Vehicle Class:
Compact Sports Coupe/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented buyers seeking a stylish, sporty, and capable vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Mazda MX-3, Nissan 240SX, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Probe.
Unique Selling Points:
Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with turbocharged engine options, aggressive styling, and strong performance potential.
Styling:
Distinctive 'cab-forward' design with sharp lines and a sporty stance.
Performance Options:
Naturally aspirated and turbocharged engine options, available AWD.
Interior Design:
Driver-focused cockpit with supportive seating and intuitive controls.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair for all 1990 Talon engine variants.
Engine Management:
Detailed explanation of the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system, ignition system, sensors, actuators, and Engine Control Unit (ECU) diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Complete service and repair procedures for the manual gearbox, including clutch system, gear selection, and internal components.
Transmission Automatic:
Comprehensive coverage of the automatic transmission, including hydraulic systems, torque converter, valve body, and electronic controls.
Drivetrain AWD:
Detailed information on the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, including front and rear differentials, transfer case, viscous couplings, and driveshafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including MacPherson struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers, and alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, linkages, and hydraulic component service.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, front and rear disc brake service (including rotor, caliper, and pad replacement), parking brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component locations, fuse and relay identification, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor).
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement, and operational checks.
Body And Trim:
Exterior and interior trim component removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, and body panel adjustments.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting guides, diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection and adjustment.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, electrical component repair.
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major components, including engine, transmission, axles, steering rack, etc.
Adjustment Procedures:
Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment, idle speed adjustment, ignition timing adjustment (where applicable).
Diagnostic Testing:
Procedures for testing various electrical and mechanical components using multimeters, pressure gauges, and specialized diagnostic tools.
Specifications Tolerances:
Precise torque specifications for all fasteners, critical component clearances, and dimensional tolerances.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code Base:
4G63 (for turbo models), 4G61/4G67 (for non-turbo models)
Engine Type Base:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement Base:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Horsepower Base Naturally Aspirated:
135-140 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Base Naturally Aspirated:
130-140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower Base Turbocharged:
195 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Base Turbocharged:
203 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Boost Pressure Turbocharged:
8.7 psi (approx.)
0-60 Mph Turbocharged AWD:
Low 7-second range (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane recommended for turbo)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump
Transmission Type Base:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
AWD System Type:
Full-time All-Wheel Drive with center differential and viscous coupling (in turbo AWD models)
Gear Ratios Manual Example:
Approx. 3.333:1 (1st), 1.947:1 (2nd), 1.370:1 (3rd), 1.030:1 (4th), 0.804:1 (5th), 4.250:1 (Reverse), 4.375:1 (Final Drive)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control with lock-up torque converter
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:
2.2 Liters (2.3 US quarts)
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Capacity Automatic:
6.8 Liters (7.2 US quarts) for a full overhaul
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not rated (for this era, standards were less stringent)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not rated (for this era, standards were less stringent)
IIHS Ratings:
Not rated (IIHS was in its early stages)
ABS:
Optional on non-turbo models, Standard on turbocharged models
Airbags Driver:
Driver-side airbag: Standard
Airbags Passenger:
Passenger-side airbag: Not available
Seatbelts Front:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with front pretensioners
Seatbelts Rear:
Lap and shoulder belts
Child Seat Anchors:
Not available (LATCH system not standard)
Side Impact Beams:
Reinforced door beams
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Oil Filter Replacement Interval:
With every oil change.
Engine Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (platinum plugs may last longer, consult manual for specifics).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Automatic:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years, depending on driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Specification Turbo:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic recommended.
Engine Oil Specification Naturally Aspirated:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity Turbo:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity Naturally Aspirated:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+2 or ATF+3 equivalent.
Turbocharger Reliability:
Turbocharger seals can deteriorate, leading to oil leaks and smoking. Regular oil changes are crucial. The original turbocharger wastegate actuator can fail.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is common due to the sporty nature of the car. Slipping clutch is a sign of impending failure.
AWD System Maintenance:
The viscous coupling in the AWD system can overheat and fail if abused or not properly maintained. Regularly changing the transfer case and differential fluids is important.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many cars of this era, wiring harness issues, sensor failures, and intermittent electrical problems can occur. Good grounding is essential.
Suspension Wear:
Worn bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common due to age and spirited driving. Regular inspection and replacement are necessary for proper handling.
Rust Corrosion:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, and chassis components are susceptible to rust, especially in regions with road salt. Regular inspection and rust prevention are advised.
Timing Belt:
The 4G63 engine uses a timing belt that requires replacement every 60,000 miles. Failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
Eagle Brand Origin:
Eagle was an automotive brand introduced by Chrysler in 1987 to market imported vehicles, primarily from Mitsubishi, under its own name. It aimed to position itself as a performance-oriented and value-driven marque.
Talon Introduction:
The Eagle Talon was introduced for the 1990 model year as part of the Chrysler Laser/Mitsubishi Eclipse joint venture. It was mechanically identical to the Mitsubishi Eclipse and mechanically similar to the Plymouth Laser.
Generations:
First Generation (1990-1994)
Platform Sharing:
Developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Motors, sharing the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant)
Production Years:
1990-1998
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX (mechanically identical to the Talon TSi AWD) was often praised in automotive publications for its performance and value, though it may not have explicitly made '10 Best' lists in this specific year as frequently as some competitors.
Performance Reviews:
Generally well-received for its sporty handling, powerful turbocharged engine (on TSi models), and available AWD system, offering a compelling alternative to more expensive European sports cars.
Epa Fuel Economy Turbo AWD Manual:
Approximately 18 MPG city / 24 MPG highway (varies).
Epa Fuel Economy Non Turbo FWD Auto:
Approximately 20 MPG city / 26 MPG highway (varies).