...or is it claustrophobically small inside?

I was just at the local Acura stealership and had a chance to see an ILX in person. Overall, the proportions seem a bit off to me and the rear seat room seems like a step back, but I was appalled at the lack of head room.

Now I'm not a small guy, but I'm only 5'11" and my head was less than an inch from the headliner! Dump the sunroof and I might have enough headroom, but it looks like Acura has kicked me out of its potential buyer pool. The TL is just too big and poor on gas mileage for me to consider, so by replacing the TSX wih this tarted-up Civic, Acura drove away another potential owner. Looks like Honda missed the boat on this series of model changes (new Civic, new Accord, TSX replacement, etc).

 

I like the overall look of the ILX in photos, but I haven't seen one in person yet, so I can only react to your observations. The car magazines have said its overall dimensions are similar to the 1G TSX, but if the headroom is less than generous as you say, I agree; that's a problem. It's one of the many things I like about my TSX...I'm 6'2" and there's plenty of room for my big melon.

 

The car is small. I popped open a door on one in the showroom and slammed it right back shut. Way too small for me. If Acura does away with the TSX in favor of the ILX, they are dumber than I think. Not that the TSX is big, but its significantly bigger than the ILX.

 

I've seen a couple on the road, and I think it actually looks better in the flesh. Car and Driver seems to think that it's Acura's best looking model currently available, though I think that bar is set pretty low, and their most recent test remarks were less than laudable. This is supposedly the first step in Honda's remake of the model offerings, with the ILX being the entry level model and the TSX and TL being combined into an all new car (based on the new Accord platform). I've been critical of the ILX due to it's high list price, and I doubt I'm alone in that feeling. I'm pretty sure it hasn't been a resounding success, though I'll assume it's acceptance is/has been regional (as seems to be the case with all Acura models). I love the first gen TSX (evidenced by the fact that we have two), but if the price is right, you might get me into a clean, low mileage, 2nd gen. That said, the ILX will never be on my short list for a new car. The same goes for the new TSX/TL replacement. It will be too big, and using history as a guide, I'm assuming it's looks will be something I can live without.

 

Ha, Acura removed me as a potential repeat customer since 2009, I like the direction of the interior design and technological features......

But I can't fathom their new grill and the unpleasant overall exterior design of the ENTIRE lineup.

I just don't get it.

 

I have a 2006 TSX and sat in the new ILX. While its dimensions imply it is similar in size my wife and I certainly felt it was smaller than the 1G on the inside. I do have to say I like the exterior styling. While I was at the dealer the other week I counted about 25 ILX's in stock. Slightly more than the number of TSX's. (btw only 1 RDX!). So I'm not sure they are meeting thier sales targets, but it is still early. Also I think that car was meant for the Earth Dreams engines and I think it is underpowered for most Acura buyers. With the ED engine it may be a better car with a little more power and FE.

I think the new TLX could be a good car. The new Accord it is based on is smaller on the outside but equally roomie on the inside than the outgoing model. That new accord will go on sale very soon so go take a look at it. If it has folding rear seats it could be my next car.

 

I only saw the 'concept' in Detroit up close (no interior), but the ILX just looks too much like the civic, too rounded, the trunk has a very small deck lid. I had issues putting my big duffle in a rental Mustang a few weeks ago. I can only imagine that the opening in the ILX would not allow large items (golf clubs?) to be stowed. I assume it has the Civic flat floor int eh back, which would be one change I would add to my 1G TSX.

Really I wish the ILX had been the 2nd coming of the Integra/RSX Coupe. That would leave oyu with an entry level sporty coupe (hybrid and 2.0, maybe toss the 2.4 in and slap a Type-S out back). Shorten the Wagon varient to more of a hatch and put the flat floor in the sedan. and you get you entry-sedan. Up market the TL just a tad (6 cyl with hybrid boost, a la Accord Hybrid) to compete with 5-series. RL way up market (current plan I believe) and a long-wheel base version?

 

Actually, from what I've read of the RLX (the RL replacement), it seems that it will move slightly down market. There is a base model now with just FWD, and you'll need to spend more to move up to Honda's SuperDuper AWD.

 

I think it's more about Corporate Average Fuel Economy.

Meaning Honda wants to keep its average high up enough so that it CAN provide models with sporting pretensions.

 

The acura rep mentioned the price for the rlx was going north about $10k. The interior could be nicer, more german. Honda really needs a new trans, 6 or 7speed auto maybe?

 

Yea, with M-B and BMW all over 7 ot 8-speed autos, it seems crazy the TL has just finally moved to a 6-speed auto. Honda is lagging badly in this race, and it really does provide fuel savings.

 

the redesigned TL(X) will most likely be closer in size to the 3G TL. 3G TL is slightly bigger than the current TSX on the inside.

the ILX is small. civic small. i had an opportunity to sit in it and be nosy while i was the dealer. it's definitely cozy. much moreso than the 1G TSX.

who knows what acura is going to do...but the TSX...will be no more after 2013 i suspect.

 

But what about the wagon?

Does the ILX have the worst sun visors in the industry like all hondas?

 

Went to go test drive an ILX. Def too small for me compare to my TSX.

 

I had the same impression. Surprising since the physical numbers aren't that different but as soon as you sit in it you notice it immediately.

 

I haven't sat in the car but looking at the photos it looks cramped, especially the dash.

 

I noticed the cramped quarters, too, when I was at the dealership last week, and was surprised after reading that the interior space was similar to the first TSX.

This deceptive interior space issue has been going on for a few years, with other cars.

For example, the 2G TSX supposedly has more room than the 1G TSX, but when I had one as a loaner, my wife and I were both convinced that the seating is actually tighter, especially in the back seat. It seems that the new trend is to make the seats look larger and more plush, and to have the dash wrap around the passengers more, perhaps to help impart a feeling of luxury...but the net effect is that the cabin seems less airy, and more cramped.

 

i went in to dealer the other day for some service on my tsx, and i checked out the ilx when i was waiting. i still cant get over how ugly the front grill on the new acuras look. the interior is nice enough, but like some people said, quite cramped. i definitely think they took another step back. bring back the 1st gen tsx!