2014 Acura ILX - Entry level luxury at a mid-class price
The Acura ILX is really an underrated car. It is much more than a gussied up Honda Civic; the platform and the i-MID system are probably the only things the car shares with the Civic. The design, engine, sheet metal, and materials are all unique to the ILX, and are two notches above a Civic. The car is designed to compete with the Buick Verano, Audi A3, Mercedes CLA and the BMW 2 and 3 series. Although engine performance, the quality of materials, and the overall driving experience is just a tad below the Germans, the vehicle can easily be had for less than $30K well equipped, giving it a strong value quotient. I got my 2.0L with the Technology package for $29.5 Out the door. The driving feel is tight - the steering response is precise with no wobbling. The engine sounds wonderful, and... (more)
The Acura ILX is really an underrated car. It is much more than a gussied up Honda Civic; the platform and the i-MID system are probably the only things the car shares with the Civic. The design, engine, sheet metal, and materials are all unique to the ILX, and are two notches above a Civic. The car is designed to compete with the Buick Verano, Audi A3, Mercedes CLA and the BMW 2 and 3 series. Although engine performance, the quality of materials, and the overall driving experience is just a tad below the Germans, the vehicle can easily be had for less than $30K well equipped, giving it a strong value quotient. I got my 2.0L with the Technology package for $29.5 Out the door. The driving feel is tight - the steering response is precise with no wobbling. The engine sounds wonderful, and the braking is quick. The design of the car is reminiscent of the first generation TSX, but modernized and slightly shrunken down a bit. The cockpit is pure Acura, with beautiful blue lighting adorning a Swiss-watch like instrument gauges. Fuel economy is pretty nice, as I am averaging about 28mpg in mixed city and highway driving. On long highway trips, I am able to get about 400 miles of travel on a full tank. The car is perfect for weekend getaways for two. This is not a car for families, as the backseat is too small for anyone over 12 years old. This is an upscale pocket rocket that succeeds the Integra/RSX that Acura stopped building 10 years ago. Those of you who yearn for the sporty and upscale precision that Honda is known for, should spend the extra money and get the higher revving 2.4L. The 201 horsepower in that vehicle should be a gratifying experience.
Acura is giving out major discounts to sell these vehicles, most likely since the 2015 year model will feature some significant improvements. I got my car for $4K under MSRP. The instrument panel is well designed, with its sporty but logical look. The overall driving experience is precise and enjoyable. The front seats are very comfortable, almost as cavernous as the Honda Accord. The push button engine start/stop and the rear-view camera are welcome and convenient features. All of the controls are very logically placed and easy to operate.
Acura is giving out major discounts to sell these vehicles, most likely since the 2015 year model will feature some significant improvements. I got my car for $4K under MSRP. The instrument panel is well designed, with its sporty but logical look. The overall driving experience is precise and enjoyable. The front seats are very comfortable, almost as cavernous as the Honda Accord. The push button engine start/stop and the rear-view camera are welcome and convenient features. All of the controls are very logically placed and easy to operate.
The rear seats are cramped, with tight legroom. The rear seats do not fold down 60/40; If you need a pass-through from the trunk, you need to fold down the entire rear set, rendering them useless for any passengers. The 150HP engine in the 2.0L is fuel efficient, but not very exciting to drive. It needs more power....If this car were a Honda, then it would be adequate. But Acura buyers would want more in the base engine. The touchscreen menus are old and pixelated....Reminiscent of technology from 5 years ago. Even Hyundai and GM have much better cabin technology than this "upscale" Acura.
The rear seats are cramped, with tight legroom. The rear seats do not fold down 60/40; If you need a pass-through from the trunk, you need to fold down the entire rear set, rendering them useless for any passengers. The 150HP engine in the 2.0L is fuel efficient, but not very exciting to drive. It needs more power....If this car were a Honda, then it would be adequate. But Acura buyers would want more in the base engine. The touchscreen menus are old and pixelated....Reminiscent of technology from 5 years ago. Even Hyundai and GM have much better cabin technology than this "upscale" Acura.
2011 Acura ILX - 4dr sedan w/navigation (3.2l 6cyl 5a).
I purchased a clean 2008 TL auto with navigation 6 weeks ago. It's a wonderful car. I'm a "car guy" but no longer a boy-racer since I'm in my 40s. I appreciate refinement and pieces that work well together. This car delivers in most areas. The first test drive sold me on the car's feel and driving dynamics. I'm 5' 11" and the car fits me like a glove. I like the view from the driver's seat, the powertrain's responsiveness and the look of the tan leather interior. I also test drove the redesigned 2009 model and definitely prefer the 2008 since it fits better. Be ready to spring for a new set of Michelins when you buy. Fresh tires clean up lots of problems.
I purchased a clean 2008 TL auto with navigation 6 weeks ago. It's a wonderful car. I'm a "car guy" but no longer a boy-racer since I'm in my 40s. I appreciate refinement and pieces that work well together. This car delivers in most areas. The first test drive sold me on the car's feel and driving dynamics. I'm 5' 11" and the car fits me like a glove. I like the view from the driver's seat, the powertrain's responsiveness and the look of the tan leather interior. I also test drove the redesigned 2009 model and definitely prefer the 2008 since it fits better. Be ready to spring for a new set of Michelins when you buy. Fresh tires clean up lots of problems.
Third TL in 12 years. 1st a 2000, loved it, got crushed by a semi. 2nd a 04, got crushed by a F-350, and a teenage driver. Both times the passengers exited without a scratch. Both times, we purchased something else, Lexus RX330, lousy mpg, BMW 330Ci, great fun, even while draining the wallet, VW new Beetle, huge inside but no power. Back in a 2008 TL and it is by far the best of the best. Coul... (more)
Third TL in 12 years. 1st a 2000, loved it, got crushed by a semi. 2nd a 04, got crushed by a F-350, and a teenage driver. Both times the passengers exited without a scratch. Both times, we purchased something else, Lexus RX330, lousy mpg, BMW 330Ci, great fun, even while draining the wallet, VW new Beetle, huge inside but no power. Back in a 2008 TL and it is by far the best of the best. Could use a little more power, but super smooth and great mpg for a roomy sedan that I drive way too fast. I hope I can keep this one forever.
The engine and transmission are fabulous. They work very well together and give you the closest thing to the sports car experience you will get this side of a manual transmission. The engine sound is great, even at idle. A slight engine growl comes up through the steering wheel letting you know the car is ready to take on the road. Shifts are very smooth and immediate unlike many other cars that seem to lag. I rarely feel any torque steer and feel this criticism is unjustified. In fact, the front drive system is an asset in Michigan since it will do better in snow. The sound system is as g... (more)
The engine and transmission are fabulous. They work very well together and give you the closest thing to the sports car experience you will get this side of a manual transmission. The engine sound is great, even at idle. A slight engine growl comes up through the steering wheel letting you know the car is ready to take on the road. Shifts are very smooth and immediate unlike many other cars that seem to lag. I rarely feel any torque steer and feel this criticism is unjustified. In fact, the front drive system is an asset in Michigan since it will do better in snow. The sound system is as good everybody says. The switchgear is nice and quality is evident throughout.
There are only 2 areas preventing this car from being perfect in my book: The Bluetooth system and the ride quality. The Bluetooth system is a bit clumsy with my phone. You have to realize there are 2 phonebooks, one that is your phone download and one that resides in the car itself. Your ability to voice dial depends on where exactly your contact resides. The manual is not clear in this area. The ride is a bit harsh in my view. You get used to it but when I drive another car, I find myself relaxing a bit more. The TL's ride is the price you pay for razor sharp handling and a great connect... (more)
There are only 2 areas preventing this car from being perfect in my book: The Bluetooth system and the ride quality. The Bluetooth system is a bit clumsy with my phone. You have to realize there are 2 phonebooks, one that is your phone download and one that resides in the car itself. Your ability to voice dial depends on where exactly your contact resides. The manual is not clear in this area. The ride is a bit harsh in my view. You get used to it but when I drive another car, I find myself relaxing a bit more. The TL's ride is the price you pay for razor sharp handling and a great connected feel to the road. Test drive the car before you buy.
2011 Acura ILX - Love it man!
In regards to price and feature content, the 2018 Acura ILX undercuts other entry-level luxury sedans by a considerable margin. That alone should get shoppers' attention. Unfortunately, the notion of value begins to fade when you realize that the ILX falls well short of the standards set by its more expensive rivals. The ride quality is overly stiff, the interior lacks refinement, the engine is comparably weak and the infotainment system leaves much to be desired. For these reasons, we don't consider it worthy of competing against Audi, Mercedes or BMW. Instead, we think of the ILX as a slightly nicer Honda Civic.
In regards to price and feature content, the 2018 Acura ILX undercuts other entry-level luxury sedans by a considerable margin. That alone should get shoppers' attention. Unfortunately, the notion of value begins to fade when you realize that the ILX falls well short of the standards set by its more expensive rivals. The ride quality is overly stiff, the interior lacks refinement, the engine is comparably weak and the infotainment system leaves much to be desired. For these reasons, we don't consider it worthy of competing against Audi, Mercedes or BMW. Instead, we think of the ILX as a slightly nicer Honda Civic.
The first time I really drove fast. The first car I drove on a regular basis had 135 hp and was slow as dirt. When I was 17 or so my uncle bought a corvette that had been lightly modified and he let me drive it. It changed my life. Literally. Blowing through 100 mph and feeling like the rate of acceleration is still increasing all while sitting a few inches off the ground is a feeling that's h... (more)
The first time I really drove fast. The first car I drove on a regular basis had 135 hp and was slow as dirt. When I was 17 or so my uncle bought a corvette that had been lightly modified and he let me drive it. It changed my life. Literally. Blowing through 100 mph and feeling like the rate of acceleration is still increasing all while sitting a few inches off the ground is a feeling that's hard to describe.
This is my second ILX. The design and features far out weigh my first one which was a 2013 when the ILX was first introduced. I have to say this car is perfection. I have the premium package and it just reeks of luxury. You can't find anything better for the cost/value of this car!
This is my second ILX. The design and features far out weigh my first one which was a 2013 when the ILX was first introduced. I have to say this car is perfection. I have the premium package and it just reeks of luxury. You can't find anything better for the cost/value of this car!
Previous versions of the ILX could be equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. Unfortunately, Acura decided to do away with the stick-shift transmission. This could be a deal breaker for the drivers who like changing their own gears. While the automatic’s paddle shifters add a bit of excitement, they can’t match the fun factor of a traditional manual transmission.
Previous versions of the ILX could be equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. Unfortunately, Acura decided to do away with the stick-shift transmission. This could be a deal breaker for the drivers who like changing their own gears. While the automatic’s paddle shifters add a bit of excitement, they can’t match the fun factor of a traditional manual transmission.
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