Eagle Talon Car: How To Find & Buy One Today

Introduction

Remember the 1990s? It was a awesome time for cars. We had great music on the radio and even better cars on the road. Japanese brands were showing the world how to build reliable sports cars. But then, something wild happened. Three huge car companies got together. Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Eagle created a car that was a total game-changer. That car was the incredible Eagle Talon car. This wasn’t just another coupe. It was a pocket rocket, a tuner’s dream, and a legend in the making. It looked fast even when it was parked! The best part? For a price that wouldn’t break the bank, you got a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive that could shock much more expensive cars. This blog post is your fun and easy guide to everything about the Eagle Talon car. We will explore its cool history, its amazing features, and why people still love it today. So, buckle up! We’re going for a ride down memory lane to discover why the Eagle Talon is a true classic.

What is an Eagle Talon Car?

Think of the Eagle Talon car as the ultimate team project. In the 1990s, the Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors were partners. They decided to build a platform together—that means they shared the basic parts like the chassis and engine. From this partnership, three “twins” were born: the Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Plymouth Laser, and our star, the Eagle Talon. So, an Eagle Talon is a sporty, two-door coupe that was sold from 1990 to 1998. It’s famous for its sleek, pop-up headlights and its incredible performance, especially the turbocharged all-wheel-drive models. It’s like finding out your favorite action hero has an identical twin who is just as cool! Ever wonder what it’s like to drive a car that feels like a video game come to life? That’s the Talon for you.

Why You’ll Love the Eagle Talon Car

If you love cars that have personality and history, you will absolutely fall in love with the Eagle Talon car. It’s not just a old car; it’s a ticket to a exciting time in automotive history. Here’s why it’s so special:

• Awesome Power for the Price: When it was new, the top-tier Eagle Talon TSi AWD gave you a turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive grip for thousands less than a European sports car. This made going fast something everyone could enjoy, not just the rich. It was a true bargain performance car.
• A Tuner’s Dream Car: The Eagle Talon car is famous for how easy it is to modify. The 4G63 turbocharged engine is a legend in the tuning world. With just a few simple and cheap upgrades, you can make a lot more horsepower. This made it a king of the street and a favorite at the drag strip.
• It’s a Piece of History: The Talon is a symbol of 90s car culture. It brings back memories of fast and furious racing, video games like Gran Turismo, and a time when cars were becoming technological wonders. Owning one is like owning a piece of that fun history.
• Surprisingly Practical: For a sporty car, it’s pretty usable! It has a decent-sized hatchback trunk, so you can actually carry groceries or luggage. The back seat is a bit small, but it’s there for friends or your kids. It’s a sports car you can drive every day.

It’s a car that saves you money, puts a huge smile on your face, and connects you to a awesome community of gearheads. What’s not to love?

How to Use an Eagle Talon Car (Today!)

Okay, so you can’t just go to a new car dealer and buy one. But that’s part of the fun! “Using” a Eagle Talon car today is all about the hunt. It’s about finding a good one, taking care of it, and enjoying it for what it is: a fantastic classic performance car.

Quick Overview:
Finding and buying a good Eagle Talon car might take some time. You’ll need to search websites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Bring a Trailer. The goal is to find a car that has been taken care of. The best ones are often owned by enthusiasts who loved them. Once you own it, you use it for fun weekend drives, car meets, and maybe even a little friendly racing. It’s not just a car; it’s a hobby.

Key Features of the Eagle Talon Car

The Eagle Talon car was packed with technology and features that were amazing for its time. Let’s break down the stuff that made it so great.

• The Legendary 4G63 Engine: This is the heart of the Eagle Talon car. It’s a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, intercooled, dual-overhead-cam, 16-valve inline-four-cylinder engine. That’s a mouthful! In simple terms, it’s a tough and powerful engine that loves to be modified. It’s the same engine used in the famous Lancer Evolution, and it’s built to handle a lot of power.
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): The top models came with a full-time all-wheel-drive system. This meant power was sent to all four wheels, not just the front. This gave the car incredible grip when launching from a stop and in bad weather. It made the car feel planted and secure on the road.
• The DSM Platform: DSM stands for “Diamond Star Motors,” the name of the joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi. This platform was designed from the ground up to be a performance car. It had a strong structure and great handling.
• 5-Speed Manual Transmission: The best way to drive a Eagle Talon car was with the 5-speed manual. It was precise and fun to shift, making you feel connected to the car. An automatic was available, but the manual is what enthusiasts want.
• 90s-Tastic Styling: The design is pure 1990s. It has a sleek, wedge-shaped body, that famous “double-bubble” roof, and pop-up headlights. It looks fast, futuristic, and cool even today.

Step-by-Step Guide: Buying and Enjoying Your Eagle Talon Car

Thinking of joining the DSM family? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to finding and loving your own Eagle Talon car.

Step 1: Do Your Homework
Before you spend any money, learn everything you can. Read forums like DSMtuners.com. This is where the experts are. You’ll learn about common problems, what to look for, and how much you should pay. Knowledge is power!

Step 2: The Hunt is On
Start looking for cars for sale. Be patient. The right Eagle Talon car will pop up. Look for ads with lots of pictures and honest descriptions. Avoid cars that say “needs a little work” or “project car” unless you are a mechanic.

Step 3: Inspect Like a Detective
When you find a car you like, you must inspect it carefully.

• Check for Rust: Look under the car, in the wheel wells, and under the carpet in the trunk. Rust is a big enemy of old cars.
• Look for “Crank Walk”: This is a famous issue with the 4G63 engine. Ask the owner if it has ever been fixed. Start the car and push the clutch pedal in and out. If you feel a clunk or the clutch pedal feels weird, walk away.
• Check for Boost Leaks: The turbo system has many hoses. Listen for a loud whooshing sound when you accelerate—that can mean a leak.
• Ask for Maintenance Records: A good owner will have a folder of receipts for repairs and oil changes.

Step 4: Take a Test Drive
How does the car feel? Does the engine pull strong? Do the brakes work well? Does the transmission shift smoothly? Listen for any strange noises.

Step 5: Make the Purchase
If everything checks out, make a deal! Be ready to pay with cash or a cashier’s check.

Step 6: Basic Maintenance First
Before you try to make it faster, make it reliable.

• Change all the fluids: oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid.
• Replace the timing belt. If it breaks, it can destroy the engine.
• Change the spark plugs and wires.
• This will give you a solid base to start from.

Step 7: Enjoy and Modify (Slowly!)
Now the fun begins! Drive the car and get to know it. Then, if you want, you can start with simple mods. A bigger intercooler, a new exhaust, and a boost controller are popular first steps. Always remember: with more power, you need to make sure the rest of the car can handle it!

What to Pair Your Eagle Talon Car With

To get the most out of your vintage ride, here are some modern gadgets and practices that pair perfectly with it.

• A Good Bluetooth Stereo: The original radio probably has a tape deck! A modern stereo with Bluetooth will let you play music from your phone and make your drives much more enjoyable.
• A Basic Boost Gauge: This is a must-have tool. It shows you how much boost pressure the turbo is making. It helps you make sure the car is running properly and is a lot of fun to watch.
• A Quality Car Cover: If you don’t have a garage, a good car cover will protect your Eagle Talon car‘s paint from the sun and rain.
• A Code Reader: Later model Talons (95-99) have OBD-II ports. A simple code reader can help you figure out what’s wrong if the “check engine” light comes on.
• A Community Forum Account: This isn’t a gadget, but it’s the most important thing. Join DSMtuners or a local DSM Facebook group. The knowledge and help you get from other owners is priceless.

Top Tips for Mastering Your Eagle Talon Car

Want to be a smart Eagle Talon car owner? Follow these pro tips.

• Tip 1: Prevention is Cheaper Than Repair. The number one tip for any DSM owner is to replace the timing belt and balance shaft belt as soon as you buy the car if you don’t know its history. It’s not a cheap job, but it’s much cheaper than fixing an engine with bent valves.
• Tip 2: Don’t Skip on Fuel. These turbo engines were designed for premium gasoline. Always use 91 octane or higher to prevent engine-damaging “knock” or “ping.”
• Tip 3: The 60k Service is Key. The maintenance schedule for these cars has a major service called the “60k service” that includes replacing the timing belt. Treat this as a mandatory milestone.
• Tip 4: Keep an Eye on Temperature. The 4G63 engine can run hot, especially when modified. Make sure your cooling system is in top shape. Upgrade the radiator if you plan on driving hard.
• Tip 5: Embrace the Community. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The DSM community is one of the oldest and most knowledgeable groups in car culture. They’ve seen every problem and fixed it twice.

How to Stay Updated with the Eagle Talon Car World

Even though no new Eagle Talons are being made, the world around them is always active. Here’s how to stay in the loop.

• Follow YouTube Channels: Channels like Hubnut, Tavarish, and Rich Rebuilds often feature classic Japanese performance cars and can give you great ideas and inspiration.
• Join the Forums: We mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. DSMtuners.com is the absolute best place for information. You can search for any problem and find a thread where someone has already solved it.
• Go to Car Meets: Look for “import meets” or “JDM meets” in your area. Even though the Talon is American-branded, it’s welcome everywhere. It’s a great place to see other cars, get ideas, and meet people.
• Follow Parts Shops: Companies like STMtuned, Extreme PSI, and MAPerformance still make and sell performance parts for the 4G63 engine. Following them on social media will show you what’s new.
• Subscribe to Automotive Blogs: Websites like Jalopnik and The Drive often write about classic performance cars and can provide a broader view of the car culture the Talon lives in.

The Eagle Talon car is more than just metal and rubber. It’s a symbol of innovation, a gateway to car culture, and a tremendously fun machine to drive and own. Its legacy is powered by the passionate community that keeps these cars on the road and running stronger than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or a curious newcomer, the story of the Eagle Talon is a thrilling chapter in the history of the automobile.

Strong Call-to-Action

Are you ready to join the legend? The hunt for the perfect Eagle Talon car is an adventure itself. Check out online marketplaces, talk to owners, and you might just find your new favorite car. And if you already own one, share your story! Head over to our Facebook page and post a picture of your Talon. Tell us what you love most about it. Let’s keep the spirit of this incredible 90s icon alive and driving for many more years to come