Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe Eagle Talon TSi stands out for pairing a compact coupe body and turbocharged four-cylinder with a choice that mattered: front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The TSi AWD’s period performance helped it punch above its price, but “TSi” alone does not identify one universal specification. Model year, transmission, drivetrain and the condition of the individual car all matter.
What made the Talon TSi different?
The Eagle Talon was one of the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) cars, related to the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Plymouth Laser. It was sold from 1990 through 1998 across two generations. The first-generation cars ran from 1990 to 1994; a redesigned second generation followed for 1995 to 1998. Car Model History’s Talon overview describes that lineage and model run.
In the first generation, the TSi had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Crucially, TSi was available with front-wheel drive as well as in the TSi AWD. The AWD model combined turbo power with all-wheel drive; it is not interchangeable with a front-drive TSi when comparing performance or checking a car’s identity.
How much horsepower did a Talon TSi have?
There is no single figure that applies to every first-generation TSi. The DSM FAQ’s year-dependent table lists 190 or 195 hp for manual versions and 180 hp for automatic versions. It also notes variation in published factory specifications around the 1990 and 1991 model years, so cite the year and transmission with the number rather than treating the range as one universal rating. The FAQ’s figures are not a substitute for identifying the specific car and its configuration: DSM FAQ: “What kind of engine is in my car?”
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For the redesigned 1995–1998 generation, the cited DSM reference says the TSi retained the 4G63 turbo engine. The available brochure text does not establish a reliable second-generation acceleration comparison, so a precise claim on that point would overstate what the source shows.
Why the TSi AWD made a strong period case
The TSi AWD’s appeal was the combination of turbocharged performance and all-wheel drive in a relatively compact coupe. MotorTrend’s 2019 retrospective reports a 0–60 mph time of about 6.6 seconds for a tested first-generation TSi AWD and an original price of approximately $16,500. Those are period figures, not results from a current test or a statement about today’s value. MotorTrend also compared its acceleration with a contemporary Mustang GT and said it was quicker than an AWD BMW 325iX that cost substantially more; those comparisons belong to MotorTrend’s account, not a universal ranking across every car or test condition. MotorTrend, “The Eagle Talon TSi AWD Is an Underappreciated Classic” (2019)
Rank #2
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- die-cast metal body and cassis
- Rubber Tires
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How to confirm which Talon you are looking at
Badges and sales listings are not enough to establish whether a car is turbocharged, front-wheel drive or AWD. The 1990 factory technical manual’s VIN chart distinguishes 2WD from 4WD and turbo from non-turbo engine codes. Use documentation appropriate to the model year, and compare the VIN and vehicle details rather than relying on the trim badge alone. 1990 Talon Technical Information Manual
What matters when buying or maintaining one
A model’s reputation cannot tell you whether a surviving example is sound, original or well maintained. Compare cars by generation and year, drivetrain, transmission, service history and present condition. Ask for records and have the body and drivetrain inspected by someone familiar with older DSM cars.
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Rank #3
- Brand new box. Real rubber tires. Has opening hood. True-to-scale detail. Detailed interior, exterior. Comes in a blister pack. Officially licensed product. Die-cast metal body and chassis. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Dimensions approximately L-2.625 inches long.
Maintenance information is configuration- and year-specific. As one concrete example, the 1990 AWD severe-service schedule includes timing-belt service and a rear 4WD fluid check. That is not a complete schedule for every Talon: use the manual and service intervals matching the particular year and drivetrain. Operation CHARM: 1990 Eagle Talon AWD severe-service interval
Factory manuals are useful precisely because they are tied to a particular year and configuration. The 1991 Laser/Talon service manual notes, “This service manual has been prepared with the latest service information available at the time of publication.” That statement is a reminder to match the documentation to the car, not a guarantee that an old manual covers later updates or every configuration. 1991 Laser/Talon Service Manual, Volume 1
Rank #4
- Brand new box. Real rubber tires. Has opening hood. True-to-scale detail. Detailed interior, exterior. Comes in a blister pack. Officially licensed product. Die-cast metal body and chassis. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Dimensions approximately L-2.625 inches long.
What “underrated” means in this case
The case is not that every Talon TSi is a bargain or that every example will deliver its original performance. It is that the first-generation TSi AWD offered a distinctive combination—turbo power, all-wheel drive and compact-coupe proportions—at a period price that MotorTrend presented as competitive with more expensive performance alternatives. That makes it a noteworthy 1990s sports coupe, while its specific appeal today depends on the exact configuration and the quality of the individual car.
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