Acura ILX Dynamic - Video Review!

13106 Views 28 Replies 10 Participants Last post by tiffany31, Jan 14, 2022

143CAR

Discussion Starter · Aug 18, 2013

Hey everyone

I recently test drove and put together a video on the ILX. I recognize there is some risk in posting a video on a car to a forum full of its enthusiasts, but I would appreciate any feedback that you have!

143CAR.com - 2014 Acura ILX Dynamic - YouTube

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Thank you

1 - 20 of 29 Posts

Slip_Angle

· #2 · Aug 18, 2013

Yes, this is a forum of enthusiasts, however as you mentioned in your video we are also more mature

Overall, good review. I think you captured what I found in the ILX Dynamic. Bad thing about the ILX is that it's somewhat unknown and almost hides in Acura's lots. I didn't even consider it when car shopping because I really didn't know about it... and I'm a Honda guy...

After test driving a few other cars (Including the Si), I stumbled upon this car and was really surprised. The 6MT with 2.4 is great and all packaged in a nice bit of luxury. Exactly what I was looking for...

Tips/Comments on your video

* Your focus points on the engine are fairly mute and could be more accentuated. Maybe a camera view of the tach would be better too.
* The piece at 9:07 - 10:00 could be done a bit better. If you want the video to be professional, you can't call people who drive BMW's douche bags!

ilxluv

· #3 · Aug 18, 2013

As I watch the video Ill nit pick a few things for ya.

I like the comedy thrown in. The bit about the past acuras was good.
I am confused with the trim levels you explains since my ilx wouldnt fit in any other the 3 you mentioned; my 2.0 tech. You named the base, dynamic, and hybrid only.

Aaaand then you pitied "you people" for buying an automatic. Are you talking to potential buyer or trying to sell a car to someone that already owns it? And you just about steered anyone away from buying the car if they cant drive a manual.
I guess Im just not as 'boy racer' as you are for wanting something more luxurious. Too bad you dont have an ILX of your own to make comparisons a year from now.

Why such an emphasis on the weight? it only weights about 200lbs less than an integra or rsx with much more comfort and luxuries. 3000 is fine for an entry level luxury care. You may not have expecting a sports car but you clearly werent expecting a luxury sedan.

Lastly the keyless ignition isnt a huge deal. Whos friend would do that anyways?

Good video minus insulting me.

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143CAR

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 20, 2013

Hey thanks guys for the feedback.

As I mentioned I sometimes cringe at the thought of putting up a video onto a forum to owners of the car, as I know that you guys will know your car the best of the general population and typically are more critical than others as this is your own car. But I do this because I want to see how owners react to this video on their car and to get the most honest feedback.

I wanted to say outright that I had no intentions of offending anyone, but just to provide a review of the car in a (hopefully) humorous and interesting way.

A few points to those you guys have pointed out:
1. Focus points on the engine - mute: I'm assuming you are referring to the volume? Yes some people have pointed out the volume levels and I aim to improve this going forward. Thank you!

2. 9:07-10:00 / calling people douchebags: Generally near the end of the video I try to add a few thoughts to sum up how I feel about the car. My reference to BMW owners being "douchebags" is mostly in jest and meant no offense to anybody. When I do a review, I want to point things out that I genuinely feel about the car. Sometimes this will get me in trouble and I accept that. This point was supposed to be "hey - if you are considering a BMW 3-series, why not check out the ILX?". As you pointed out - this car is too often overlooked, and I was trying to get people to take a look at this car before they go with the default option of BMW (or the like).

3. Trim levels: I had thought the "tech package" is offered as a subset of the base level. I originally had this very much detailed out but I thought while putting this video together that this would add an extra minute of having to explain the trim levels; something I thought people could just "google". In my reviews for the sake of brevity, I try to shy away from too much of comparison between trims.

4. Automatic comments: This review is supposed to be for people who are looking at a luxury vehicle, not really for existing owners (despite me posting it on the ILX forums ha!). My point here is that I was trying to encourage people to opt for the 2.4L engine w/ the 6-speed, as the combination of these two things is what I feel really makes the car. That is my point. I wasn't trying to disrespect existing owners at all so I'm sorry if you were offended/insulted!

5. Weight: Yes 3000 lbs isn't "much" for a car these days- you are right about that. Sad though isn't it? The main point about this is the fact that I really felt the car's weight in the corner inspite of the dual piston dampers. You are right though; I guess in the big scheme of things an entry luxury sedan this is decent.

6. Keyless entry: this was meant to be a joke about how Hondas were easy to steal.

Anyway - thank you for taking the time to comment. Please keep them coming! I will do my best to answer everything youguys post up.

Cheers!

Jonathan
143car.com

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AcuraPWR

· #5 · Aug 20, 2013

143CAR said:
Hey thanks guys for the feedback.

As I mentioned I sometimes cringe at the thought of putting up a video onto a forum to owners of the car, as I know that you guys will know your car the best of the general population and typically are more critical than others as this is your own car. But I do this because I want to see how owners react to this video on their car and to get the most honest feedback.

I wanted to say outright that I had no intentions of offending anyone, but just to provide a review of the car in a (hopefully) humorous and interesting way.

A few points to those you guys have pointed out:
1. Focus points on the engine - mute: I'm assuming you are referring to the volume? Yes some people have pointed out the volume levels and I aim to improve this going forward. Thank you!

2. 9:07-10:00 / calling people douchebags: Generally near the end of the video I try to add a few thoughts to sum up how I feel about the car. My reference to BMW owners being "douchebags" is mostly in jest and meant no offense to anybody. When I do a review, I want to point things out that I genuinely feel about the car. Sometimes this will get me in trouble and I accept that. This point was supposed to be "hey - if you are considering a BMW 3-series, why not check out the ILX?". As you pointed out - this car is too often overlooked, and I was trying to get people to take a look at this car before they go with the default option of BMW (or the like).

3. Trim levels: I had thought the "tech package" is offered as a subset of the base level. I originally had this very much detailed out but I thought while putting this video together that this would add an extra minute of having to explain the trim levels; something I thought people could just "google". In my reviews for the sake of brevity, I try to shy away from too much of comparison between trims.

4. Automatic comments: This review is supposed to be for people who are looking at a luxury vehicle, not really for existing owners (despite me posting it on the ILX forums ha!). My point here is that I was trying to encourage people to opt for the 2.4L engine w/ the 6-speed, as the combination of these two things is what I feel really makes the car. That is my point. I wasn't trying to disrespect existing owners at all so I'm sorry if you were offended/insulted!

5. Weight: Yes 3000 lbs isn't "much" for a car these days- you are right about that. Sad though isn't it? The main point about this is the fact that I really felt the car's weight in the corner inspite of the dual piston dampers. You are right though; I guess in the big scheme of things an entry luxury sedan this is decent.

6. Keyless entry: this was meant to be a joke about how Hondas were easy to steal.

Anyway - thank you for taking the time to comment. Please keep them coming! I will do my best to answer everything youguys post up.

Cheers!

Jonathan
143car.com

what do you think about a higher performing Acura ILX? I think it's time Acura does it, they've been long over due for a faster compact.

ilxluv

· #6 · Aug 20, 2013

143CAR said:
3. Trim levels: I had thought the "tech package" is offered as a subset of the base level. I originally had this very much detailed out but I thought while putting this video together that this would add an extra minute of having to explain the trim levels; something I thought people could just "google". In my reviews for the sake of brevity, I try to shy away from too much of comparison between trims.

Acura, from my speaking with them, views the tech has the highest model in all segments of their line-up. It is their "fully loaded" package. Hence why I picked it.

143CAR said:
4. Automatic comments: This review is supposed to be for people who are looking at a luxury vehicle, not really for existing owners (despite me posting it on the ILX forums ha!). My point here is that I was trying to encourage people to opt for the 2.4L engine w/ the 6-speed, as the combination of these two things is what I feel really makes the car. That is my point. I wasn't trying to disrespect existing owners at all so I'm sorry if you were offended/insulted!

If they are looking for a luxury vehicle you shouldn't be pushing them toward the sportier of the trim levels that comes with LESS LUXURIES. All I'm saying. I'm not offended because I bought the car I did for a reason. You just need better wording in my opinion.

I take it the article is final and you can't make any revisions. Oh well. Id rather more people buy the 6spd anyway. Less competition.

143CAR

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 20, 2013

AcuraPWR said:
what do you think about a higher performing Acura ILX? I think it's time Acura does it, they've been long over due for a faster compact.

Hey AcuraPWR!

I think a revival of the Type S brand is a great idea, but I just don't see Acura doing it with the slow sales they are having with the current ILX.

143CAR

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 20, 2013

ilxluv said:
Acura, from my speaking with them, views the tech has the highest model in all segments of their line-up. It is their "fully loaded" package. Hence why I picked it.

If they are looking for a luxury vehicle you shouldn't be pushing them toward the sportier of the trim levels that comes with LESS LUXURIES. All I'm saying. I'm not offended because I bought the car I did for a reason. You just need better wording in my opinion.

I take it the article is final and you can't make any revisions. Oh well. Id rather more people buy the 6spd anyway. Less competition.

My main question about this is why the 6-speed is only available in the Dynamic package; if I were to buy this car I would want the Dynamic with the tech package, but that is just me. I mean - why can't we get sat nav and a touch screen with the Dynamic as an option?

Message on the better wording received - thanks.

Jonathan
143CAR.com

Boosted

· #9 · Aug 21, 2013

143CAR said:
My main question about this is why the 6-speed is only available in the Dynamic package; if I were to buy this car I would want the Dynamic with the tech package, but that is just me. I mean - why can't we get sat nav and a touch screen with the Dynamic as an option?

Message on the better wording received - thanks.

Jonathan
143CAR.com

In 2014 Honda Canada did exactly that, added Nav and ELS to the Dynamic. It's almost unexplainable that ACURA US didn't follow suite. Personally I don't care for it that much but every 2nd review makes a point mentioning these omissions.

Saildog4534

· #10 · Aug 21, 2013

I too wish the tech package was available with the 2.4, but I bought it anyway. I really think it's got the best drivetrain around, with the possible exception of the Honda S2k. My only critique of your vidio is I think you overly criticized the push button start. Most new cars have it.

Slip_Angle

· #11 · Aug 21, 2013

143CAR said:
Hey thanks guys for the feedback.

5. Weight: Yes 3000 lbs isn't "much" for a car these days- you are right about that. Sad though isn't it? The main point about this is the fact that I really felt the car's weight in the corner inspite of the dual piston dampers. You are right though; I guess in the big scheme of things an entry luxury sedan this is decent.

143car.com

I came from a 2750 pound Civic EP3 and didn't find the weight noticeable, however I did take the accord coupe for a drive and found it to be heavy. I guess it just depends what you drove last/most before trying the car.

Slip_Angle

· #12 · Aug 21, 2013

Saildog4534 said:
I too wish the tech package was available with the 2.4, but I bought it anyway. I really think it's got the best drivetrain around, with the possible exception of the Honda S2k. My only critique of your vidio is I think you overly criticized the push button start. Most new cars have it.

I absolutely love the engine start button.

143CAR

Discussion Starter · #13 · Aug 21, 2013

Saildog4534 said:
I too wish the tech package was available with the 2.4, but I bought it anyway. I really think it's got the best drivetrain around, with the possible exception of the Honda S2k. My only critique of your vidio is I think you overly criticized the push button start. Most new cars have it.

Thanks Saildog4534; I agree with you - the combo of the 2.4L engine and the shifter was absolutely addicting. Engine was super smooth, the shifter the same.

My point about the push button start was a joke; it was meant to poke fun at the fact that older Hondas were easy to steal - a tie into my comparison of the ILX and the Honda Civic SiR.

ilxluv

· #14 · Aug 21, 2013

I think everyone wishes the 2.4 came with a tech option.
I assume Acura simply wasnt interested in pushing the 2.4
Maybe they want to phase out anything considered a race car but felt NO manual would be bad business so they threw on in.
Manuals AREN'T luxurious. You still see them in some luxury cars but it is rare.
Acura also recently moved over seas to China and the ILX is a hybrid ONLY there, no manuals to be heard of.

People some day will learn complete manuals are a thing of the past.

143CAR

Discussion Starter · #15 · Aug 21, 2013

ilxluv said:
I think everyone wishes the 2.4 came with a tech option.
I assume Acura simply wasnt interested in pushing the 2.4
Maybe they want to phase out anything considered a race car but felt NO manual would be bad business so they threw on in.
Manuals AREN'T luxurious. You still see them in some luxury cars but it is rare.
Acura also recently moved over seas to China and the ILX is a hybrid ONLY there, no manuals to be heard of.

People some day will learn complete manuals are a thing of the past.

That is really sad.

No matter how good double clutch transmissions get, they will never have the driving involvement of 3 pedals. Are they faster to shift? Yes. Are they easier to use? Yes. Are they more "luxurious" or perceived as "higher end"? Sure.

I could go on and on about how there is less driving involvement but you've probably heard this before. And I get why on higher scale cars they don't have one. But an ILX is an entry-level car, and I would be very disappointed if that option got axed, as Honda makes some of the best shifters in the business.

143CAR

Discussion Starter · #16 · Aug 21, 2013

Slip_Angle said:
I came from a 2750 pound Civic EP3 and didn't find the weight noticeable, however I did take the accord coupe for a drive and found it to be heavy. I guess it just depends what you drove last/most before trying the car.

I was comparing this car to the Honda Civic SiR; maybe an unfair comparison given one was a sporty coupe and the ILX is a sedan, but I'd like to think that given the fact that it is based on the Civic Si that its not TOO far out. Sure, 3000 lbs in the grand scheme of things isn't that much these days but my point was that I felt the weight in the corners.

Slip_Angle said:
I absolutely love the engine start button.

I really like push button starts too; just adds to the experience of the car. Again - that whole stealing thing was meant to be a joke. Sorry it wasn't funny.

ilxluv

· #17 · Aug 21, 2013

143CAR said:
That is really sad.

No matter how good double clutch transmissions get, they will never have the driving involvement of 3 pedals. Are they faster to shift? Yes. Are they easier to use? Yes. Are they more "luxurious" or perceived as "higher end"? Sure.
I could go on and on about how there is less driving involvement but you've probably heard this before. And I get why on higher scale cars they don't have one. But an ILX is an entry-level car, and I would be very disappointed if that option got axed, as Honda makes some of the best shifters in the business.

Saying a manual is better because its more involved is like saying a gas mower is better than an electric because its more "involved".

Manual transmissions just make every day drivers feel like the boy racers they want to be because they can redline. There I said it.

143CAR

Discussion Starter · #18 · Aug 21, 2013

To each their own...I'm not "dissing" automatics here, nor am I saying that manuals are "better", just saying my preference is for manuals.

I enjoy driving, and I feel like I get more out of a car when I have a manual in hand. Its not because I can rev it to redline (although I am tempted to do that with a good engine/shifter combo, as is the case of the ILX), but because I can feel the gears engaging with each movement of the shifter, feel the clutch take up and catch. I find that very satisfying, even without revving the engine that much. It is little experiences like this, the way the car makes you feel, the noises it makes, even little details like a push button start, or the way I can flow with the car, that really epitomizes the driving experience for me. That is why I like cars, why I like driving.

I don't consider driving a chore, so I don't really consider using the lawn mower analogy to be a fair one.

Reactions: 1

Slip_Angle

· #19 · Aug 22, 2013

143CAR said:
I was comparing this car to the Honda Civic SiR; maybe an unfair comparison given one was a sporty coupe and the ILX is a sedan, but I'd like to think that given the fact that it is based on the Civic Si that its not TOO far out. Sure, 3000 lbs in the grand scheme of things isn't that much these days but my point was that I felt the weight in the corners.

I really like push button starts too; just adds to the experience of the car. Again - that whole stealing thing was meant to be a joke. Sorry it wasn't funny.

The EP3 is a Civic SiR (In Canada). It replaced the 99-00 SiR. If you look at similar cars to the ILX, it's a lightweight. Anyways, I understand the weight comparison and do agree to a point. My SiR had a K24a2 with about 230-240hp, so although the ILX is great, revs nice and has good power - It's not up to the same level my EP3 was... May need to get Flashpro.

ilxluv

· #20 · Aug 22, 2013

143CAR said:
To each their own...I'm not "dissing" automatics here, nor am I saying that manuals are "better", just saying my preference is for manuals.

I enjoy driving, and I feel like I get more out of a car when I have a manual in hand. Its not because I can rev it to redline (although I am tempted to do that with a good engine/shifter combo, as is the case of the ILX), but because I can feel the gears engaging with each movement of the shifter, feel the clutch take up and catch. I find that very satisfying, even without revving the engine that much. It is little experiences like this, the way the car makes you feel, the noises it makes, even little details like a push button start, or the way I can flow with the car, that really epitomizes the driving experience for me. That is why I like cars, why I like driving.

I don't consider driving a chore, so I don't really consider using the lawn mower analogy to be a fair one.

I suppose if you didnt mean to diss automatics you shouldnt have pitied the owners.
But I guess it can be worded however you want.
Believe me, I love cars as much as the next guy. I like tuning them. Changing how others perceive the car and maybe turning a car someone wouldnt have looked at before into something thats break neck worthy.
When I want to feel the clutch engage I head down to Sylmar and get in a manual with a real power to weight ratio ON A TRACK.

I dont attempt to enjoy driving on public roads. Especially in LA. Fuck that.

In the end I feel you were turning potential owners away from the top end version of the car and turning them onto what is literally the closest thing you can get to the Civic SI... there I said it... Civic si<ILX2.4<ILXtech That's how Acura/Honda sees it anyways.

In the end its a good review of the ILX. I enjoyed it. Just wish the comments about the auto werent made.

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