1991 Eagle Talon TSi AWD review from North America

Power steering pump is leaking somewhere.

Oil is leaking also.

Cruise control holds speed seemingly by feathering the throttle. I'm not sure if this is normal of early cruise control systems, as this is the first car I've owned with the option.

Aside from some paint and basic bodywork, this car is exactly the same as the Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX and Plymouth Laser RS Turbo AWD.

First year that the automatic was available with the TSi AWD.

Last year of the 6-bolt engine, thought to be immune to the infamous crankwalk.

Last year of the pop-up headlights.

My grandfather bought this car brand new in 1992, and had the drivetrain and suspension rebuilt at about 77,000 miles. That means engine, turbocharger, transmission, transfer case, differentials, brakes, shocks and springs.

Paint was also professionally redone.

Car drives like new.

Seats are fully adjustable, but weren't comfortable after a two hour ride.

Rear seats are for shelf space or small children only.

Interior plastics are decent, but not up to par with modern cars. Some trim, such as the A pillar and the left factory side skirt are starting to come off. This is to be expected from an 18 year old Mitsubishi.

All accessories are well within reach and the layout is unique. I love it.

Dash layout is easy to read and not too cluttered. I dig the orange backlighting, too.

The only thing I don't like about the interior is that the automatic shifter is huge and sticks way up in the air. It was obviously added as an afterthought.

A combination of red paint and a relative rarity in first generation DSMs means this car turns heads! Most people are surprised to hear that the car is 18 years old.

This car is popular with younger people, a.k.a. whippersnappers. Lots of kids with ratty Hondas will want to race you.

The cars equipped with the 4-speed automatic came with a smaller turbocharger and different camshafts, so power is bumped down to 180bhp compared to the manual transmission version's 195bhp. However, the car is still faster than much younger cars.

The AWD puuuuuuuulls the car forward like it's being attracted by a big magnet.

There is some lag from the turbo. You can feel the boost build up as you are pushed back into your seat a little harder.

The car does understeer a little due to the AWD.

It also has the turning radius of a walrus, and many U-turns become 3-point turns. Be careful.

Regardless, the handling feel is good and the car took sharp corners well above the recommended speed. Body roll was minimal even with stock suspension. I'm told small aftermarket modifications, such as better tires and stiffer anti-sway bars, will make the car handle much better.

Braking is instant with good pedal feel.