The World’s First Car with Automatic Collision Prevention System: The Fourth-Generation Inspire
Original Author: HonDaZhi | Published Today
On June 18, 2003, the fourth-generation Inspire was born. As mentioned in previous articles introducing the Inspire, this car was initially manufactured in Ohio, USA. However, Honda began differentiating the Inspire from Acura models in this generation. Previously, products from the same production line could carry either an Acura or Honda logo. For this generation, Honda moved production of the Inspire back to the Sayama Plant in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, although the development process still took place in North America.
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The fourth-generation Inspire featured many changes. For example, it no longer used the Acura TL platform but reverted to the US-spec Accord. The engine choice was limited to the J30A, and it came with many features that we take for granted today.
The rear of the car looked almost identical to the domestic Accord.
Looking at the pictures, you might think, "Isn't this just an Accord?" You're right! In the Chinese market, what we know as the seventh-generation Accord is this Inspire. It was also sold in the US as the Accord, while in Japan, it was named the Inspire. The car's positioning was clear: like previous Inspire models, it targeted the luxury market with softer ride quality. Meanwhile, the Accord sold in Japan (CL/CM series) leaned more towards sportiness, which we will explore in future articles.
This is the Japanese domestic market Accord Wagon (CM), which had a more sporty orientation, including the version sold in Europe.
The standout feature of the fourth-generation Inspire was its new systems, including the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) engine technology and the HiDS (Honda Intelligent Driver Support System). In Japan, the Inspire was offered in three trims: “30TL,” “30TE,” and “Avanzare,” with Avanzare being the highest-spec version. The HiDS system, equipped on the Avanzare, included IHCC (Intelligent Highway Cruise Control), CMBS (Collision Mitigation Brake System), and LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist System). Think about it—these features only became common in most markets over the past three to five years, yet they were standard on the 2003 Japanese-spec Inspire. These features later appeared on other Honda models like the Odyssey, Elysion, and CR-V, but the configurations discussed here refer exclusively to the Japanese market.
Key features like keyless entry, anti-glare rearview mirrors, active noise cancellation, lane-keeping, collision mitigation braking (CMBS), and ACC cruise control were already present.
Honda was the first brand in the world to offer an automatic braking system. In 2003, Honda also introduced the E-Pretenser system, which worked with the seatbelt motor and CMBS. The system had three warning stages:
- Stage 1: Audio and visual warnings to alert the driver.
- Stage 2: The seatbelt pre-tensioner activated with 2–3 shoulder tugs, adding tactile feedback to the warnings.
- Stage 3: CMBS applied automatic braking to reduce the severity of a predicted collision.
Later versions of the Inspire featured upgraded navigation systems with an 8-inch HDD-based screen capable of 3D mapping. Japanese drivers were often impressed by the map graphics.
The engine lineup dropped the previous generation’s 2.5L J25A and offered only the 3.0L J30A i-VTEC engine. This SOHC engine used the VCM feature, which could deactivate the front three cylinders during low-load conditions, allowing the rear three cylinders to operate. The VCM system could switch between 6, 4, and 3-cylinder modes to improve fuel efficiency. To maintain smoothness during cylinder deactivation, the engine was equipped with active noise cancellation. The J30A produced 250 HP while maintaining excellent fuel economy. The transmission was a 5-speed automatic with S-Matic. When using manual mode, the VCM system was deactivated, allowing all six cylinders to remain active.
This is the 3.0L J30A engine. While it still uses an SOHC configuration, it achieves remarkable fuel efficiency.
In November 2004, the Inspire gained heated mirrors, a feature that kept them clear in rainy or foggy conditions. New color options were also introduced.
In May 2005, Honda released the limited-edition “30TE Limited” based on the 30TE trim, featuring enhanced electric seat adjustments, lumbar support, and woodgrain interior trim.
In November 2005, the Inspire received a minor facelift. Changes included a redesigned grille and, most notably, LED tail lights for better visibility.
Later models featured trapezoidal LED tail lights with excellent recognition.
The Inspire equipped with Mugen aero kits looked incredibly sporty.
In November 2007, production of the fourth-generation Inspire ceased. Inventory models continued selling until December, when the fifth-generation Inspire debuted, marking the official end of the fourth generation.
This information focuses on the Japanese market, but globally, this car was mostly sold under the Accord name, as in China and the US.
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