Eagle Summit 1993-96

     Notes: This virtual clone of the 1993 and 1994 Dodge and Plymouth Colt differs primarily in weight, options package, and the fact that it was produced for two years longer than the Colt.  It is better appointed than the Colt, with several luxuries that are not found on that less expensive car.  Like the Colt, it is a lightweight, maneuverable vehicle with good handling and average ride.  Unlike the Colt, antilock brakes were added in the 1993 model year, a driver's side airbag in 1994, and dual airbags in 1995. 

Eagle Summit Wagon 1992-96

     Notes: This is basically a version of the Dodge Colt Vista, with a shorter length, wider stance, and higher roof.  In addition, the Summit was produced for much longer than the Colt Vista, and uses more powerful engines.  Antilock brakes were introduced as an option on deluxe trim versions in 1993 and on all trim levels the year after that.  A driver-side airbag was introduced in 1994, and dual airbags in 1995.  The height of the Summit Wagon means that there is considerable body lean in turns and in tight, high-speed turns, the vehicle is susceptible to overturning.  The handling is fairly sluggish under normal conditions too.  The steering is not power-assisted, and this can be a problem in a vehicle of the Summit's weight with people of low upper body strength.

Eagle Talon 1990-94

     Notes: This is a high-performance sports car made to compete with the likes of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.  It can be equipped with one of three 4-cylinder engines, from an anemic but economical OHC I-4 to a powerful turbocharged DOHC I-4.  The turbocharged engine tends to deliver its power in massive bursts, which can lead to front end torque steer, acceleration being so fast.  The high-end TSi version comes with all-wheel drive. The dashboard instruments are clear and easy to read, and the controls easy to reach.  The front seats are comfortable, but shorter drivers may get the feeling they are disappearing into the car, as the seats are rather low and the sides and dashboard high.  The back seats don't seem as if they are designed for adults, and most will find them uncomfortable.  Cargo space is skimpy.  The tires make a lot of noise (especially on coarse or bumpy pavement), and the engines are also rather loud. 

     At the same time, Mitsubishi made a car called the Eclipse, and Plymouth made a car called the Laser.  Except for minor styling differences, these vehicles are the same as the Talon.  The Laser was discontinued after the 1994 model year.

Eagle Talon 1995-97

    Notes: This is an updated Talon, radically redesigned in body styling, and with improvements in other areas.  The weak OHC I-4 engine was dropped, and the two other engines were replaced with more powerful ones.  The body is stronger and stiffer, and the vehicle has a longer wheelbase and wider suspension that greatly improves handling and road feel.  The engines are more powerful, but some of that power is soaked up by the heavier body and suspension.  Automatic transmission versions of the Talon have noticeably lagging shifting.  Shifting into lower gears with the manual transmission can be met with some resistance at times.  The ride in a newer Talon can be a bit harsh; engine noise is diminished over earlier models, but road and wind noise are louder.  The interior space is a bit more cramped, especially in headroom, and the back seats are best suited for preschoolers.  The Talon is a hatchback, which makes good use of the available cargo room, but unfortunately there is not much to work with.  Rear vision is difficult, especially with the optional spoiler (normally present on the model with the turbocharged engine, and sometimes an option on other engined models).

Eagle Vision 1993-97

     Notes: Cousin to the Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid, the Vision is the lower priced of the three, with heavier engines and less accessories and luxuries than those cars, and slightly stronger construction.  The vehicle is otherwise mostly similar to the Intrepid, though the rear is somewhat narrower, higher-mounted, and more difficult to see out of from the driver's seat.  The Vision is somewhat heavier and a little surer in handling and road grip, though not quite as good at cornering; it does ride like a European sedan.  The ride can be noisy. An upgraded suspension is available which offers the grip of a sports car. The high-end TSi has the 214-horsepower V-6, while others have the 153 or 161-horsepower V-6 (the changeover was in 1994); the 214-horsepower engine was optional on other models for the 1997 model year. All-wheel antilock brakes are standard on the TSi, and optional on other models.