Third-Generation Inspire – Finally, Discovering That Longitudinal Engines Don’t Suit Honda

Original: Hon达誌 | Japanese Car Enthusiast Magazine | 2025-02-04 15:04:04

The third-generation Honda Inspire was launched on October 15, 1998. In certain Honda sales networks, the Inspire is also known as the Saber. Notably, this was the first Honda designed and manufactured in the USA and then exported back to Japan. Produced in Ohio—the heart of American automotive manufacturing—this strategy was adopted to circumvent the 100% import tariff imposed by the US on Japanese cars, a move born of necessity. In the United States, this vehicle was marketed as the second-generation Acura TL. From this generation onward, the Inspire introduced Honda’s Internavi navigation system—a groundbreaking feature at the time—and the name Saber was used by Honda to designate its top-tier sedan.

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Starting with the third-generation Inspire, Honda abandoned the traditional longitudinal front-engine layout featuring a 5-cylinder engine. Instead, it adopted a transverse V6 engine with a VTEC variable lift system. The 3.2-liter J32A V6 (UA5) with a SOHC configuration (bore 89mm, stroke 86mm) produced 225 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 294 Nm of torque at 4700 rpm—with a narrow 1000 rpm gap between peak torque and peak power, making it well-suited for long-distance cruising. Additionally, a 2.5-liter J25A V6 (UA4) was introduced, almost exclusive to the Inspire and its sibling Saber, offering 200 horsepower and 240 Nm, with a variable intake duct system. Transmission options included a 4-speed S-matic (early models) and a 5-speed automatic (later models). On April 4, 2001, the Inspire received a minor update, boosting the J32A engine’s output slightly—similar to the engine used in Acura’s first CL coupe.

This generation also added an air conditioning filter (also known abroad as a pollen filter), a feature still missing on many inexpensive vehicles today. The third-generation Inspire adopted a four-door design with framed windows to meet U.S. side-impact safety standards. To enhance cabin comfort and increase interior space, Honda replaced the previous longitudinal engine layout with a transverse setup. The interior received smoother styling, and all models came standard with a Bose audio system. On May 11, 1999, dual-stage i-SRS front airbags—expanding in two stages based on the severity of impact—became standard, along with front seat side airbags. Notably, if you look carefully, you’ll see there is no handbrake lever behind the gear selector; indeed, the third-generation Inspire was the first, and remains the only, Honda sedan to feature a foot-operated parking brake.

Following the consolidation of Honda’s Japanese sales networks (Primo, Clio, and Verno), production of the Inspire/Saber ended in April 2003, with sales ceasing in June 2003, subsequently replaced by the fourth-generation Inspire (UC1).