Talk me into it...2013 Acura ILX Dynamic before it's too late...

RudyH said:

Just a quick personal review if you don't mind.

Currently I own a 2010 Genesis Coupe 2.0T which I have mod'd (450 lbs-ft clutch for a reason), and previous to that I had an Audi B5 S4 (twin turbo V6 and a 600 lbs-ft clutch for a reason). Recently I picked up a low mileage used Suzuki SV650 (converting into a streetfighter) and all three have one thing in common...wheels, mod friendly and torque.

I took an ILX for a test drive because I heard some great reviews and honestly, I never cared for Honda's until I saw this complete package, and it felt it was worth a test drive. In all honesty, I am loving my motorbike, so this is going to replace my coupe, since I only seek 4 wheels and shelter for the winter / bad weather. Also it would be for those days / nights on the road with a few friends, or when it's too gay for two guys to be riding down the street on a motorbike. To be perfectly clear, I am looking for a 'compact' sedan or sportback, preferably with AWD or RWD, and most importantly a PREMIUM interior. For options, I need HID's, tried halogens and can't go back. Automatic climate control, Bluetooth, otherwise I am quite content.

First off exterior, I felt the masculine, swoopy lines I have loved in the Genesis Coupe were quite nice in the Acura ILX. I have absolutely no gripes with the design, in all honesty, it was a nice change from somewhat boring styling of past Honda / Acuras. The front grill which I have hated since being introduced in the TL wasn't as predominate and it was easy to overlook. 17" rims? Well they would make good winter rims no?

When I got inside, I definitely loved the bolstered seats, the soft touch plastics. General layout of the center console was ideal and followed the good ol German efficiency. It was nice to see that I wasn't in a space shuttle like my friends Accord...too many buttons. I am 6' and I had PLENTY of space behind for a passenger which was excellent. I had my seat in my driving position, got out and went to the seat behind, and it was perfect. Trunk was fine, however I would have liked 60/40 split since I do like snowboarding, and it's great to take one other person along, but I can only do that now anyway...

As for the test drive. I think this was one of the best manual transmissions I have driven, especially in a sedan where sometimes this can be overlooked. It was like cutting through butter. Taking the ramp, I REALLY would have liked a limited slip diff, however, the one item where I thought I was going to miss a diff is in straight line acceleration, and from past FWD cars, having to deal with torque steer. The one thing was, power delivery was very smooth, but also on the highway you really had to ring out the engine to get moving, it just didn't have the torque. Something I am not accustomed to...

Things also to keep in mind, excellent maintenance costs...yes they tried their best to differentiate itself from a Civic, however one of the key benefits of owning a Civic is it's bullet proof. The incentives for the ILX are excellent, cash back along with rates. Also I don't have to pay the extra $2k for the Tech Package which includes items I don't care for.

The plan is to lease the car, and quite possibly own it since I am on the fence, so a purchase is NOT in the cards. This is where convincing comes in...
Have a feeling though, with even bolt ons, I am not going to get that punch I am looking for?

intake, downpipe back exhaust and Hondata ECU tune of sorts. Only other mod will be lowering springs (H&R looks like they have what I want).


The immediate competitor that I had been waiting for besides seeing the ILX was the 2015 Audi A3 2.0T /w Quattro, similar performance except with a turbo engine (likely will settle with just an ECU tune and springs since stock it will have 280 lbs-ft, likely increased into the 300 lbs-ft). Weight is same, except add a few hundred pounds for the Quattro system. Issue is, 2015...so DOUBTFUL seeing it in 2013, likely spring 2014...and I am not a patient person.

Click to expand...

I mean you're definitely going to miss out on AWD or RWD in the luxury catagory unless you raise your price range a bit. The Audi is definitely a good all around car, but like you said the issue is maintenance.

My good points for you would be:
The ILX isn't the fastest car to drive but as you learn to understand it's desire to rev it will be a very good commuting car without putting you to sleep.
The ILX is nicely equipped and is definitely a nice luxury bargain in it's respective class.
Honda is the heart of the ILX, and we all know Honda has a reputation for great feeling 6 speed transmissions that pair up well with their high reving motors.
You're going to get above the EPA fuel rating, in most cases.

Again though the key things for the ILX are indeed it's price, ability to hold value, cheaper maintenance and greater reliability.


Being that you have a bike to get your speed fix, I think the ILX will pair up for you very nicely. But, there are a lot of cars out there so in the end.. take a nice long test drive and stretch the ILXs legs a bit, that will tell you if you really want to commit to it. Being that my car has a CAI, downpipe and tune (mods you want) it's still a very good daily driver but when I want to have fun, the car very willingly says "sir, yes, sir!"

I can tell you my gripes are in the suspension and lack of LSD.. but again for a daily commuter you may be more pleased with the mild manners of the suspension.

Hopefully some other users can give you some insight into how they feel.

Greetings OP. Before I give my opinion, here’s my prior vehicles :

1995 Mazda RX7 (Learned to Drive in this)
1998 Toyota Corolla
2005 Honda Civic SI
2006 Nissan 350Z
2010 Acura RDX
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (heavily modified [mirrored EVO X MR power specs])
Current: 2013 Acura ILX / 2013 Subaru Crosstrek

First, you’re asking an ILX forum to talk you into buying an ILX… which means your heart is not 100% there. In my opinion, drivers flip flop between five types:

1. Point A to Point B Drivers: Don’t care what u drive; at least I’m not using public transport.
2. Performance Drivers: Don’t care what u drive; I’m faster than you.
3. Comfort Drivers: Don’t care what u drive; I’m more comfy than you.
4. Status Drivers: Don’t care what u drive; I can afford more than you.
5. Mod Drivers: Don’t care what u drive; my crap’s one of a kind due to my mods, u can continue following the sheep.

Do you care what others can assume about you because of what you drive? I couldn’t see myself still driving my Lancer Ralliart when I’m in my 40’s. I admit to modding too far where my wife was scared when the turbo hit and I gave myself headaches because of the torque. Basically, I ruined the entire PURPOSE of why the Ralliart even existed: a civilized version of the track beast that is an EVO.

And let’s say you end up with a GTR… basically kill everything stock for stock short of supercars… I guarantee; utility, comfort, and costs of ownership will start to come into play after the initial crap eating grin on your face after you hit that gas pedal.

So find your balance. Find the vehicle that ticks most of your boxes because all cars will be superior at an area and fall short at all the others.

And based on that, here’s what I feel the ILX characteristics are, good or bad:

Reliability: It’s a Honda… no need to discuss further.

MPG: Even the sporty 2.4 has gas mileage that only a turbo all wheel drive and performance rear wheel drive can only dream of (and a sedan that can fit your family comfortably) think Subaru BRZ and Scion FRS… good mpg and is fine in performance but sacrificing size to save weight.

Status: As much as critics and haters would like to say “I don’t consider acura luxury” or “the ILX is just a souped up civic,” guess what? There’s a huge “A” emblem on the trunk that says: you may not see the value in this or you think it’s overpriced… but I bought this b-tch because I CAN. While you were busy justifying if it’s worth the cost… my wallet says don’t worry about it <- I know this will piss people off but look at your spouses… there’s a reason they want a Louis Vuitton purse and not that cheap crap from nine-west even though it can carry the same amount of crap and is durable as hell / there’s a reason you dress up when you go to clubs and not wear that comfy crap you bought at walmart.

This premium label thing is a U.S. mentality… and as far as “it’s just a better civic” I give you:

Nissan 350z, 370z / Altima Coupe -> infinity g35 /g37
Mitsubishi Lancer -> Ralliart / Evolution
Subaru Impreza -> WRX / STI
Toyota Camry -> Lexus GS’s
Mazda3 -> Mazdaspeed 3
Catch my drift?

Performance: Meh… I have the 2.0, and the 2.5 is an awesome manual that is genuinely fun to drive. With that said; Honda makes one of the best if not THE BEST naturally aspirated four banger in the business… and when you look at the relative size of the engine to the horsepower ratio… and how it finds usable power to the two front wheels. Well, it’s nothing short of amazing (to me) at what the engine can do and what driver feedback is felt given the lack of cylinders and forced induction.

Modification Potential: Get the 2.4… again, I reiterate, get the 2.4.

Comfort: Tech and premium packages can give you enough of this; I have the base model… plenty comfy for my needs.. I did just come from a Mitsubishi.
If your head is saying “But…” to any of these qualities, walk away… you’re going to trade this car in a couple of months.

Good luck on your decision… buying a car is a big decision… especially for those who don’t see it as just a transport from point A to point B.

Again, just my opinion... hopefully I atleast let the OP look from a different perspective that he didn't even consider.