1990-1992 Eagle Premier Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Eagle Premier. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Eagle Premier.

1990-1992 Eagle Premier Review

The front-drive, mid-size Premier sedan was introduced in 1988 and actually had displayed Renault logos. By 1990, the initial 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine was gone, replaced by a 3.0-liter V6. Base LX and mid-level ES models were offered, along with a sporty ES Limited. Premiers had a floor-mounted gearshift for the automatic transmission and a center console. Among other noteworthy refinements for 1990 were standard 4-wheel disc brakes, an upgraded touring suspension, a stainless steel exhaust system, and rear shoulder belts. Dodge began to market an equivalent Monaco sedan in 1990.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Eagle Premier: Antilock braking became standard on the ES Limited in 1991, optional on the base LX and mid-level ES. Air conditioning became standard on all Premiers. A new grille and taillamps went on the ES Limited.

1992 Eagle Premier: Styling was just slightly revised for 1992. The LX and ES got a new grille and taillamps, similar to those installed on the ES Limited for 1991.

1990-1992 Eagle Premier Road Test

Pros	Cons

Handling/roadholding	Fuel economy

Ride	Instruments/controls

Acceleration

Passenger and cargo room

Antilock brakes (optional)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Teamed with a precise-shifting automatic transmission, the smooth V6 engine delivers ample power and snappy performance. Premiers hold the road nicely and ride comfortably, with precise and responsive steering. You can expect a firm, but pliant and well-controlled ride. Though squarish in profile, Premier's drag coefficient actually beats that of a Ford Taurus, which can help boost gas mileage on the highway, at least. Supportive seats with plenty of room for five highlight the Premier's airy cabin. Three adults fit the front bench seat, while rear leg room is impressive. As for luggage, the spacious trunk has a flat floor. Controls are a bit unusual--even quirky. Slide levers and buttons that operate the headlamps, windshield wipers, and climate-control system are mounted on flimsy-feeling plastic pods attached to the steering column. They're easy enough to reach, but some are illogical in operation.

Value for the Money
Sound automobiles overall, Premiers still are attractively priced for their size and high level of equipment. Wise shoppers might see them instead as "sleepers," delivering much more than expected.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Eagle Premier ES	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	5

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	5

Total:	46

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1992 Eagle Premier Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Climate control: On cars with automatic temperature control, the blower may blow cold air when the temperature is below 20 degrees (F) until the engine warms up. A new powertrain control module is required. (1991-92)

Engine misfire: Cars with the 3.0-liter engine may sag or pop under hard acceleration, then surge between 30-40 mph when warm. The fix is to replace the engine control computer. (1991-92)

Engine misfire: Trouble with the fuel pump may cause the pressure to fluctuate, which results in loss of power. (1991-92)

Hard starting: The engine may not start due to a lack of compression caused by bad rocker arm assemblies. (1990-92)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$430

Alternator	$355

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,145

Brakes	$285

Constant Velocity Joints	$420

Exhaust System	$235

Radiator	$435

Shocks and/or Struts	$620

Timing Chain or Belt	$135

NHTSA Recall History

1990: Lower intermediate steering shaft may separate at its coupling, which could result in loss of steering control.

1990-91 in 15 states and Washington, D.C.: Front disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for extensive period in "salt belt"; can eventually compromise structural integrity, allowing wear surface to separate from hub.

1990-91: Rear brake tube routing is contacted by fuel tank heat shield, which may damage brake fluid tube.

1990-92: Automatic shoulder belt systems can become inoperative.

1990-92: Coolant from heater could escape into passenger compartment.

1991 w/ABS: High-pressure hose may leak, resulting in discharge of fluid.

1991-92 w/ABS: Hydraulic control unit can experience excessive piston seal wear; antilock braking could fail, and power assist might be reduced.

1990-1992 Eagle Premier Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Premier	$0	$0	$0

1991
Premier	$1,000-1,300	$600-800	$100

1992
Premier	$1,100-1,400	$700-900	$100-200

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1992 Eagle Premier Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	106.0

Overall Length, in.	192.8

Overall Width, in.	70.0

Overall Height, in.	54.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3039

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	17.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.8

Rear Head Room, in.	37.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Only one powertrain was available for Premiers: a Renault-built 3.0-liter V6 engine, developing 150 horsepower, driving a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc V6	3.0 / 182	150	171	4-speed automatic: 18/27	4-speed automatic: 19.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Canada

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1992 Eagle Premier Review:

Eagle Premier

Eagle Premier Road Test

Eagle Premier Reliability

Eagle Premier Prices

Eagle Premier Specs & Safety

Eagle Premier Photos

Eagle Premier Full Review