1993-1997 Eagle Vision: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

1993 Eagle Vision ESi
1997 Eagle Vision
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1993-1997 Eagle Vision

  • Price Range:  $700 - $1,800
CG Rating

62

out of 100

About our Road Test

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-1997 Eagle Vision and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Steering/handling
  • Antilock brakes (optional)
  • Acceleration (3.5-liter)
  • Passenger and cargo room

Cons

  • Acceleration (3.3-liter)
  • Climate controls
  • Rear visibility

Vehicle Highlights

Close cousin to the Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid, also introduced for 1993, the Eagle edition of the midsize "cab-forward" LH sedan differed in grille and taillights and aimed more at enthusiasts. A 3.3-liter V6 went into the base ESi, which rode 15-inch tires and used a standard suspension. The sportier TSi carried a 214-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, plus a touring suspension and 16-inch tires for a firmer ride. Both engines drive a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Dual airbags were standard from the beginning. Front bucket seats also were standard, giving Visions 5-passenger capacity.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Eagle Vision TSi Rating
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 5
Value within Class 8
Total Score: 62
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-1997 Eagle Vision. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-1997 Eagle Vision.

Year to Year Changes


1994 Eagle Vision: New for '94 was variable-assist power steering, promising more feel at higher speeds. Both models now wore the same lower-body cladding, minimizing the evident differences between the ESi and TSi sedans. The 3.3-liter engine added eight horsepower, while the 4-speed automatic transmission was revised for smoother shifting.
1995 Eagle Vision: Only minor changes greeted Vision's third season.
1996 Eagle Vision: A new Autostick transmission for the '96 TSi can be shifted by tilting the gearshift lever right and left, to change gears up or down.
1997 Eagle Vision: Only minor changes were made to the 1997 Vision. For the first time, base ESi models received the 3.5-liter V6 as an option.

Our road test for the 1993-1997 Eagle Vision includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1997 Eagle Vision and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1997 Eagle Vision is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration with the 3.3-liter engine is adequate but somewhat sluggish, though the eight horsepower added for '94 helps a bit. With a 3.5-liter engine providing the power, and a Touring Suspension underneath, you can easily forget you're in a large sedan. In that step-up guise, a Vision feels more like a Eurosedan. You get plenty of snap off the line, and highway passing power is excellent. Road noise can intrude and the upgraded suspension pounds a bit over rough pavement, but provides the grip of some sports cars. Taut handling and roadholding are top-notch, especially in that more costly TSi, but its stiff suspension and performance tires make the ride harsh. Some Visions have a Performance suspension that rides even more firmly. The ride in an ESi is a lot more compliant over bumps. Variable-assist power steering, added for 1994, yields greater road feel at higher speeds. The electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Autostick--on some 1996 models--is an innovative unit, fun to operate, but most drivers probably won't bother to use it much. Major controls, for instance--and even seatbelt buckles--are lit at night for convenience. Rear-seat air ducts have a separate airflow control, and the climate-control system pumps out plenty of hot or cool air. Controls for that system are a stretch, however, mounted at the base of the dashboard. Other controls are high, easy to see and reach. Vision occupants enjoy generous passenger space, with outstanding rear leg room, plus a roomy trunk. Rear visibility is impaired by a narrow back window, however. Hard plastic interior trim looks cheap and does not feel durable, and several test Visions have suffered minor interior creaks and rattles.
Value for the Money
Despite a flaw or two, this well-designed member of the "LH" group is worthy of strong consideration, and belongs near the top of the shopping list for a mid- or full-size sedan.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Eagle Vision TSi Rating
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 5
Value within Class 8
Total Score: 62

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.
Our reliability study for this generation Eagle Vision includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Eagle Vision .

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.

Air conditioner: The air conditioner belt rolls over in the pulleys and replacement belts do the same. The fix is to replace the A/C pulley and idler pulley. (1993-94)

Automatic transmission: Bad seals in the transmission lead to premature friction component wear, which causes shudder when starting from a stop, a bump when coasting to a stop, and slipping between gears. (1993-95)

Automatic transmission: 41TE or 42LE automatic transaxle could take several seconds to engage at startup because of a problem with the valve body. (1993-95)

Automatic transmission: A defective throttle-position sensor, not a transmission problem, could be the cause of late, erratic, or harsh shifting. (1994)

Automatic transmission: If the transmission shudders under light to moderate acceleration, the transmission front pump could be leaking due to a worn bushing. (1993-96)

Engine noise: The motor mount on the left side of the engine tends to break. (1992-93)

Engine noise: Clatter in the valve train on 3.5-liter V6 may be due to damaged rockers and camshaft. Revised parts are available. (1993-96)

Hard starting: Hard starting and a miss at idle can be traced to defective fuel rails. (1993-94)

Rough idle: Rough running in 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 might be due to broken pedestals in the cylinder heads. (1993-96)

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 $365
Alternator $190
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,089
Brakes $250
Constant Velocity Joints $310
Exhaust System $418
Radiator $340
Shocks and/or Struts $480
Timing Chain or Belt $230
Universal Joints $300
Our price chart for this generation Eagle Vision details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
1997
Vision ESi $1,800-2,300 $1,200-1,600 $300
Vision TSi $2,000-2,500 $1,400-1,800 $300-400
1996
Vision ESi $1,500-2,000 $1,000-1,300 $200-300
Vision TSi $1,700-2,200 $1,100-1,500 $300
1995
Vision ESi $1,300-1,800 $800-1,100 $200
Vision TSi $1,500-2,000 $1,000-1,300 $200-300
1994
Vision ESi $1,200-1,600 $700-1,000 $100-200
Vision TSi $1,300-1,700 $800-1,100 $200
1993
Vision ESi $1,100-1,500 $700-900 $100-200
Vision TSi $1,200-1,600 $700-1,000 $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.
Specs for this generation Eagle Vision include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 113.0
Overall Length, in. 201.6
Overall Width, in. 74.4
Overall Height, in. 56.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 3371
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 16.6
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.4
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. 37.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.8

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


Powertrain Options and Availability

The 3.3-liter V6 engine in the Vision ESi produced 153 horsepower in its first season, growing to 161 horsepower the next year. Beneath the hood of each Vision TSi sedan sits a 3.5-liter overhead-cam, 24-valve V6, producing 214 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission operates via electronic controls.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohv V6 3.3 / 201 153-161 177-181 4-speed automatic: 19/27 4-speed automatic: --
dohc V6 3.5 / 215 214 221 4-speed automatic: 18/26 4-speed automatic: 18.9

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

Built In:  Canada
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Eagle Vision include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 1997 Vision
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4

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%. Sideimpact 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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1993-1997 Eagle Vision directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

1993 w/3.3-liter engine: O-rings used to seal interface of fuel-injector tubes are insufficiently durable; deterioration can cause fuel leakage, with potential for fire.
1993: Lower control arm washers in front suspension of some cars can crack and fall off; will cause clunking sound during braking, and eventually result in loss of steering control.
1993-95: Lower control arm attaching brackets on some cars can crack due to fatigue and separate from engine cradle; transmission halfshaft could then pull out of transaxle.
1993-97 w/3.5-liter engine: Fuel injection system can leak from O-rings or hairline cracks in fuel-injection rail.
1994: Right tie rod can rub through automatic-transmission wiring harness, causing short circuit; may result in stalling, or allow engine to start when selector is not in "Park" position.

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