The Honda Inspire I, specifically the 25 Exclusive variant with the 190 horsepower engine and automatic transmission, was a flagship sedan produced by Honda between January 1992 and January 1995. Falling under the CB5, CC2, and CC3 chassis codes, the Inspire represented Honda’s entry into the upper-midsize sedan segment, primarily targeted at the Japanese domestic market (JDM). It was positioned as a more luxurious and refined alternative to the Honda Accord, offering a larger interior, more powerful engine options, and a more sophisticated driving experience. The 25 Exclusive trim represented the top-of-the-line offering within the first-generation Inspire range.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Inspire |
| Generation | Inspire I (CB5/CC2/CC3) |
| Type | 25 Exclusive (190 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | January, 1992 |
| End of production | January, 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.6 kg/Hp, 131.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 237 Nm @ 3800 rpm (174.8 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | G25A |
| Engine displacement | 2451 cm3 (149.57 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86.4 mm (3.4 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1440 kg (3174.66 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4830 mm (190.16 in.) |
| Width | 1775 mm (69.88 in.) |
| Height | 1375 mm (54.13 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2805 mm (110.43 in.) |
| Front track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Rear track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 25 Exclusive was the G25A engine, a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was a significant departure from the four-cylinder engines typically found in the Accord, and it was a key selling point for the Inspire. The G25A featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain and multi-port fuel injection, contributing to its smooth power delivery. The engine produced 190 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 237 Nm (174.8 lb-ft) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine was mounted longitudinally, driving the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. This transmission was chosen for its emphasis on comfort and ease of use, aligning with the Inspire’s luxury positioning. The automatic transmission, while not offering the sporty engagement of a manual, provided smooth shifts and contributed to a relaxed driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The 190 hp output and automatic transmission combination resulted in a comfortable, yet not particularly sporty, driving experience. Acceleration was adequate for the time, but the automatic transmission did sap some of the engine’s potential. The Inspire wasn’t designed for aggressive driving; instead, it prioritized a smooth ride and quiet cabin. The four-speed automatic’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and comfortable cruising, rather than maximizing performance. Compared to a manual transmission-equipped Inspire, the automatic version felt noticeably slower, especially during overtaking maneuvers. However, the automatic offered a level of convenience that appealed to buyers seeking a refined and effortless driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 25 Exclusive trim was the highest specification available on the Inspire I. Standard features included power windows, power locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, a high-quality audio system, and velour upholstery. The interior was designed with a focus on comfort and spaciousness, offering ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and leather upholstery. The dashboard layout was clean and functional, with easy-to-read gauges and logically placed controls. The overall interior ambiance was one of understated elegance, reflecting the Inspire’s positioning as a premium sedan.
Chassis & Braking
The Inspire I utilized a double wishbone suspension system at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension was tuned to prioritize ride quality over handling sharpness. The 25 Exclusive model was equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for its weight class. Hydraulic power steering was standard, making maneuvering easy and effortless. The tires were typically 205/60 R15, offering a good balance of grip and ride comfort. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Honda Inspire I was generally well-received in the Japanese market. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission detracted from the driving experience. Compared to the Honda Accord, the Inspire offered a more luxurious and refined experience, but at a higher price point. The 25 Exclusive trim was considered a strong value proposition, offering a generous level of equipment for its price. Fuel economy was reasonable for a 2.5-liter engine, averaging around 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg). Reliability was generally excellent, as expected from a Honda product.
Legacy
The Honda Inspire I, and particularly the 25 Exclusive variant, remains a sought-after classic car in Japan. The G25A engine is known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance requirements. While finding parts can be challenging outside of Japan, the engine’s robust design ensures that well-maintained examples can continue to provide reliable service for many years. The Inspire I represents a significant chapter in Honda’s history, demonstrating the company’s ability to create a truly luxurious and refined sedan. Today, the 25 Exclusive is appreciated by enthusiasts for its unique character, comfortable ride, and powerful engine, making it a desirable and increasingly collectible vehicle.
