In 1995 the Inspire was updated by the second generation model, on a platform it shared with the Honda Legend, and exported to the US as the Acura 3.2 TL, while the Vigor nameplate was dropped. The longitudinal 2.5 L straight-5 engine layout and platform remained and was sold as the Acura 2.5 TL.
In 1999 these cars were replaced by the third generation TL that was based on the USA-spec Accord platform, and largely designed and engineered in the US by Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in Raymond, Ohio. Manufactured in the US, these were imported into Japan as the new Inspire and Saber.
In June 2003, the fourth generation Inspire was introduced in Japan. It was the redesigned American-spec Accord. This Inspire marks the first time Honda introduced their Variable Cylinder Management technology.
In October 2005, a fourth generation Inspire received a mild restyle, with new headlights, new taillights, revised interior and new colors. The Inspire targeted the Nissan Teana, the Toyota Mark X and numerous other entry level luxury cars from Japan.
In October 2007, the fifth generation of the Inspire was previewed at the Tokyo Auto Show. It is essentially a rebadged 2008 North American-market Accord with minor exterior and interior modifications.
On October 12, 1989, the "inspired Accord" was introduced. The Honda Inspire was shared with the Honda Vigor which was an upper trim level, previous generation JDM Honda Accord, and was sold in the USA as the Acura Vigor. The Honda Inspire shared its platform with the flagship Honda Legend, which was co-developed with British Leyland and used for the Rover 800. The Inspire was introduced before the recession developed in Japan in the early 1990s, and Honda wanted a car that would compete with the Toyota Mark II and Nissan Laurel, with the unique inline 5 cylinder Honda G engine, in a front wheel drive configuration. The Inspire was very successful for Honda. This 5 cylinder engine was also used in the JDM Honda Rafaga, which was a sedan.
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