1996 Eagle Talon Review
1996 Eagle Talon Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Based on Mitsubishi mechanicals, Talon receives minor upgrades for 1996, including revised sound systems, a panic alarm, a HomeLink transmitter and two new colors. ESi trim level gets standard 16-inch wheels.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Eagle Talon TSi Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$243/mo for Talon TSi
Talon TSi
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The first-generation Diamond-Star coupes won countless awards during their four-and-a-half year run, which began in 1990. They could be had as sporty econocars, turbocharged street racers, and all-wheel-drive all-weather sport coupes. A joint development between Mitsubishi and Chrysler, the coupes were built in Illinois and sold under Eagle, Mitsubishi and Plymouth banners.
Last year brought a new generation of Diamond-Stars, and rather than arriving as triplets, they came as Eagle and Mitsubishi twins. The shape is low, wide and provocative. The interior features a sweeping center console and excellent ergonomics. As before, the Talon is equipped with a hatchback and folding seats that increase utility. The engine lineup includes a Chrysler 2.0-liter, four cylinder powering the base models, and a tweaked turbo engine motivating the TSi and TSi AWD. Chrysler claims the turbocharged TSi can get from zero to 60 in a speedy 6.5 seconds.
Changes on this fresh design are minimal for 1996. Base ESi models get standard 16-inch wheels, and a new combination CD/cassette stereo system is offered. Talon now meets 1997 side impact standards.
Nice car, this Eagle. It's quick, handles well, and the top-rung model offers the security and stability of all-wheel drive for drivers who regularly pilot rain-slicked or snow-covered roads. However, the rear-end styling treatment needs to be rethought. Not only is the bright-orange reflector surrounding the license plate obnoxious, the billboard-sized lettering spelling T-A-L-O-N across the top of it like a pickup tailgate renders the rear of the car garish and crass. This glaring effect alone makes the Talon's identical twin, the Mitsubishi Eclipse, our recommendation.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Eagle Talon.
5 star(64%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
47 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
198k and Going Strong!
MOMO, 10/01/2009
1995 Eagle Talon TSi Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
I am the original buyer back in 95! Paid $26k for her, and it's been an awesome car. I do all the maintenance that's required, when needed. I did not get 198k miles by not taking very,very good care of her. So far, I've done the following since the day she was bought: 1. Timing belt twice (Required maint) 2. New suspension ( struts all around once ) I do all work! 3. New Dash ( Messed up … the original ) 4. New Power steering rack in 08' 5. New Stereo all around in 02' 6. New heater core in 08' ( Mice!! ) 7. Brakes when needed, Rotors Once' 8. Basic Tune ups when needed, Plugs filters. 8. New Rebuilt Turbo ( x2 ) 9. New Valve Cover The engine is Original, and is clean as they come.
5 out of 5 stars
4G63 people dont know what theyre missin
BuDDyLeE, 02/24/2003
1996 Eagle Talon ESi 2dr Hatchback
i bought this car after looking at many
an eclipse, and i couldnt be happier.
the car is absolutly solid & perfect.
the motor is imaculate the interior
still smells brand new, nothing is
faded or cracked. the build
quality, and overall fun factor
involved in driving a 2GNT is
overwhelming. these cars ride on
rails yet are smooth as silk. lighter
than the turbo with … many aftermakret
kits for adding boost. a great car that
i would recommend to anyone, from
grandma to your younger brother or
sister whos learning how to drive.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Hate to sell
gonzo, 09/10/2006
1995 Eagle Talon ESi 2dr Hatchback
I have absolutely no complaints about this car, it's just time to get a new car. Well, maybe one complaint, it is difficult to fit more than 3 people in the car comfortably, eg; long trips. Smooth drive, great air conditioner, power windows, locks and many other amenities made you feel like you were in a luxury sports car.
4.13 out of 5 stars
long term car
roadrunner, 07/07/2006
1995 Eagle Talon ESi 2dr Hatchback
I have owned my Talon for 11 years & have loved it. After initial problems, covered by warranty, it has performed well & looks great! I have maintained it well.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Eagle Talon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Talon since its last redesign.
1996 Talon Highlights
Hatchback
TSi
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $243/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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