Topic: First Drive: 2013 Acura ILX

[Autos_Editor]

Acura describes its 2013 ILX as "alluring," but reviewer Paul Williams doesn't see it. "The ILX is more like a high-end Honda Civic than an entry Acura," he says.

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[sailor723]

I have to agree with the reviewer with regard to the engine/transmission choices. I don't think a 150HP/5speed cuts it in the "premium" market and having the 201HP option available with a manual tranny only excludes the 90%+ of the market that buys AT's these days. These drivetrain choices seem about 5 years out of date to me.

[JohnM]

Pretty brutal summation by the reviewer but possibly justified.

I am a Honda fan and am waiting for them to turn on the leadership once again.  However, they may be hobbled by a very high yen which makes it impossible to really expand the envelope.

They seem to be relying on their name and still delivering on fuel efficiency and reliability and good NHV levels.   A great start and maybe enough to keep their customer base coming back but it sets the stage for long term decline.

Cheers,
John M.

[Jaeger]

Buick arguably did a better rendering of compact luxury with the Verano.  Even more so when the turbo version comes out.

Jaeger

[nlm]

I wonder where they project this 25% increase in sales will come from?

And I wonder why that backseat is one piece. That doesn't speak luxury or premium to me.

[Benhaze]

Buick arguably did a better rendering of compact luxury with the Verano.  Even more so when the turbo version comes out.

Jaeger

I thought exactly the same thing! 

I totally agree with the reviewer's conclusion. And after hearing the marketing speeches we heard from Honda's high management that they have found their way back to their creator's vision this is a big let down. I used to be a huge fan of Honda in my youth and I do think Honda best years were in the 80s and 90s. Since the new millennium, Honda has lost its way.

Please Honda/Acura, stop calling an option package tech package that consists only in a navigation system and a better sound system; it looks like you are still living in the 90s... And although a small thing, I find ludicrous that Homelink is available only with the tech package? Navigation is not available across the line on a luxury vehicle?

Sales won't increase by 25% with this vehicle...

[D70]

There will be a market out there, quiet unassuming and having an upmarket name will appeal to some. It should do well in the Vancouver area

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/6901922862/

[redman]

This reminds me of the MB era W163 M Class (1997-2006). When the almighty Mercedes Benz lost their way but have since then corrected themselves. I believe that Honda is on a slippery slope and I'm not convinced that they realize it, but are close to hitting rock bottom.

Honda seems to lack the four-site have developed a 5 speed to market and are now scrambling to lengthen their gears (at a reliability cost) for fuel economy.
They've cheapened material both in/out in order to increase profitability.
There style is antiquated showing signs of market copy instead of innovation.

I'm sure the wake up call will come with positive changes but it's a couple of years away before we see those products.

[Benhaze]

There will be a market out there, quiet unassuming and having an upmarket name will appeal to some. It should do well in the Vancouver area

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/6901922862/

You're right; there will be a market in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal for this car but I am afraid it will help Honda/Acura only to retain existing customers.

[hemusbull]

As an Acura/Honda fan and owner I do have message to these guys: read the fans in advance and rework it before coming on the market, don't do it the way you just did it with the current Civic. Foremost is the engine - this 2.0L 150 horses is obsolete - under powered and efficiency isn't good enough! The tranny is not up to the competition - just five gears in entry-premium vehicle! Honda engineering must be leading again!

[greengs]

As an Acura/Honda fan and owner I do have message to these guys: read the fans in advance and rework it before coming on the market, don't do it the way you just did it with the current Civic. Foremost is the engine - this 2.0L 150 horses is obsolete - under powered and efficiency isn't good enough! The tranny is not up to the competition - just five gears in entry-premium vehicle! Honda engineering must be leading again!

I agree that it probably could use more power.  But as far as fuel efficiency I'm willing to bet no other car in this segment will match its fuel efficiency in real world driving.  That's still one things Honda is great at. 

[whaddaiknow]

Buick arguably did a better rendering of compact luxury with the Verano.  Even more so when the turbo version comes out.

Jaeger

I thought exactly the same thing! 

I totally agree with the reviewer's conclusion. And after hearing the marketing speeches we heard from Honda's high management that they have found their way back to their creator's vision this is a big let down. I used to be a huge fan of Honda in my youth and I do think Honda best years were in the 80s and 90s. Since the new millennium, Honda has lost its way.

Please Honda/Acura, stop calling an option package tech package that consists only in a navigation system and a better sound system; it looks like you are still living in the 90s... And although a small thing, I find ludicrous that Homelink is available only with the tech package? Navigation is not available across the line on a luxury vehicle?

Sales won't increase by 25% with this vehicle...

+1. Epic FAIL. Makes Verano look like a winner next to this.

[dragonfly]

 OOOgly!   Are those 60 series tires?   Just what grandpa would want..(wait..I'm a grandpa)  hehe   Jack

[wing]

Paul must of really disliked this vehicle I don't think I have ever read negative comments like that from him.

[whaddaiknow]

Paul must of really disliked this vehicle I don't think I have ever read negative comments like that from him.

Well warranted. Relative to what I would have said, Paul's review sounds very positive. 
It looks like TL is the only sedan in the Acura stable that lives up to the Acura luxury/premium standards.

[CanuckS2K]

Starting at almost $30k?  No thank you.  I honestly can't see this helping Acura sales increase 25% like they are expecting.  IMHO, it's just another disappointing effort by Honda. 

[5 Wheel Drive]

For $25,990, I'd rather have a Civic Si sedan.

[CanuckS2K]

For $25,990, I'd rather have a Civic Si sedan.

Agreed.  And for only a couple of thousand more I'd rather have an FR-S (although I realize they are two completely different types of cars). 

[Vanstar]

Paul must of really disliked this vehicle I don't think I have ever read negative comments like that from him.

Or he wants to keep his "auto-writer cred" by slagging one car a year.

[SaskSpecV]

Paul must of really disliked this vehicle I don't think I have ever read negative comments like that from him.

I can't recall a review from Paul ever being this critical either - but good on him for calling it as he saw it.

"The ILX is a comfortable, luxury-featured compact car that oversells and under-delivers. For a brand that’s all about technology, performance and luxury, the obsolete ELS surround audio, underpowered drivetrain, small wheels, and odd packaging subvert the brand’s aspirations. Acura describes the ILX as alluring, but I just don’t see it.

Personally, there's a lot about this vehicle that appeals to me.  Well, maybe not a lot - pretty much just the excellent 6-speed MT and 2.4L.  Yeah, it's available in the TSX and Civic Si, but for me the ILX is a better size than the TSX, and with better interior materials than the Civic Si.  And I like the look of the ILX too.  But no split-folding seat seems like stupid omission to save a couple of bucks. 

As for the volume-selling 2.0L auto, where are all those people who complain about the excessive pricing of the Focus?  Granted its auto transmission has its own problems, but overall the Focus Titanium will have all the toys (and more) the 2.0 ILX will have, comparable interior quality, plus driving dynamics that are at least as good.  And yet will sell for far less money, especially with incentives.  As Jaeger posted, you could make the same argument for the Verano vs the ILX too.  Oh wait, those aren't "luxury" brands like Acura, so the vehicles must not be as good...