowadays forced induction is becoming the norm, which makes it even more relevant to use the correct term "naturally aspirated". Keep up the good work. Also, I hope you can do an Ike Gauntlet HD with a diesel Super Duty.
That's a man passionate right there.
Yet another great, if damp, review from Nathan, of yet another great Japanese car. And, yet again, the only rivals are from Europe. So, yet again, I've got to ask, where are the US cars ????
That's an icon standing there in the rain !!!!Why isn't there somebody holding an umbrella over the guy ????
dave dunn Yes, an icon. As in, " A person worthy of veneration. ". Always remember, there were words before there were computers.
I just heard my friend bought the 2015 ilx. why u do refresh so early?
because it needed it. It was under-engineered from the start.
my 2014 has so much road noise and it makes me so sad i bought it. Wish i spent a little more for an A3...
do not buy a car when its first released. wait for the next remodel or major improvements.
+Paul Ramos it's my first car. good to know thanks
could be the stock tires? they tend to cause some cabin noise
Im trying to decide this or gti lol....acura is making me want this car so bad
It depends how you like to drive.
Honestly. I would prefer a GTi or WRX.
That age group story came from Acura? To add Acura hates to admit that ILX didn't sell nowhere as well as planned and CLA/A3 outsold both the ILX last year.
Why would anyone buy this over similar priced Accord with pretty much identical tech? Second for just 2K more you get the loaded A3 Quattro AWD premium plus. Quicker and with AWD the handling should be bit better. Plus the navigation is few generations ahead of this. Certainly Acura has the reliability going for it but you can get that from Accord/TLX as well.
Idk where you live if you can buy new a 4WD (non-base) A3 for ~$30,000
I think this new ilx is compatible for use of cell phone navigation in addition to the integrated one
Unfortunately people who buy the A3 and the CLA buy it for the badging. I feel bad for them because they think they are getting luxury,but they arent. All they did was get suckered in to their marketing. The ILX is more luxurious then either of them. Sadly people will probably not look at it because it's an acura.
+dabambz I sort of disagree... the ilx doesn't even have a passenger electric seat or rear auto Windows
SAT NAM Thing is, a lot of cars don't have full auto windows for rear passengers, the fact that these are the cheaper, compact sedans for those who want the luxury for less money doesn't help the issue.
Should have kept the manual.
I almost feel like this is barely a luxury vs the other brands such as BMW 2 series, MB CLA, Audi A3, etc.
Wait, do they still offer the manual transmission?
no its gone forever.
Oh snap, I forgot Acura discontinued their manual transmissions. Thanks.
If they were to ever devise an AWD variant of this car, it would kill the Audi A4, if not the A3...
I have this car and it is fast! I love it.
It never rains in California, but girl, don’t they warn ya? It pours, man, it pours
Instantaneous downshifts is not something Lexus can claim with the IS :/
well the lexus IS is just a RWD corolla so its performance is terrible
is that Emmy Hall sitting next tou you? We don't see her anymore!!
Way too expensive. For the price it should be all wheel drive at the very least. For what it is, it really shouldn't be any more than 30-32K especially considering the Yen is down 30% or more. Agree with the comment about get a fully loaded GLI for several thousand less or even a GTI.
Agree. Should be around $28k instead.
You need to remember that these are MSRP. By the time you go to the dealer to get one you could walk away with the car for much less. I just did a search on Autotrader for new 2015 Acrua ILXs. There is one listed at $23,900. Even the 2015s were supposed to start at around $27k. And that's before negotiating.
Agree but the heavy discounting is a sign that the price is too high. I walked away from the dealer after he said the all new at the time Ford Escape fully loaded (we were looking at a Titanium model) was almost $39K and bought a fully loaded CX-5 instead for several thousand less. I told him they needed to discount these a lot more. Guess what several months later (I know him), he told me they were giving thousands off sticker in incentives. The ILX is a nice decent car with a bit of "pep" and sportiness, but we all know this is essentially everything the Civic wishes it could be if it wasn't so constrained with cost cutting.
goatmonkey2112 I was talking about the car in this vid, not the base model. There's no way you can get a fully loaded top trim ILX for 28k or below.
vader11111
Yes, I know. But the same thing applies to the higher end models. Maybe not the same dollar amounts, but the point is there will be some good discounts if you don't rush out to the dealer to buy one on the first day, just wait a few months or longer if you can.
It's a body a civic right?
IMO the price is a huge deal breaker. It's wayyyy too high. Considering this is based on the Civic, I really have a hard time understanding how they can justify charging *$11,000* more than the Civic Si sedan. At $29k, this car would be great value, but at $35k, it's just a joke.
Considering many of the competing cars you can get for $35k, this car makes no sense. You could get a loaded Buick Regal 2.0 Turbo, a loaded WRX or basic STI, a loaded Focus ST, a loaded GTI, any loaded midsize sedan, the list goes on and on...
Even in Honda/Acura's lineup this car makes no sense. It costs $2k more than the Accord Touring, which offers almost all of the same equipment, but with the addition of a way more powerful V6.
splewy But it starts at 28k, they just have the fully loaded version. I think you still get a great value even with the base model, the extra gadgets are only there if you really need it.
splewy Fully loaded Si does not offer half the things fully loaded ILX does. So please stop comparing unequal things.
Fully loaded Regal will land you at $37-38k.
WRX and GTI will make you look like a kid who never grew up out of his 20's besides road bike probably has softer ride than WRX.
ST comes with Manual only if you drive few hours a day in heavy traffic it's not an option for some.
I don't see how this car supposed to cost $25k with everything included in it.
***** I 100% disagree with your statement below:
"GTI will make you look like a kid who never grew up out of his 20's"
I see different people of all ages driving newer GTIs around town. They are practical and fun cars and the people who own them love them. I had a blast with my MK6. Best car I've ever owned. I'm in my mid-thirties and would happily own one again. Heck I would get one in my 50's if wanted one. I don't care what people like you think is age appropriate. If I didn't need a truck for utility I would definitely own a MK7 with DSG. Just because you age doesn't mean you have to buy a car that is approved for your age group or is boring.
I really like GTI as well. It's probably the most mature hot hatchback available in US and it looks pretty much appropriately pulling up to valet parking in dress suit in GTI rather than Lancer, WRX or any ford ST.
I'm not trying to say that GTI is bad. I'm trying to prove that ILX is NOT bad of a car considering price, looks and features. As so many people are trying to compare it to civic.
Exactly, value is important.
guess he didn't know you could always get the 2.4
Mike p to It’s the 2.4 from the TLX, not the Civic Si. Slightly different power band. Also the dual clutch transmission is from the TLX.
Hmmm, torque is still way, way lower than the German competitors. Acura needs to open up their minds and think turbo.
A sport car? Not even exhaust tips?no manual? I looks weird with no exhaust tips!!. Nothing like German Engineering....
I love this car !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not bad
I'm mad that they hide the exhaust
So you guys are saying fuckin Acura is a luxury vehicle and Mercedes and audi are not. Somebody who is looking for a luxury vehicle will buy a mercedes
I thought the title said beaking good ...
The wheels look like they are off of a Civic.
vtec just kicked in yo
Omg, i want this car, but still to broke.
I would rather have a CLA250 4-matic.
The practicality of cla's are not too good because the rear headroom and space also the reliability has not been good.. Personally I do think the cla is better looking than the ilx but the ilx is very reliable and doesn't have such expensive options like the cla
I like it but,,,,, i still think its too expensive. of course I haven't driven any of these cars so my opinion is moot. But I see other cars and I go " I understand the cost" not this one
LOL. I guess that Honda gave this guy some money for commercial? it's not even closed to sport car at all. you just hypnotized yourself. wake up.
Sounds like my Civic
it blows my mind in 2016 they are still using their crap navi/media system.
the rear bumper is hideous