The Honda Inspire III (UA4/UA5) 3.2 i V6 24V, produced between 2001 and 2003, represented a significant step up in refinement and performance for Honda’s mid-size sedan offering. Positioned as a more premium alternative to the Accord, the Inspire catered to buyers seeking a comfortable, spacious, and powerful vehicle. This particular variant, equipped with the 3.2-liter V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, was a flagship model within the Inspire III range, offering the highest level of performance available. The Inspire, primarily sold in Japan, was designed to compete with domestic rivals like the Toyota Crown and Nissan Cefiro, emphasizing luxury and a smooth driving experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Inspire |
| Generation | Inspire III (UA4/UA5) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.2 i V6 24V (260 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14 l/100 km (16.8 US mpg, 20.2 UK mpg, 7.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg, 31.4 UK mpg, 11.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.1 kg/Hp, 165.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm, 186.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 260 Hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Power per litre | 81 Hp/l |
| Torque | 294 Nm @ 4500 rpm (216.84 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | J32A2 |
| Engine displacement | 3210 cm3 (195.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1575 kg (3472.28 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 405 l (14.3 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4840 mm (190.55 in.) |
| Width | 1785 mm (70.28 in.) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2745 mm (108.07 in.) |
| Front track | 1555 mm (61.22 in.) |
| Rear track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine (ICE) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 17 |
Introduction
The UA4/UA5 Inspire represented the third generation of Honda’s Inspire line, launched in 2001. Built on the extended Honda Accord platform (often referred to as the 1HX0/A3 platform), the Inspire aimed to provide a more luxurious and refined experience than its Accord sibling. The 3.2 i V6 24V Automatic variant was the top-of-the-line model, offering a substantial power increase over the more common 2.5-liter V6 and four-cylinder options. This model was primarily targeted at Japanese domestic market (JDM) buyers who desired a comfortable, well-equipped, and relatively sporty sedan.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Inspire 3.2 was the J32A2 engine, a 3.2-liter, naturally aspirated V6. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain and multi-port fuel injection. The J32A2 was known for its smooth power delivery and relatively high output for a naturally aspirated engine of its time. The engine produced 260 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 294 Nm (216.84 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. The four-speed automatic transmission was specifically tuned to complement the V6’s characteristics, prioritizing smooth shifts and comfortable cruising. While not a particularly advanced transmission by modern standards, it was reliable and well-suited to the engine’s powerband.
Driving Characteristics
The Inspire 3.2 i V6 Automatic offered a noticeably more engaging driving experience than the lower-spec models. The increased horsepower and torque allowed for brisk acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The four-speed automatic, while not offering the responsiveness of a manual transmission or a more modern automatic with more gears, provided smooth and predictable shifts. Compared to the 2.5-liter V6 Inspire, the 3.2-liter model felt significantly more powerful, particularly in overtaking situations. The front-wheel-drive layout, while providing good traction in most conditions, could exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride over most road surfaces, but it wasn’t particularly sporty.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.2 i V6 Automatic Inspire typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as the premium trim level. Standard features often included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a premium sound system, automatic climate control, and woodgrain interior trim. Optional extras could include a navigation system, sunroof, and upgraded audio components. The interior design emphasized comfort and spaciousness, with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard layout was clean and functional, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Inspire III utilized a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The suspension consisted of a double wishbone setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, prioritizing ride comfort. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, supplemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The steering was a rack-and-pinion system with hydraulic power assistance, providing a light and responsive feel. The car rode on 215/50 R17 tires mounted on 6.5J x 17 inch alloy wheels.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Inspire 3.2 i V6 Automatic was generally well-received by Japanese automotive critics. It was praised for its smooth engine, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some critics noted that the four-speed automatic transmission felt dated compared to the newer five- and six-speed automatics offered by competitors. Compared to the 2.5-liter Inspire, the 3.2-liter model offered a significant performance advantage but came at a higher price point. Fuel economy was also lower with the larger engine, averaging around 14 l/100 km in urban driving and 9 l/100 km on the highway.
Legacy
The Honda Inspire III 3.2 i V6 Automatic, while not a high-volume seller, remains a desirable vehicle among JDM enthusiasts. The J32A2 engine is known for its reliability and durability, provided it is properly maintained. Today, these vehicles are increasingly sought after for their unique blend of luxury, performance, and Japanese engineering. Finding well-maintained examples can be challenging, as many have accumulated significant mileage. However, the Inspire 3.2 i V6 continues to offer a compelling alternative to more common mid-size sedans, providing a glimpse into Honda’s commitment to refinement and driving pleasure.
