Acura: ILX News
02-15-2012, 03:22 PM
#521
Senior Moderator
Its what I do 
I think I know exactly what they were thinking why they green lit this. Whether they were right is where I'm dumbfounded.
Do you have an answer?....or are you as dumbfounded as I am as to why they are building this car for which there appears to be a very small market for it in the U.S.?
02-15-2012, 03:51 PM
#522
The sizzle in the Steak
02-15-2012, 04:00 PM
#523
Senior Moderator
- Because Gen Y don't care about driving, only care if they can hook up their ipod.
Most of this stuff was covered in the press release from Detroit. They think people want entry level luxury, their studies showed that the entry level lux market was growing.
They rummaged through the parts bin, bent some steel and viola, ILX! It didn't cost them much to bring to market.
02-15-2012, 04:48 PM
#524
That can't be it. The ILX, for its body and engine size, doesn't have very good fuel economy #s. They're pretty much the same as the TSX
Last edited by AZuser; 02-15-2012 at 04:51 PM.
02-15-2012, 05:15 PM
#525
The sizzle in the Steak
- Because they feel Gen Y wants to spend less on their luxury.
- Because Gen Y don't care about driving, only care if they can hook up their ipod.
Most of this stuff was covered in the press release from Detroit. They think people want entry level luxury, their studies showed that the entry level lux market was growing.
They rummaged through the parts bin, bent some steel and viola, ILX! It didn't cost them much to bring to market.
- Because Gen Y don't care about driving, only care if they can hook up their ipod.
Most of this stuff was covered in the press release from Detroit. They think people want entry level luxury, their studies showed that the entry level lux market was growing.
They rummaged through the parts bin, bent some steel and viola, ILX! It didn't cost them much to bring to market.
Honda, luxury costs $$$. There is no such thing as cheap luxury.
It's either luxury or it isn't.
....so I guess you are not selling luxury with the ILX...hence why Acura has backed away from being tier 1. Makes sense now....but at least be honest with the Acura brand. Don't sell nonsense like "people don't want to pay for luxury."
Honda, if you believe peeps are into tech gadgets over driving experience, then offer up something that nobody else has, or at least be competitive.
Kia Optima offers heated rear seats, and air conditioned front seats, and they have a M$ based entertainment system. Auto headlamps even.
Honda if this is your reasons for building this vehicle, then you vehicle does not even meet your criteria.
02-17-2012, 10:30 AM
#526
Instructor
Interesting.
Honda, luxury costs $$$. There is no such thing as cheap luxury.
It's either luxury or it isn't.
....so I guess you are not selling luxury with the ILX...hence why Acura has backed away from being tier 1. Makes sense now....but at least be honest with the Acura brand. Don't sell nonsense like "people don't want to pay for luxury."
Honda, if you believe peeps are into tech gadgets over driving experience, then offer up something that nobody else has, or at least be competitive.
Kia Optima offers heated rear seats, and air conditioned front seats, and they have a M$ based entertainment system. Auto headlamps even.
Honda if this is your reasons for building this vehicle, then you vehicle does not even meet your criteria.
Honda, luxury costs $$$. There is no such thing as cheap luxury.
It's either luxury or it isn't.
....so I guess you are not selling luxury with the ILX...hence why Acura has backed away from being tier 1. Makes sense now....but at least be honest with the Acura brand. Don't sell nonsense like "people don't want to pay for luxury."
Honda, if you believe peeps are into tech gadgets over driving experience, then offer up something that nobody else has, or at least be competitive.
Kia Optima offers heated rear seats, and air conditioned front seats, and they have a M$ based entertainment system. Auto headlamps even.
Honda if this is your reasons for building this vehicle, then you vehicle does not even meet your criteria.
Last edited by Aruca Xst; 02-17-2012 at 10:32 AM.
02-17-2012, 10:34 AM
#527
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ Let's be honest, a Kia Optima is by far more luxurious, and offers more in powertrain & options/tech than the ILX.
Who is kidding whom here?
The Acura badge alone brings nothing compared to the BMW badge or the silver star.
Who is kidding whom here?
The Acura badge alone brings nothing compared to the BMW badge or the silver star.
02-17-2012, 10:34 AM
#528
Moderator
What is luxury? It is a niche Acura is willing to attack. Recent college grads would love to get their hands on a luxury brand such as a BMW, Lexus, Audi but it is generally unrealistic. Acura is willing to fill that niche in which you can purchase a luxury brand at a affordable price. The ILX is going to sell great and you can question their "brand" all you want but with the release of the NSX, Acura is headed in the right direction. Incorporating a super car like a NSX into the line-up can easily neutralize the ILX's coming out party as a "negative hit" to the brand. You must be immune to the financial collapse a few years ago lol
02-17-2012, 10:37 AM
#529
Instructor
Luxury is nothing more than a perception. A fully loaded Altima is more luxurious than a base 3 series that costs several thousands more. The point I'm getting at, is that Acura is willing to attack this niche of affordable luxury at the 25,000 price range. Few would doubt the perception of Acura as anything less than a luxury brand outside of the forums.
02-17-2012, 10:41 AM
#531
The sizzle in the Steak
Luxury is nothing more than a perception. A fully loaded Altima is more luxurious than a base 3 series that costs several thousands more. The point I'm getting at, is that Acura is willing to attack this niche of affordable luxury at the 25,000 price range. Few would doubt the perception of Acura as anything less than a luxury brand outside of the forums.
You just disproved your prior argument.
02-17-2012, 10:43 AM
#532
Moderator
Look at the differences in all of those things at the examples I already provided.
02-17-2012, 11:24 AM
#533
You'll Never Walk Alone
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The ILX is simply a very entry level luxury or premium car with a somewhat luxury badge on it..along with bulletproof reliability. Nothing less, nothing more.
Will it set the world on fire? No. Will it attract 3 series buyers who can afford a $40k 4-banger? Probably not.
However, for those who have $25-$30k to spend, but don't want a mid-size family sedan, the ILX is a candidate. It's also another choice for those who want something more premium than a compact car from Ford/Honda/Chevy/Hyundai. Obviously, the ILX is not here to steal ALL the sales from the above cars, but at the very least, it offers another option to potential new car buyers.
Whether this will sell or not, we will see in the future. There's no point of debating this right now.
Will it set the world on fire? No. Will it attract 3 series buyers who can afford a $40k 4-banger? Probably not.
However, for those who have $25-$30k to spend, but don't want a mid-size family sedan, the ILX is a candidate. It's also another choice for those who want something more premium than a compact car from Ford/Honda/Chevy/Hyundai. Obviously, the ILX is not here to steal ALL the sales from the above cars, but at the very least, it offers another option to potential new car buyers.
Whether this will sell or not, we will see in the future. There's no point of debating this right now.
02-17-2012, 12:48 PM
#534
The sizzle in the Steak
The ILX is simply a very entry level luxury or premium car with a somewhat luxury badge on it..along with bulletproof reliability. Nothing less, nothing more.
Will it set the world on fire? No. Will it attract 3 series buyers who can afford a $40k 4-banger? Probably not.
However, for those who have $25-$30k to spend, but don't want a mid-size family sedan, the ILX is a candidate. It's also another choice for those who want something more premium than a compact car from Ford/Honda/Chevy/Hyundai. Obviously, the ILX is not here to steal ALL the sales from the above cars, but at the very least, it offers another option to potential new car buyers.
Whether this will sell or not, we will see in the future. There's no point of debating this right now.
Will it set the world on fire? No. Will it attract 3 series buyers who can afford a $40k 4-banger? Probably not.
However, for those who have $25-$30k to spend, but don't want a mid-size family sedan, the ILX is a candidate. It's also another choice for those who want something more premium than a compact car from Ford/Honda/Chevy/Hyundai. Obviously, the ILX is not here to steal ALL the sales from the above cars, but at the very least, it offers another option to potential new car buyers.
Whether this will sell or not, we will see in the future. There's no point of debating this right now.
Unless you are comparing it to vehicles in its size class, then yea, it's a luxed-up Civic, that offers more than a Versa & Corolla.
02-17-2012, 02:56 PM
#535
Midnight Marauder
The ILX is simply a very entry level luxury or premium car with a somewhat luxury badge on it..along with bulletproof reliability. Nothing less, nothing more.
Will it set the world on fire? No. Will it attract 3 series buyers who can afford a $40k 4-banger? Probably not.
However, for those who have $25-$30k to spend, but don't want a mid-size family sedan, the ILX is a candidate. It's also another choice for those who want something more premium than a compact car from Ford/Honda/Chevy/Hyundai. Obviously, the ILX is not here to steal ALL the sales from the above cars, but at the very least, it offers another option to potential new car buyers.
Whether this will sell or not, we will see in the future. There's no point of debating this right now.
Will it set the world on fire? No. Will it attract 3 series buyers who can afford a $40k 4-banger? Probably not.
However, for those who have $25-$30k to spend, but don't want a mid-size family sedan, the ILX is a candidate. It's also another choice for those who want something more premium than a compact car from Ford/Honda/Chevy/Hyundai. Obviously, the ILX is not here to steal ALL the sales from the above cars, but at the very least, it offers another option to potential new car buyers.
Whether this will sell or not, we will see in the future. There's no point of debating this right now.
02-17-2012, 06:02 PM
#536
02-17-2012, 06:17 PM
#537
2G TLX-S
What is "more premium" about the ILX? Compared to other vehicles in its price range? It brings nothing to the table...not even a badge to covet.
Unless you are comparing it to vehicles in its size class, then yea, it's a luxed-up Civic, that offers more than a Versa & Corolla.
Unless you are comparing it to vehicles in its size class, then yea, it's a luxed-up Civic, that offers more than a Versa & Corolla.
Therefore, it's hopeless to compare the ILX with anything from BMW nor MB.
So you are correct that a luxed-up Civic is the best target for the ILX.
02-17-2012, 08:22 PM
#538
Senior Moderator
Maybe Honda should just cut to the chase by integrating its Acura products into the Honda lineup, getting rid of the Acura brand altogether. 
To some degree, said Honda lineup would resemble that of Honda Japan with USDM Accords being sold alongside of the TSX and RL. Beyond that, they'd only need to slot in the MDX, cancel the ZDX and then cancel the Civic EX-L and Si sedan (retaining the coupe), in favor of inserting the ILX into the lineup.
As far as the TL goes,cancel that monstrosity and avail it's powertrain, suspension and other goodies for use in the Accord V6.....maybe toss in an SH-AWD pkg for the V6 EX-L w/Navi level Accord.
To some degree, said Honda lineup would resemble that of Honda Japan with USDM Accords being sold alongside of the TSX and RL. Beyond that, they'd only need to slot in the MDX, cancel the ZDX and then cancel the Civic EX-L and Si sedan (retaining the coupe), in favor of inserting the ILX into the lineup.
As far as the TL goes,cancel that monstrosity and avail it's powertrain, suspension and other goodies for use in the Accord V6.....maybe toss in an SH-AWD pkg for the V6 EX-L w/Navi level Accord.
Last edited by F23A4; 02-17-2012 at 08:27 PM.
02-17-2012, 09:04 PM
#539
02-17-2012, 09:38 PM
#540
Senior Moderator
02-17-2012, 09:43 PM
#541
Maybe Honda should just cut to the chase by integrating its Acura products into the Honda lineup, getting rid of the Acura brand altogether.
To some degree, said Honda lineup would resemble that of Honda Japan with USDM Accords being sold alongside of the TSX and RL. Beyond that, they'd only need to slot in the MDX, cancel the ZDX and then cancel the Civic EX-L and Si sedan (retaining the coupe), in favor of inserting the ILX into the lineup.
As far as the TL goes,cancel that monstrosity and avail it's powertrain, suspension and other goodies for use in the Accord V6.....maybe toss in an SH-AWD pkg for the V6 EX-L w/Navi level Accord.
To some degree, said Honda lineup would resemble that of Honda Japan with USDM Accords being sold alongside of the TSX and RL. Beyond that, they'd only need to slot in the MDX, cancel the ZDX and then cancel the Civic EX-L and Si sedan (retaining the coupe), in favor of inserting the ILX into the lineup.
As far as the TL goes,cancel that monstrosity and avail it's powertrain, suspension and other goodies for use in the Accord V6.....maybe toss in an SH-AWD pkg for the V6 EX-L w/Navi level Accord.
I know we here on the internet scoff at the Acura badge but it does carry a teensy bit of weight in the real world, and that does help push its sales
The lineup is okay, just needs lots of lots of major tweaks... and as far as the ILX goes I think it will soon end up with the 2.4 liter + CVT combo weve seen tested on the CU2 prototype out of the earth dreams motegi test. Journalists were generally enthusiastic about the pep of the 2.4 and the new CVT so i can imagine that the same combo in the ILX would make for quite a fun little car (I know CVT and fun dont even belong in the same paragraph, but its supposed to be nice)
02-17-2012, 11:35 PM
#542
2G TLX-S
Absolutely correct.
In the past, the 2G TL were sold at a rate of ~6K per month, and the 3G TL a rate of ~6.5K per month.
Life was good for the TL and also the Acura brand, until Acura started playing around with the exterior styling and the experimental signature grille.
It is the 4G "power plenum from hell" that has ruined it all for the TL model line.
In the past, the 2G TL were sold at a rate of ~6K per month, and the 3G TL a rate of ~6.5K per month.
Life was good for the TL and also the Acura brand, until Acura started playing around with the exterior styling and the experimental signature grille.
It is the 4G "power plenum from hell" that has ruined it all for the TL model line.
02-18-2012, 09:26 AM
#543
Racer
Well, it doesn't help that the 4G TL starts at more than a maxed out 3G TL was. I'm sure the rise in price has just as much to do with sales as anything else. Well, not just as much, but its a factor :P
02-18-2012, 06:31 PM
#544
Acura needs to first focus on their current line up before they bring in and expand their lineup. The RL and TL need to be revamped for their next generation. If I was them, with the way sales are, being the next generation early. Get rid of the ZDX, who the hell wants that anyway. Clean up the TSX to be more fuel efficient with a turbo 4cyl. It's great they have the NSX in the pipeline to bring some attention back to the brand, but how many people can really afford that.
Infiniti needs to watch their back to. Their sales have been mediocre at best and what do they do, bring in the JX, which is a gas guzzler in times where gas prices are going to be back at $4-5 a gallon in the spring. Not smart on their part. The M has aged and is back to selling in low numbers as before. There is talk about them bringing back the Q Sedan as a flagship, but like Acura, they better focus on their current line up and refine/improve upon it before you focus on bringing back flagship sedans and supercars. The same can be said about Acura.
Infiniti needs to watch their back to. Their sales have been mediocre at best and what do they do, bring in the JX, which is a gas guzzler in times where gas prices are going to be back at $4-5 a gallon in the spring. Not smart on their part. The M has aged and is back to selling in low numbers as before. There is talk about them bringing back the Q Sedan as a flagship, but like Acura, they better focus on their current line up and refine/improve upon it before you focus on bringing back flagship sedans and supercars. The same can be said about Acura.
02-19-2012, 08:00 AM
#545
Senior Moderator
Acura needs to first focus on their current line up before they bring in and expand their lineup. The RL and TL need to be revamped for their next generation. If I was them, with the way sales are, being the next generation early. Get rid of the ZDX, who the hell wants that anyway. Clean up the TSX to be more fuel efficient with a turbo 4cyl. It's great they have the NSX in the pipeline to bring some attention back to the brand, but how many people can really afford that.
Infiniti needs to watch their back to. Their sales have been mediocre at best and what do they do, bring in the JX, which is a gas guzzler in times where gas prices are going to be back at $4-5 a gallon in the spring. Not smart on their part. The M has aged and is back to selling in low numbers as before. There is talk about them bringing back the Q Sedan as a flagship, but like Acura, they better focus on their current line up and refine/improve upon it before you focus on bringing back flagship sedans and supercars. The same can be said about Acura.
Infiniti needs to watch their back to. Their sales have been mediocre at best and what do they do, bring in the JX, which is a gas guzzler in times where gas prices are going to be back at $4-5 a gallon in the spring. Not smart on their part. The M has aged and is back to selling in low numbers as before. There is talk about them bringing back the Q Sedan as a flagship, but like Acura, they better focus on their current line up and refine/improve upon it before you focus on bringing back flagship sedans and supercars. The same can be said about Acura.
02-19-2012, 08:42 AM
#546
אני עומד עם ישראל
^ I actually like the QX for a premium full size SUV. Seems like a nice alternative to an Escalade.
02-19-2012, 09:24 AM
#547
AZ Community Team
The ILX is simply a very entry level luxury or premium car with a somewhat luxury badge on it..along with bulletproof reliability. Nothing less, nothing more.
Will it set the world on fire? No. Will it attract 3 series buyers who can afford a $40k 4-banger? Probably not.
However, for those who have $25-$30k to spend, but don't want a mid-size family sedan, the ILX is a candidate. It's also another choice for those who want something more premium than a compact car from Ford/Honda/Chevy/Hyundai. Obviously, the ILX is not here to steal ALL the sales from the above cars, but at the very least, it offers another option to potential new car buyers.
Whether this will sell or not, we will see in the future. There's no point of debating this right now.
Will it set the world on fire? No. Will it attract 3 series buyers who can afford a $40k 4-banger? Probably not.
However, for those who have $25-$30k to spend, but don't want a mid-size family sedan, the ILX is a candidate. It's also another choice for those who want something more premium than a compact car from Ford/Honda/Chevy/Hyundai. Obviously, the ILX is not here to steal ALL the sales from the above cars, but at the very least, it offers another option to potential new car buyers.
Whether this will sell or not, we will see in the future. There's no point of debating this right now.
+1, as to the intended market group.
02-20-2012, 03:07 PM
#548
You'll Never Walk Alone
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What is "more premium" about the ILX? Compared to other vehicles in its price range? It brings nothing to the table...not even a badge to covet.
Unless you are comparing it to vehicles in its size class, then yea, it's a luxed-up Civic, that offers more than a Versa & Corolla.
Unless you are comparing it to vehicles in its size class, then yea, it's a luxed-up Civic, that offers more than a Versa & Corolla.
Note the key phrase, "VERY ENTRY LEVEL."
Then again, the TSX is just an Euro Accord. The RDX is just a high end trim of CR-V with more power. The MDX is just a pilot with more features and power and Sh-awd. The A4 is just Passat with a better badge. A HS250 is just a rebadged Toyota Sai. A ES350 is just a Toyota Windom, or a Camry with more features. A Rx350 is just a Toyota Harrier. A GS is just an Aristo. A Scion Xb is just a Toyota Rumion. A G37 is just a Nissan Skyline. An Aston Martin Cygnet is just a Toyota iQ. A M37/50 is just a Nissan Fuga.
What is so premium about the CT200h? Is it the FWD layout? Is it the might powertrain from the Prius? Or is it the excellent chassis again, from the Prius? The aggressive styling, then came straight from the BMW 1 series? The excellent driving dynamics?
Folks will have a hard time shelling out big bucks for just a Honda
I know we here on the internet scoff at the Acura badge but it does carry a teensy bit of weight in the real world, and that does help push its sales
The lineup is okay, just needs lots of lots of major tweaks... and as far as the ILX goes I think it will soon end up with the 2.4 liter + CVT combo weve seen tested on the CU2 prototype out of the earth dreams motegi test. Journalists were generally enthusiastic about the pep of the 2.4 and the new CVT so i can imagine that the same combo in the ILX would make for quite a fun little car (I know CVT and fun dont even belong in the same paragraph, but its supposed to be nice)
I know we here on the internet scoff at the Acura badge but it does carry a teensy bit of weight in the real world, and that does help push its sales
The lineup is okay, just needs lots of lots of major tweaks... and as far as the ILX goes I think it will soon end up with the 2.4 liter + CVT combo weve seen tested on the CU2 prototype out of the earth dreams motegi test. Journalists were generally enthusiastic about the pep of the 2.4 and the new CVT so i can imagine that the same combo in the ILX would make for quite a fun little car (I know CVT and fun dont even belong in the same paragraph, but its supposed to be nice)
02-25-2012, 09:08 AM
#551
So, the question to the marketing department:
Why buy this car?
Clearly not for the badge. Not much prestige or legendary history behind the Acura badge. Nobody drools for an Acura like they do for a Mercedes Benz, BMW.....
For the ownership experience? Questionable, but compared to BMW full maintenance, ownership experience is night and day compared to Acura. What does Acura bring to the table that is different from other lux makes in this department? I don't have an answer for that.
For the performance?
We all know the answer to this one. We'll leave this one alone.
For the tech/features? See above. There are sub-lux car makers offering more tech and features than this car.
Design? Maybe...It does not offend, so it has that going for it. Does it excite? Well it's a lot better looking than a Civic and an Accord.
So who is this car for? The Honda faithful? Civic owners who don't want an Accord, but want the illusion that they are buying a luxury car?
Where does this car fit in? What's the business model for it?
Why buy this car?
Clearly not for the badge. Not much prestige or legendary history behind the Acura badge. Nobody drools for an Acura like they do for a Mercedes Benz, BMW.....
For the ownership experience? Questionable, but compared to BMW full maintenance, ownership experience is night and day compared to Acura. What does Acura bring to the table that is different from other lux makes in this department? I don't have an answer for that.
For the performance?
We all know the answer to this one. We'll leave this one alone.For the tech/features? See above. There are sub-lux car makers offering more tech and features than this car.
Design? Maybe...It does not offend, so it has that going for it. Does it excite? Well it's a lot better looking than a Civic and an Accord.
So who is this car for? The Honda faithful? Civic owners who don't want an Accord, but want the illusion that they are buying a luxury car?
Where does this car fit in? What's the business model for it?
03-12-2012, 08:21 PM
#553
^ just enough, looks really good in black. and the black interior shows off the bits of chrome inside really nicely.
03-12-2012, 08:35 PM
#554
Team Owner
Best looking 4 door that they have produced since the previous generation TL and TSX. A step in the right direction. I like that the pictures make it look bigger than it is. They will sell a ton of them if they price it correctly. I still feel that the MPG should be higher though since it's a small car with a 4 banger.
Last edited by doopstr; 03-12-2012 at 08:38 PM.
03-12-2012, 08:46 PM
#555
Team Owner
Anyone notice the guy doing the interviews on the vids on that site? Hint: His Acura has ALOT of miles on it. 
Last edited by doopstr; 03-12-2012 at 08:48 PM.
03-13-2012, 10:30 PM
#556
05/5AT/Navi/ABP/Quartz
03-13-2012, 11:55 PM
#557
Trim Info
ILX Base:
Keyless Access and pushbutton start
Pandora
SMS (basic replies)
Power Sunroof (assumes it's glass like normal)
16" Alloy Wheels
Bluetooth
Cloth seats
ILX Premium
Leather seats
Heated Front seats
360 watt stereo
XM Radio
Rear view camera
17" Alloy wheels
HID
Fog lights
Auto-dimming mirror
ILX Technology Package
ELS surround audio
Navigation
Homelink
ILX Base:
- 2.0L w/5AT
- 1.5L w/CVT Hybrid
Keyless Access and pushbutton start
Pandora
SMS (basic replies)
Power Sunroof (assumes it's glass like normal)
16" Alloy Wheels
Bluetooth
Cloth seats
ILX Premium
- 2.0L w/5AT
- 2.4L w/6MT
Leather seats
Heated Front seats
360 watt stereo
XM Radio
Rear view camera
17" Alloy wheels
HID
Fog lights
Auto-dimming mirror
ILX Technology Package
- 2.0L w/5AT
- 1.5L w/CVT Hybrid
ELS surround audio
Navigation
Homelink
03-14-2012, 12:22 AM
#558
I know it's an entry level car but cloth seats? 
Which of Acuras competitors do that? Not Lexus. Not Infiniti. Not Audi (last I checked). Not MB.
Last edited by AZuser; 03-14-2012 at 12:25 AM.
03-14-2012, 12:52 AM
#559
But these competitors don't start "well below $30K" either. I'm sure it'll be fine if cloth starts at $24K and leather at $26K (plus or minus $1K). Anyway, a base IS is already $35K so these might not be compared as much as Acura might like (although they certainly will do so in their literature).
03-14-2012, 12:59 AM
#560
I'm probably the only one that feels this way but I greatly prefer cloth, as long as it looks classy.