1996 Eagle Talon ESi from North America - Comments

Minor external head gasket leak when purchased (60000 miles). Replaced under 30-day warranty from CarMax.

Serpentine belts replaced twice (66000, 70000 miles), but the first replacement was performed incorrectly by CarMax.

Major internal head gasket leak again at 72000 miles. Head was reworked and most of coolant system replaced (water pump, hoses, and thermostat).

Driver's side window rattles, most likely due to previous owners closing the door by pushing on the window instead of the door.

This is a decent performer for a baseline model compared to today's new cars. The 140 horsepower engine is powerful enough, but certainly not awesome like the turbo-charged version. 0-60mph times are in the high 8 seconds range because the car weighs 2800-3000 lbs. 32mpg on mostly highway driving.

Suspension is very grippy for a baseline model. However, it is a sport suspension, so you will feel all bumps somewhat harshly.

Interior finish is also decent. Not junk plastic like many GM's.

Common problems: The non-turbo Talon and Eclipse share the same basic engine as the Neon, which tends to leak oil due to a design flaw with the head gasket. Hence, my two head gasket repairs.

I purchased my used Talon from CarMax. Their customer service and mechanics were absolutely terrible. They messed up one repair, and performed unauthorized on another repair.

My engine still leaks a small amount of oil, but not enough to spend another $500-$1000 to get it repaired again (only to start leaking, again).

I recently purchased a 1996 Eagle Talon and am very pleased with it. The guy I bought it from told me that the head gaskets are an inherent problem in all the Talons. However it is easily solved by replacing the original gasket with one of the multi-layer metal gaskets. Mine has one of these and I have no problems at all with leaking fluids. But the window does rattle.

I have a 96 Talon ESI non-Turbo 4cyl. I like it and it is performing well enough.

However, I am having trouble with an oil leak that a mechanic told me was from the "oil switch". The problem is that I have check through the repair book and there is nothing mentioned about an oil switch.

Is there anyone that can help. FYI, I have already replaced the gasket already, but the leak persists.

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks, Matt.

Folks,

I read this with great interest. Just as an FYI, the Eagle Talon is a Mitsubishi Eclipse rebadged so that Chrysler could sell it as domestic vehicle under it's Eagle line.

Mitsubishi's (e.g. Eagle Talons) cars were notorious for gasket problems especially those that came out in the 90s. Not at all surprised that most dealers are reluctant to fix them and would rather walk away.

Colin Lasu

I also have 1996 Eagle Talon ESi. We also have problems with the head gasket. Our windows rattle too. It's a fun car to drive, but I don't think it will last as long as I hoped. The engine feels weak under 3500 rpm.