Consumer Reports owners satisfaction survey results:

"The worst of the bunch, though, belongs to a brand known for being a stalwart of reliability and customer satisfaction. The Acura ILX, built by Honda, is now the least satisfying car available. According to CR, owners say,

“Lacks acceleration, noisy, poor quality paint, shaky ride… very expensive for the poor quality offered.”

“It shifts too soon into higher gear, making acceleration feel sluggish unless under hard acceleration.”

“Road noise is very pronounced. I will be trading the ILX in as soon as I can on something quieter.”


https://blog.cargurus.com/2016/12/26...-in-america-is

 

Wonder if this will cause them to lose sales and lead to better deals down the road.

 

^^ In case you haven't noticed, Acura's sales are down....way down!! The only thing keeping Acura afloat is the MDX and RDX.

 

I have noticed, but this could tip the scales in buyers favor some more.

 

Don't believe everything you read in consumer Reports. They get their opinions from surveys of their readers. These surveys ask questions about any problem areas, and of course the people who had or imagined they had issues are the ones who respond negatively.

 

Isn't that the point of a survey?

 

The point is: not everyone responds to surveys. Satisfied customers don't always take time to respond at all. I actually received the survey because of my subscription to CR, but didn't respond because I'm satisfied with my ILX in spit of its idiosyncrasies.

 

Just because you didn't respond doesn't mean all satisfied people don't respond. That would have to be true for all the other cars tested then the ILX would still be ranked as low as it did. Even if the mostly negative reviews were recorded like you say, it still shows there were a lot for the ILX compared to other cars.

 

I like that last line.
somewhere along the lines, we're forgetting that a car is a machine. and a machine cant do it all, yet....

 

Until Skynet becomes self aware.

 

People buy the ILX who are looking for something like a Lexus, and think Acura is comparable. It is, but the ILX isn't a lexus. I love it because it's tossable, has a sporty ride and gets good mileage, which is a great combo a lot of the time. But it doesn't really coddle the driver, which is what people want out of a non-performance luxury car. Performance doesn't always = power and grip, and I love the way the ILX handles, so I think it's sporty even with just 150hp.

A quieter ride would be appreciated, but that's about it for me. Seems like people didn't know what they were buying.

 

I have driven ILX's numerous times, both Hybrid and non-hybrid. The things that stuck out to me immediately are how well it handles for a FWD car, I mean really the body control was awesome while delivering a very well and germanically dampened ride The interior fit and finish, no they won't make BMW or Mercedes worry, but it was VERY well put together and surprised me in a few areas. Lastly the 8DCT was awesome, extremely smooth while delivering very crisp shifts.

The one negative thing that stuck out to me, and the reason I would NEVER buy an ILX was that it severely lacks power IMHO unless you use the paddles to keep it in second all the time or keep the transmission in sport mode (which gets a bit rowdy after a while). Maybe I am just more used to larger engines or maybe it was really smooth, but it felt like it needed about 50 more hp and a turbo to function better. There was no real push when pressing the gas pedal all the way down, a very high strung engine IMHO.

So no I don't understand why it would get such nrgative reviews because my perceived lack of power is obviously very observable in a 2 minute trst drive and everything else works really well IMHO.

 

That therein lies the problem.
Who is Acura?
sporty? luxury? Honda's red headed stepchild? Does Acura have value in a crowded competitive segment?

 

Acura is none of the above...THAT is the problem! They are trying to be a "poor man's Lexus". I use that term very loosely because an MDX is 70k in Canada! That is not poor man's money! For 70k the interior should be absolutely amazing and it's simply "ok". They do commercials showing their cars on race-tracks and we all know well that is bullshit. If you want to be luxury comfort, do that, triple seal your doors and windows, use real wood, cut down on wind noise, show your cars in commercials going to the opera or some shit. A lot of times I see people saying the TLX is a bargain compared to a 5 series for example, but really look at what you are getting, a fancy Accord (no offense intended here, not trying to start a TLX flame war) so they don't have the right to ask as much as a 5 series IMHO.

 

So well said...I may print, laminate and post in my office!!

 

Haha thanks man!

 

Yeah, it really isn't powerful. But you know what they say, more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow, especially when it does actually drive well!

Great point which many have asked. I wish I knew...No, I wish they knew

 

Lmao I agree, but I would rather have a moderately fast car that I can drive fast some of the time. But all joking aside, it really is a nice package, simply let down by a slightly watery engine.

 

Makes me wonder if some of those comments/responses are from owners of the various model years. I think the '13-'15 model years are worse in the acceleration/road noise/jumpy ride categories. I think the '16 should be judged on its own merits, as those issues were addressed to varying degrees. (FWIW, I'm a '13 2.4 owner who is considerably dissatisfied with the road noise, but hopefully will be largely satisfied with the ultimate value as the car, now paid off, goes well beyond 200k miles over the next 10-15 years.)

 

I wonder if they make a distinction between the pre-MMC and MMC ILXs. The 2016+ ILX is upgraded in many ways.

 

Agree. I drove both 2013-2015 models and the 2016+ models and did really see an almost night and day difference in terms of acceleraton, ride, overall quality felt better too. I hated the 2013-2015, and was more accepting of the 2016+ by a long shot.

 

Wouldnt that apply to ALL auto manufactures?
1st through 3 years, always always bugs!
it's the last years in the "generation" that auto manufactures ALWAYS perfect

 

I agree and disagree with you simply based on the basis that we are talking about 2 different things. I was not talking about bugs, I was referring to the power train upgrades specifically. The 2013-2015 ILX was either a hybrid with CVT (by far worst car I have EVER driven...111hp? WHAT?), or a 2.0l with 5 speed combo. Then in 2016 they used their brains and put in the 2.4l and 8 speed DCT combo. This is the addition of 50-90 hp and 30-43 lb/ft, so very significant upgrades.They also revised the exterior design (MUCH better in 2016) and revised the interior as well but these were minor in relation to the power train changes. So that is what I was referring to, not general bugs.

In case you all are wondering why the hell I have driven every iteration of the ILX despite not liking it, it is because they were loaners when I took my RDX and MDX in for service.

 

I for one.. am disappointed by my 2016 ILX. - Not super disappointed, but on a scale of 1 - 10, i'd say i'm like a 6. The vehicle is def fun to drive and I like the way the DCT shifts - but i'm let down by the build quality / noise level / and features that come with the car for the price. Build quality issues experienced range from minor rattles to a constant buzz that comes from the center console area that they can't seem to resolve. For what is supposed to be an entry level "luxury" vehicle, I feel like the noise level in the cabin is relatively loud (I felt like the ford focus I had a as a rental during the Takata recall was much quieter).

I know this is supposed to be a step above it's sibling Civic, but for around the same price as a base ILX - you could get a fully loaded Civic Touring with more features than any available ILX.

 

to revise something is to alter or change something in light of further evidence.
Acura clearly saw the weak engine as a bug and had to revise and improve it

 

You are forgetting the 2013-2015 ILX 2.4 with the 6 speed manual. This is the only ILX I would (and do) ever own. Most of the complaints I read in OP's post regarding performance can no way be applicable to the 2013-2015 2.4L.

 

When you think of prices, you really need to consider the actual prices paid after negotiating. Due to the ILX not selling well, awesome deals can be had. I got my '16 tech plus ASPEC ILX for $29.5k, and it only involved 2 phone calls with the sales guy. I actually originally tried to buy a Civic Touring, but given it was a new model and dealers were sticking to MSRP and the fact that the infotainment bugs hadn't been resolved, I was actually happy to pay only about $2k more for an ILX with a much better powertrain. The only features the Civic has over the ILX were rain sensing wipers and heated rear seats. The ILX also has blind spot monitor, biggers wheels, and more telematics built in.

 

Agree that the manual 2.4 ILX is probably much peppier than the automatic. The problem is, most customers can't or won't buy a manual. I drove a manual for years in my earlier days, but now there's no way I can stand to drive a manual in traffic. DCTs are so good now even if there was no traffic, I'd still prefer a DCT.

 

I have the 2.4 manual and it was VERY highly rated by most any reviewer.

Introduction

**Sidenote...I drive about an hour+ (40-45 miles one way) to LA now 4-6 times a week. I had joined a skilled unions trade and was driving to DTLA for work. But now I'm going to college to be an electrician, and then and eventually transfer and go for engineer. I had to change career paths a few times already because GI Bill changed what was funded for specific schools and programs drastically within the last few years...(pilot/flight programs, paying for recognized apprenticeships, paying for very expensive schools, etc)... Post 911 GI Bill is still relatively new, so its still changing... also had a few schools no shit DOUBLE their tuition rate within the last 8 years(from when I first was interested in their program, until I was actually able to "afford' to go there with GI Bill money), from $80,000 to $160,000... so that was NOT gonna happen to me, not gonna let myself graduate in debt, having a GI Bill... HELL NO...

So, the reason i chose to buy an ILX, was because I WANTED "a poor man's Lexus". I WANTED a super nice CIVIC. A car that can do double duty. look nice, get great MPG, handle LA traffic, potholes, not get devalued greatly by picking up the nicks and bumps and such... I really like Toyota/Lexus. But maintenance costs, insurance, gas, repairs, modding, not to mention basic payment... WAY more expensive. People are expecting too much for the price... ESPECIALLY OF THE 2016+ models. This is something I said RIGHT out of the gate. The 2016+ models are WAY overpriced!!

I would have been happy with a TSX 6spd... BUT, honestly the update was way too physically big, and the older ones, the good ones...the owners hold on to them.
If you really want an ILX.. HELL NO! don't buy a brand new one man! Get a used one the price drop is HUGE! Mine was lightly used! Wasn't even close to a year old! Was a STEAL! I saved like $7,5000 off of KBB value! NOW, i bet you can get a CRAZY deal with these 2016+ models! I mean, they are basically going for $30k+ new! MAJOR RIPOFF! I bet you can find a lightly used one EASILY for close to $20k, and THAT will be a GREAT deal! DO NOT, DO NOT, buy this car new!

The main issue is people are expecting a LOT MORE when they pay $30,000, and I AGREE WITH THEM. I never payed anything close to that, so I'm pretty damn happy.

if you want "more luxury"... PAY MORE, and get the TLX, or even the Accord (higher trims). I really don't think you will find it in the ILX. It's the entry model for a reason

 

"Finally, a semiaggressive exhaust note is joined by a tiresome buzziness from underhood during top-gear 80-mph cruises, at which point the engine is spinning at 3500 or so rpm. The sound isn’t as refined as it ought to be in this segment; luxury—entry-level, sporty, or otherwise—doesn’t sound like a Civic Si. Perhaps this has caused some short-shifting among our usually redline-happy drivers, as the ILX has returned 27 mpg combined so far, four below the 31-mpg EPA highway rating. "
2013 Acura ILX 2.4 Premium Long-Term Test Wrap-Up ? Review ? Car and Driver

SMH... This dude is talking about 80 mph cruises not returning the EPA HWY rating of 31?... HMMM let me take a WILD guess and say that I'm pretty sure they didn't base that off of going 80MPH, a HWY speed that is ILLEGAL in most places... Although realistically, people DO drive that way... I DO, not gonna lie.... BUT... As I've also posted before, I use nothing but full synthetic oil and premium filters. I'm cheap (economical, good kind of cheap), I pay a Honda mechanic $10 for labor, and pay about $35 for oil and filter, just keep an eye out for sales. Jiffy lube and such charge about $100 out the door price nowadays, for ALMOST the same thing, except WITH A CHEAPER QUALITY BASIC FILTER. I have only let the oil get to as low as 10% twice, 5% ONCE right when i pulled in for the oil change. I usually get ready to change it once the minder goes off at 15%, so basically at about 6000+ miles and I aim for a max of about 6500-ish... The oil is supposed to last 7,500 miles, more or less... so a little early isn't too bad. a LOT better then... then changing it LATE.... NOOOOOOOOO

ESPECIALLY, when I can now regularly average VERY HIGH MPG. I just got an iPhone,& but I will try to upload pics for proof. I can normally get 40+MPG average on 40 mile trips to LA, usually at about 65+mph...and that's in steady traffic. THAT IS MORE THEN ILX HYBRID MODEL EPA RATINGS. (38MPG HWY, and 39MPG in the City)... BUT , still have the fun and the getup from the 2.4 VTEC motor....If I DO drive at higher speeds, then I still see numbers like high 36+ MPG... City MPG can still vary pretty greatly from as low as 23.5MPG aggressive driving/horrible traffic, to even past 30MPG in great traffic conditions... But I regularly get WELL PAST 30+ MPG mixed driving from every tank.

PART of this is simply having a stick shift and knowing my car very well now. I know when to accelerate, and when to coast, when to leave it in gear and use engine braking (newer skill for me), when to apply brakes...Kind of a fun game really...Makes traffic a bit easier to deal with...

PART of it is also using nothing but 91 octane (best I can get where I live, and what Acura recommends, PREMIUM FUEL). Part of it is using full synthetic and premium filters. I have sporty tires. I may eventually switch over to ECO tires... Just to see the difference/ boost to what I get currently...

If I had gotten a Lexus IS, I think best MPG I could hope for would be around high 20's... MAYBE... then again, when driving a true luxury car, MPG is probably not the end all be all... Like I said, the ILX can't do it all. I think it IS a poor man's Lexus, or a a Civic in an awesome Tux. That's fine with me, that's what I wanted.

 

You Can?t Beat It With a Stick - The New York Times

You Can’t Beat It With a Stick

 

 

sorry about over kill pic size... again, new phone for me... my bad....
** I DO also various suspension upgrades, but nothing too crazy really, but I'm sure it all adds up and helps (dropped on springs, various suspension bars, better brakes)...I also have a cold air intake, exhaust and header, and I am NOT TUNED YET, I have plans for more suspension upgrades and really, I STILL have room to gain even higher MPG.

Also, I do use cruise control... in some situations, long steady trip, no traffic, it works awesome. In any kind of traffic, not so much...

You can see in one of the pics I was doing 70MPH and I had 39.1 MPG. Another one I was doing OVER 70MPH and I had 39.3 MPG

Clear pics were obviously when i was fully stopped.

Bottom pic I had over 45 MPG for something like a 20-30 mile trip. Sorry it was a really shitty pic, haha

 

I agree with you that the ILX is capable of great MPG. Last summer I drove my 2016 from NJ to Nashville-830 miles. Speeds for the most part were in the 70-75mph range. My indicated mileage ran anywhere from 38-42. When I refueled I checked on my calculator and found that 42 indicated was around 38 actual. Still not bad and you're correct- a lot better than a Lexus. I didn't expect this car to be a soft luxury vehicle, but a sporty one. In that respect I'm not at all disappointed. I also agree with you about maintenance- my car had just had its first oil change at 6200 miles when I made the trip; so the engine may not have been completely broken in.

 

Poignant questions indeed! I would add technology? green?

I recall a print ad for the 1986 Integra. It featured a side view drawing of the car, and its reflection, beneath and upside down, was a Porsche 944s (I think). Regardless, it was one of the lesser Porsches, but still a Porsche. The blurb said the Integra would still lose to the Porsche in a race, but you get the idea that Porsche was the Integra's benchmark. It's fairly well known that Ferrari was the benchmark for the NSX. I'm not sure what was used for the Legend. In those days, Acura had clarity and a mission.

Anyway, I've turned my basement upside down looking for that ad! I may have thrown it away.

 

You know right as I posted that comment I realized that I forgot about the manual and 2.4 combo. I am willing to bet the DCT and 2.4 combo offer even performance than the manual does but by and large I would take the manual and 2.4 over the previous 2 choices.

Last week I was given an ILX hybrid as a loaner while my MDX was getting an oil change. It in no way fixed my prior experience or my prior impressions towards the ILX. In fact made me despise it VERY much and surprisingly is even lower on my list than it was before. I was not expecting this lmao because it was already very low. How Acura thought it was ok and good to go is WAY beyond me. The ride was very harsh and busy coupled with very disappointing performance made for some not so fond memories.

 

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymo...cura_ILX.shtml

ff2013 Acura ILX 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Automatic (S5)Premium Gasoline
How can I share my MPG?
2013 Acura ILX 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Manual 6-spdPremium GasolineHow can I share my MPG?
2013 Acura ILX Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(AV-S7)Premium Gasoline
How can I share my MPG?

 

Part of the reason why I'm so happy with my personal MPG is because I'm actually getting WAY better then what my specific model is actually rated for (25MPG)... I'm regularly getting 10+ MPG higher (35+ MPG all day, mixed driving)... I can squeeze up to 400 miles out of a tank based on my driving habits and good maintenance... The hybrid still does better but not by much, and I didn't pay a premium for it... Nor did I get way less HP... If I'm doing all HWY, I'm actually BEATING the hybrid... but since I obviously do have mixed driving... it's actually still about the same tho, tank to tank... best I saw someone report with the hybrid was 43 MPG, and that was only on one website... Actually most people I found got the reported 38, and a few squeezed out 40 MPG...

The hybrid also had 16 inch wheels and i think the seats don't fold down in the back, due to the hybrid battery or something... Just not really worth it...If you are purely focused on MPG, then a Prius still whoops its ass....

Now... the 2016 model... best numbers i have seen was someone got 43MPG... Really tho, I think with name brand full synthetic oil and a premium filter, premium gas, a great set of name brand ECO/MPG maximizing tires... you can probably get something like 45MPG, pretty realistic... maybe even get up to like 46MPG with a cold air intake and an exhaust.... I mean, I have gotten 45+MPG at decent clips. And I'm a human shifting... so human error... the 8spd DCT, has two more "gears" and the DCT shifts way faster then a human... so it SHOULD be able to outperform me... I'm being conservative.. maybe it could even do better... either way, I wouldn't get a hybrid model vs a 2016+ or a stick shift model

 

This is logic I can't argue with, not to mention the CVT in the hybrid is probably less robust than the manual and autos.

 

I have the manual 2.4. My MPG meter always reads high. At one point, it had read out 34.7 mpg overall (since I had bought the car, and when I had about 56k miles on it), where my "real" MPG, as calculated by miles driven/gallons filled was around 31. That was with a good amount of highway driving. I, too, could get 400 miles on a tank (most between fillups was 411), but I would have less than 1 gallon left in a 13.2 gallon tank. I think that time I did 411 I filled up 12.5 gallons, for 32.9mpg, which is my record (and sounds pretty close to what you get on your 400-mile tanks). I don't remember exactly, but generally the readout would say 37+ in those situations.

That's not to say I wasn't extraordinarily happy with my fuel economy, which had been advertised at 25, just that I had to take the readout with a grain of salt. I've since switched to regular fuel and have seen a drop in efficiency, although not enough to justify the higher price of premium (I'm more around 29mpg actual now).