1995-1998 Eagle Talon: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Acceleration (TSi, TSi AWD)
- Steering/handling
- AWD traction (AWD models)
- Antilock brakes (optional)
Cons
- Acceleration (base/ESi auto)
- Rear-seat room
- Road noise
Vehicle Highlights
On sale in summer 1994, the redesigned Talon sports coupe offered fresh styling, more power, and a new model lineup. Compared to first-generation Talons and their mates, this model was 1.6 inches longer in wheelbase and 1.6 inches wider, though slightly shorter. New features included standard dual airbags and four-wheel disc brakes. Antilock brakes were optional on all models. The base ESi and mid-level TSi had front-wheel drive, while the TSi AWD had permanently engaged all-wheel drive. A new Chrysler 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with dual camshafts and 140 horsepower was standard on the ESi. Both TSi models held a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produced 210 horsepower (205 with automatic). Talons seat four, with bucket seats up front and a rear bench. A folding rear seatback was standard on TSi models, optional on ESi.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Eagle Talon ESi 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1995-1998 Eagle Talon includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-1998 Eagle Talon and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-1998 Eagle Talon is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Eagle Talon ESi 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $710 |
| Alternator | $225 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $995 |
| Brakes | $225 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $555 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $680 |
| Exhaust System | $655 |
| Radiator | $430 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $565 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $255 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1998 | |||
| Talon TSi | $3,000-3,800 | $2,300-2,900 | $700-900 |
| Talon/ESi | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1997 | |||
| Talon TSi | $2,600-3,300 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| Talon/ESi | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1996 | |||
| Talon TSi | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Talon/ESi | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Talon ESi | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Talon TSi | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door hatchback | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 98.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 172.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2789 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 28.4 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 140 | 130 | 5-speed manual: 22/32 4-speed automatic: 20/30 |
5-speed manual: 23.6 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 205-210 | 214 | 5-speed manual: 20/27 4-speed automatic: 23/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Talon |
|---|---|
| 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%.








