A stiffer body structure makes this Talon feel more solid than before, and also provides better isolation from mechanical vibrations. The longer wheelbase and wider stance of this generation impart a more secure feel on the road. Especially in performance-oriented trim, Talons hug the pavement smartly and stay flat through curves, maneuvering with agility and nimbleness. These Talons aren't too much heavier than their predecessors, but since horsepower grew little, performance isn't noticeably better. An ESi performs reasonably well with the manual gearbox; but below 3500 rpm, the base 4-cylinder engine feels weak. Lack of power is even more obvious with the automatic transmission, when you need to pass or merge into fast-moving traffic. The turbocharged engine feels strong with either transmission but suffers some "turbo lag," in which power arrives a moment or two after the throttle is floored. Even so, acceleration with manual shift is super from a standstill, if a bit less invigorating at higher speeds, when needed for passing and merging. Smooth-shifting in general, the 5-speed manual gearbox can get clanky at times, and resist entry into the lower gears. The Talon's clutch engages neatly, in a sporty manner. Ride quality diminishes greatly over bad pavement in stiffly sprung turbo models, which become bouncy and choppy when rolling through rough spots. Even on the highway, the ride can get a bit rough. Road noise is prominent on all Talons, but engine noise isn't bad. Braking prowess is excellent with the available antilocking setup. Despite slightly greater shoulder room, there's no abundance of front-seat space, though six-footers have adequate room. The optional sunroof cuts into front headroom, however. The small rear seat is best suited for pre-schoolers--though most sport-coupe rivals are little better. The hatchback layout makes the most of available cargo space, but items stored in the rear are not as secure as in cars with a regular trunk. Over-the-shoulder visibility could be better. The turbo model's monstrous rear spoiler blocks part of the rearward view, but most drivers can see just about everything, peering either above or below that obstacle. Despite tiny auxiliary gauges, the control and instrument layout in a driver-oriented cockpit is good.

Value for the Money
Talons can be fun to drive, but so can many rivals. Apart from the TSi's all-wheel-drive capability, nearly all of Talon's virtues can be found in several similarly priced sports coupes, such as the Ford Probe, Mazda MX-6, and Acura Integra.