Hi guys I am back (yes, I am that notoriously annoying guy who can't stop bad mouthing the ILX haha).

*Note information might be outdated as well as only half the review was complete because I forgot to save the file and my computer crashed... Lost a good 300-500 words*

Back in Dec. I've decided that I wanted to write a review. I was planning to shoot a video and take pictures of it and write an extensive long review about the car. However, due to school, and now full-time job, I had absolutely no time to write or shoot anything at all. However, I think it is for the best because I had more time to spent riding in the car and gave a more honest and comprehensive review (ex. holiday season vs springtime as well as the Vancouver Auto Show exp. 4 years in a row under my belt). Here goes nothing (I am ready to get flamed !).

*Disclaimer: I am not an expert in cars, in fact, I am just your average-joe and I am only doing this review basing on other reviews and my own driving experience. AKA: All IMO !

Facts in this review:

Model of this car: 2013 5AT 2.0 ILX Technology Package
Locations I've driven to with this car:
Vancouver, BC Canada/Washington State Route 99 (to Bellingham and Tulilip Casino resort)
Time: Oct. 29th 2012-April 18th 2013
Km/Miles: 4929km/3062miles (65% highway 35% urban)
Temperature Range: -5c to 15c (23F to 59F)
Fuel Used: Shell 89, 91, 92 and Chevron 91
Fuel Rating: USA:24/35 (9.8/6.8) Canada:27/35 (8.6L/6.8L)
(estimate rating, we will touch on the actual number that I've gotten later on in this review).
Cars used for comparison in this review:
Sat-in Only (Didn't drive it nor have I been driven by this car)
-Honda Civic 2013
-Honda Accord 2013
-Hyundai Sonata 2012
-Scion FR-S/Subaru BR-Z 2012
-Mazda 6 2013
-Kia Optima 2012
-Merc. Benz B200/CLA 2014
-Acura TL 2012

Sat-in (Being chauffeured around like a BOSS)
-BMW 3 series 2011

Driven
-Toyota Corolla 1998 North America ed. (My old main-driver)
-Merc. Benz C-Class C300-C250 2010-2012 AWD
-Volkswagen Passat 2.5L 2012 FWD (Driven and Sat-in)
-BMW 3 series 2012 320i RWD
-Lexus IS 250i RWD
-Nissan Altima 2012-2013 2.5 SL
-Audi A4 AWD 2.0T 2010

Background Story:
I wanted to buy a new car for my 23rd birthday. I drove my good old-trusty 1998 Toyota Corolla that my parents handed down to me for almost 3 years. It is time for an upgrade. I was looking for more space (the old Corolla has less backspace then a coupe), new (can't buy old cause my parents didn't want me to), and I couldn't buy anything over $45000 after tax and pdi (for obvious reason). I was dead set on C class. But after years and years of being in that car, the quality of the drive and the materials just doesn't impress me. After various dealerships, the car that stood out to me the most was the ILX and the BMW 320i. The RWD is just too much of a beauty. I really think you must be an idiot to smile during a car ride. Well, I was that idiot when I was in that 320i. It blew me away how it drives and handle. I was sold already when I handed the keys back without him saying a single word to me. I like that the car sold itself. Then, as if a lightning came striking down in the middle of the day, I was disappointed that I had to walk away knowing I would never buy that car. That lightning? Something called: $49000. Yes, if you want the full package (not including Nav or even upgrading to a 328i) with tax and pdi its going to be $49k. After that, we drove past the Acura dealership in downtown.

Now, like I said before, I never EVER considered Acura a good luxury brand (not really impressed after seeing CSX and RSX; which, ironically, offer a cleaner look and a similar if not better HP then the current AT ILX). Acura just seems too much like a re-badged Honda to me. But I said "Hey ! What the heck? Might as well go take a look since I visited 7 different dealership already." Then I came across this little gem called the ILX. It passed all my check marks and what sold me was the actually the back-up camera and the sunroof. While striking a deal down with the BMW. I manage to lower it down from 49k to 44k. But with the ILX fully loaded it was 38k (12% tax here in BC) but I manage to talk it down to 34k (cash for both of course). 44k vs 34k (nav included) and the fact that my whole extended family all drive Honda and Acura. My parents told me to get the Acura which I did (even though I would be paying for it !). I am mainly writing this review to gave my impression and why I think many other reviews' criticism for this car seems invalid to me and that this car's many problems lies elsewhere.

Price:
I always find it strange that people complain so much about the price of this car. 30k+ for something what you call "luxury" is hardly expensive. However, I realized that most American counterpart are priced alot cheaper compare to us up north. The only exception seems to be the ILX which cost nearly the exact same when fully loaded.The competition, which I find shouldn't even be considered as competitions are the Buick Verano, VW Jetta and ILX's older brother TSX. Bear with me since its been 4 months since I last checked so my info might be a bit dated. TSX seems dated in looks and technology wise. The cost, even at base price, is still easily over the 30k mark in Canada. Same goes for Verano's cost when fully loaded (the sunroof is 1.5k extra). Only when you added the Nav is when Verano is slightly cheaper but ILX also gets the ELS sound system. They say Verano has the advantage of having 30 extra horse to play around with but keep in mind that ILX is also nearly 300lbs lighter (2900lbs vs 3200lbs). Now the Jetta is a lot cheaper but at 115hp you would want to cry at how slow that thing is. To upgrade to the 170hp and fully loaded we are also going to the 30k+ territory. Now, would you really want to pay 30k+ for a "VW badge" Jetta?

I really don't think the price is an issue here and considering the competition is a entry level German, an American, and a phased-out Japanese, the ILX should be safe. I would say if the ILX is not selling well is not because of the competition but many problems within the car itself.

Power-train:
Many criticize for its lack of power. Certainly, with an engine the size of a jug of milk and a car that wears a Acura badge; 150 hp must be very disappointing. While you could go for the 201 hp but you won't be getting Auto or Nav. with that. While I don't know what the heck was the Acura executives thinking, from personal experence driving this car with 150hp is completely fine.

On paper, I can see why everyone cries about a 30k+ car only getting 150hp. However, this car never ever felt slow to me. There are many people saying they felt underpowered over the highway. I can safely say that is not the case when I was under the driving seat. With only 2900lbs this car never feel too slow. An example would be when I drove the C250. With 2 heavy passenger in the back, that car felt like its having trouble MOVING. NOW THAT'S SLOW ! So unless you are power hungry or just use to driving cars with 180hp+, you would be completely fine with the ILX. The only time I ever felt underpowered was when I am climbing a really really steep hill. Unless you live on the mountains; this car is fine.

The steering is on the light side. Again, I actually think its a good thing because when you drive a lot, if the steering is heavy, it could be quite painful for some who lives in a very urbanized area with lots of turning and zigzagging.

Exterior:
Now, this is where I think ILX has a very strong lasting appeal. Criticism arise from its conservative looks. The front head light shapes kinda looks like a Camry. But this thing really stood the test of time. It's front "shield" grill has been toned down a little compare to the past generations. Also, if you look carefully; you will see that it only has one line for its grill under the shield. I prefer that over the new RLX grill. It just look "not-as-busy" which could be a good thing. The shape of the back light and coupe like figure gave it some bonus points. Trust me, look at it in person before you say anything about the exterior.

Interior:
This vehicle does not disappoint. You also have to see it in person to feel that it does separate itself from a Corolla/Sentra/Mazda3. The soft touch materials they use covers all the right places. It feels "posh" overall. Some said that the door control panels felt cheap, I personally felt that it was fine. I think people who got the beige interior would have more of a contrast in color thus making it feel cheap (the panels are black even if you chose the beige color for interior). The push-button feels great. I am a freak when it comes to how the button feels. I personally think Lexus has one of the best feel when it comes to push button. This is on-par with BMW's feel. The button feels much better then Audi/Infiniti (Nissan/Volks). The interior space is pretty decent as well. Which is quite surprising considering that its wheel base is only 105 inches when compared to both Lexus IS and Mercedes C-Class's 107-109. I am 5'10 almost 5"11 and I tend to move my chair quite far back. I let one of my buddy testing out the back seat. He sits directly behind me and he fits (barely ! But he is 6'2 and 210lbs). I tried that with C250 and IS250 and he was crushed ! It hurt him so bad that he wanted to get out of the car right away. The headroom in this car is pretty tight. If you are over 5'11 this might not be the best car for you to get. Thankfully, sunroof comes standard to make you feel not as tight.

Criticism:
(Technology/Feel/Practicality/Offerings/Equipment)