The Honda Saber (UA4) 3.2 i V6 24V, produced between 1998 and 2003, represents a unique offering from Honda during a period focused on increasingly sophisticated and comfortable sedans. Positioned as a slightly more upscale alternative to the Honda Inspire, the Saber aimed to provide a blend of performance, luxury, and practicality for the Japanese domestic market. It was built on the Honda V6 platform, sharing its core structure with the Inspire but distinguished by more refined styling and a focus on a more spirited driving experience, particularly with the 3.2-liter V6 engine option. The UA4 designation specifically refers to the fourth generation of the Saber, and this variant was exclusively available with a front-wheel drive configuration.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Saber |
| Generation | Saber (UA4) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.2 i V6 24V (225 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 year |
| End of production | 2003 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 10.75 l/100 km (21.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 5.49 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.8 kg/Hp, 148 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 193.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 225 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 294 Nm @ 4500 rpm (216.84 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| 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 | OHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1520 kg (3351.03 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1795 kg (3957.3 lbs.) |
| Max load | 275 kg (606.27 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 (Back) track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| 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 | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| 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 | 205/60 R15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Saber UA4 3.2 i is the J32A engine, a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6. This engine is a member of Honda’s J-series family, known for its smooth operation and relatively high output. The J32A features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system. The engine’s 9.8:1 compression ratio contributes to its responsive nature. The 225 horsepower peak is achieved at 5500 rpm, while the 294 Nm (216.84 lb-ft) of torque is available at 4500 rpm. This engine was paired exclusively with a four-speed automatic transmission in the Saber UA4, designed to provide smooth and comfortable shifts. The transmission was calibrated to prioritize comfort over outright performance, reflecting the Saber’s positioning as a luxury-oriented sedan.
Driving Characteristics
The Saber 3.2 i Automatic offered a refined driving experience. While not a sports sedan, the 3.2-liter V6 provided ample power for confident highway cruising and overtaking. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not as sophisticated as modern multi-gear units, offered smooth shifts and adequate responsiveness. Compared to the 2.5-liter engine option available in the Inspire, the 3.2-liter Saber delivered noticeably stronger acceleration and a more relaxed feel at higher speeds. The front-wheel drive configuration provided predictable handling, although it lacked the dynamic capabilities of all-wheel drive systems found in some competing vehicles. The gear ratios were tuned for comfortable cruising, with a focus on minimizing engine noise and maximizing fuel efficiency during normal driving conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Saber UA4 3.2 i typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as a premium offering. Standard features included power windows, power locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, and a high-quality audio system. Higher trim levels added features such as leather upholstery, woodgrain interior trim, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. The interior design emphasized comfort and spaciousness, with supportive seats and a well-laid-out dashboard. Optional extras included navigation systems, automatic climate control, and various cosmetic enhancements.
Chassis & Braking
The Saber UA4 utilized a conventional suspension setup, with coil springs and independent suspension at all four wheels. The front suspension featured MacPherson struts, while the rear employed a multi-link design. This configuration provided a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road surface effectively. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency braking situations. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assistance, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Honda Saber UA4 3.2 i 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 somewhat dated compared to the newer transmissions offered by competitors. Compared to the Honda Inspire, the Saber offered a more powerful engine and a slightly more upscale interior. Fuel economy was respectable for a V6-powered sedan of its size, averaging around 10.75 l/100 km in urban driving and 5.49 l/100 km on the highway. Reliability was generally high, consistent with Honda’s reputation for building durable vehicles.
Legacy
The Honda Saber UA4 3.2 i, while not a high-volume seller, remains a respected vehicle among Honda enthusiasts. The J32A engine is known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance requirements. Today, well-maintained examples of the Saber UA4 are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of comfort, performance, and reliability. The car represents a unique chapter in Honda’s history, showcasing the company’s ability to create refined and sophisticated sedans for the Japanese domestic market. The powertrain, while aging, continues to be regarded as a robust and dependable unit, contributing to the Saber’s enduring appeal in the used car market.
