Eagle Premier: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Eagle Premier

The Eagle Premier is a full-size executive sedan that emerged from a unique collaboration between American Motors Corporation (AMC) and Renault in the late 1980s. Manufactured in Canada, it was a vehicle that blended European design and engineering with American sensibilities for space and comfort. When Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987, the Premier became a flagship model for the newly formed Eagle brand. Though its production run was relatively short, from the 1988 to 1992 model years, the Premier stood out for its aerodynamic styling, spacious interior, and advanced features for its time. It was offered in a single generation with a few key updates and variants, leaving a notable, albeit brief, mark on the automotive landscape of its era.

Eagle Premier Overview

Generations and History of Eagle Premier

First Generation (1988-1992)

The Eagle Premier was the product of a joint venture between AMC and Renault, initially developed under the code name X-58 and based on the Renault 25 platform. Styled by the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, the Premier boasted a sleek, aerodynamic body with a drag coefficient of 0.31, which was notably efficient for its time. The interior, designed in-house by AMC’s Dick Teague, was exceptionally spacious, offering more room than many of its contemporaries. Launched in January 1988, the Premier was marketed as a car with European sophistication and handling combined with American size. Production took place at a state-of-the-art facility in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The car featured a longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, which contributed to its generous interior dimensions. Initially, it was offered with a choice of two engines: a 2.5L four-cylinder from AMC or a 3.0L PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) V6. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Eagle Premier Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Eagle Premier Variants and Features

The Eagle Premier was available in three main trims throughout its lifecycle: LX, ES, and ES Limited.

The base LX trim was designed for comfort and practicality. It initially came standard with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine and featured six-passenger seating with a 55/45 split-front bench seat and a column-mounted shifter. Standard features included a rear window defroster, a stereo, and stainless steel exhaust. Bucket seats and a floor console shifter were available as options.

The sportier ES trim came standard with the 3.0L V6 engine. It featured seating for five with front bucket seats, a full-length center console, and a floor shifter. A firmer “touring” suspension, larger tires, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, and four-wheel disc brakes were standard on the ES. Visually, it was distinguished by lower bodyside cladding.

The ES Limited, introduced in 1989, was the top-of-the-line model. It featured monochromatic paint schemes and body-colored trim for a more premium look. By 1992, features like a CD player and leather seats were available on the ES Limited. It also made advanced features like ABS standard in its later years.

The interior was a highlight, known for its spaciousness and unique features like a steering column that adjusted along with the instrument pods containing lighting and climate controls. A digital instrument cluster with a trip computer was available on higher trims.

Eagle Premier Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The Premier offered two distinct powertrains. The base LX model initially used a 2.5-liter AMC inline-four engine with throttle-body fuel injection, producing 111 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transaxle developed by ZF. Performance was adequate for the time, with a 0-60 mph time of around 11.5 seconds.

The more popular engine, optional on the LX and standard on the ES and ES Limited, was the 3.0-liter PRV V6. This engine featured multi-port fuel injection and produced a healthier 150 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. It was also mated to a four-speed ZF automatic transmission. V6-equipped models could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 10 seconds. The driving experience was often praised by critics for its European feel, a result of its Renault 25-derived platform. The four-wheel independent suspension, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and torsion bars at the rear, provided a comfortable yet firm ride with competent handling and responsive steering. This setup was considered advanced and contributed to the Premier being the best-riding and stiffest car in Chrysler’s lineup at the time.

Eagle Premier Pricing and Mileage

Upon its launch in 1988, the Eagle Premier had a starting MSRP of around $13,104 for the base LX model and $14,079 for the V6 version. The sportier ES trim started at $15,313. By its final model year in 1992, the pricing had increased, with the LX starting at $16,216 and the top-tier ES Limited at $20,712. Chrysler often used significant incentives to move unsold inventory, with discounts sometimes reaching thousands of dollars per vehicle.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the 3.0L V6 engine was rated by the EPA at approximately 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for early models, with combined figures around 21 mpg in real-world testing. Later models from 1992 were rated slightly lower, at 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, for a combined 19 mpg. Maintenance costs were a concern for some owners, as the blend of AMC, Renault, and eventually Chrysler parts could make sourcing specific components a challenge as the cars aged.

Eagle Premier Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The exterior design, penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, was a significant departure from typical American sedans of the era. It featured a clean, angular, “three-box” design that prioritized aerodynamics. The car’s low drag coefficient contributed to a quiet ride and fuel efficiency. The Premier was available in a wide range of colors that evolved over its production run. Common colors included Black, Bright White, and various metallic shades like Sterling Silver, Diamond Blue, Dark Silver, and Black Cherry Pearl. The ES models featured two-tone paint with lower body cladding, while the ES Limited was known for its premium monochromatic appearance.

Dimensionally, the Premier was a large sedan with a wheelbase of 106.0 inches and an overall length of 192.8 inches. Its width was 70.0 inches, and its height was approximately 54.7 inches. The car’s design provided an exceptionally roomy interior, particularly in terms of legroom for both front and rear passengers, and a generous trunk capacity of around 17 cubic feet.

Eagle Premier Safety Features

For its time, the Eagle Premier was equipped with a standard set of safety features. While it predated modern safety technologies like standard airbags and widespread crash testing, it did offer some advanced options for the era.

• Anti-lock Brakes (ABS): ABS on all four wheels became available as an option in 1991 and was standard on the ES Limited trim.
• Brakes: It came with power front disc brakes standard, and the ES models featured four-wheel disc brakes.
• Child Door Locks: Rear child safety locks were a standard feature.
• Construction: The vehicle’s platform, shared with the Renault 25, was noted for being stiff and light, which is a key component of passive safety.
• Headlights: The Premier was one of the first cars to feature advanced Valeo headlamps with complex-surface reflectors and optic lenses, which improved lighting efficiency.

Eagle Premier Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment systems in the Eagle Premier were representative of late 1980s and early 1990s technology. The standard setup included an AM/FM stereo radio. The ES models typically added a cassette player to the audio system. For the 1990 model year, a CD player became an available option, which was a premium feature for the time. Higher trim levels, particularly the ES Limited, often included this as standard equipment in later years. A key innovation in the Premier’s interior was its advanced electronic instrument panel. Higher trims featured a digital cluster that included a trip computer and a vehicle maintenance monitor, providing the driver with more information than typical analog gauges. The climate control system was also advanced, featuring a computer-controlled operation that would delay the fan until the heater core was warm.

Eagle Premier Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner and critic reception of the Eagle Premier was mixed, but generally acknowledged its strong points. The automotive press lauded the car for its European driving dynamics, exceptionally spacious interior, and advanced design compared to other domestic offerings of the time. It was considered the most technologically advanced vehicle in Chrysler’s lineup when it debuted. Owners frequently praised the car’s comfortable ride, stable handling, and vast amounts of passenger and trunk space. The V6 engine was generally seen as smooth and providing adequate power.

However, the Premier developed a reputation for reliability issues, particularly with the complex European-sourced electronics in early models. Chrysler addressed this in 1990 by replacing many of these components with their own, more reliable parts. The unique blend of French, American, and German (ZF transmission) components also led to difficulties in finding spare parts and knowledgeable mechanics as the cars aged, which soured the long-term ownership experience for some.

Eagle Premier Comparison with Similar Cars

During its production, the Eagle Premier competed in a crowded full-size sedan market. Chrysler aimed the lower-end LX models against domestic best-sellers like the Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Celebrity, while the upscale ES and ES Limited were targeted at European imports like the Acura Legend and Volvo 740.

Compared to the Ford Taurus, the Premier was more aerodynamic (0.31 Cd vs. the Taurus’s already impressive figure) and significantly roomier inside. However, the Taurus had a more established reputation for reliability and was a massive sales success.

Against its own stablemate, the Dodge Dynasty, the Premier (and its Dodge Monaco twin) was more sophisticated. It offered a more powerful standard V6 engine (150 hp vs. the Dynasty’s 141 hp base V6), a more advanced independent rear suspension, and a larger interior and trunk. Despite these advantages, the more traditional and familiar Dynasty consistently outsold the Premier and Monaco.

When compared to European rivals, the Premier offered similar interior space and a comfortable ride for a significantly lower price. However, it often fell short in perceived build quality, brand prestige, and the refinement of its powertrain compared to brands like Acura and Volvo.

Eagle Premier Awards and Recognition

While the Eagle Premier did not win a large number of major, widely-publicized awards, it was well-regarded by the automotive press upon its debut for its innovative design and engineering. Specific awards are not well-documented, but its recognition came in the form of positive reviews and its influence on future Chrysler products.

• Press Acclaim: The Premier was generally well-received by automotive journalists who praised its combination of European handling, American space, and advanced features.
• Engineering Legacy: Its longitudinal front-wheel-drive platform was a significant engineering achievement and directly influenced the design of Chrysler’s next-generation, highly successful LH platform cars, such as the Eagle Vision, Dodge Intrepid, and Chrysler Concorde.

Interesting Facts about Eagle Premier

• The Premier’s exterior was styled by the famed Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who also designed iconic cars like the DeLorean and the Lotus Esprit.
• It was originally developed by AMC and Renault and was slated to be sold as a Renault before Chrysler’s acquisition of AMC. Pre-production models even had Renault emblems.
• The rear disc brake system from the Eagle Premier was later used on the Dodge Viper.
• AMC and Renault had originally planned a full lineup based on the Premier platform, including a two-door coupe to be named the Allure and a station wagon, but these were cancelled after the Chrysler buyout.
• Chrysler was contractually obligated to purchase 260,000 V6 engines from Renault, which is a primary reason they created the Dodge Monaco as a rebadged version of the Premier to help use the engine supply.

Eagle Premier Legacy and Influence

Despite a short production run and lackluster sales, the Eagle Premier left a significant legacy. Its primary influence was on Chrysler’s subsequent product development. The advanced manufacturing processes at the Bramalea plant and the car’s longitudinal front-wheel-drive architecture served as the direct foundation for Chrysler’s highly successful and critically acclaimed LH platform cars of the 1990s, including the Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, and the Premier’s successor, the Eagle Vision. The Premier was a transitional vehicle, representing the last car with direct roots in AMC’s engineering and the first step towards the cab-forward design language that would define Chrysler for the next decade. However, the marketing for the car was often confused, with Chrysler unsure how to position the new Eagle brand, which diluted its market impact. Ultimately, the Premier is remembered as a technologically advanced and spacious sedan that was perhaps too European for mainstream American tastes at the time and a victim of corporate restructuring.

Eagle Premier Global Availability

The Eagle Premier was primarily a North American market vehicle. It was manufactured at the Brampton Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada, and sold through the newly established Jeep-Eagle dealership network in the United States. In Canada, the Dodge Monaco variant was not sold, leaving the Premier as the sole version available there. The Premier was also exported for a brief period. From 1989 to 1990, it was sold in Japan, where it was marketed as the Chrysler Premier ES. The Japanese models were left-hand drive and featured minor changes, such as different indicator lights, to comply with local regulations.

Eagle Premier Maintenance and Ownership Costs

The Eagle Premier offered a comprehensive warranty for its time, backed by Chrysler’s 7-year/70,000-mile powertrain protection plan. However, long-term ownership presented challenges. The car’s unique blend of components from AMC, Renault, and Chrysler made sourcing specific spare parts difficult as the vehicle aged. Early models, in particular, suffered from electrical issues stemming from their Renix systems, though this was largely rectified in 1990 when Chrysler substituted its own more reliable electrical components. Due to its low sales volume and reputation for complexity, the Premier’s resale value depreciated significantly. As a result, many of these cars were taken off the road prematurely once out of warranty due to the difficulty and cost of repairs.

Final Words about Eagle Premier

The Eagle Premier stands as a fascinating chapter in automotive history—a car born from an international partnership and launched under a brand created from corporate acquisition. It was a vehicle ahead of its time in many respects, offering a level of interior space, aerodynamic efficiency, and ride quality that challenged both domestic and international competitors. Its design was clean, its engineering was innovative, and its influence on the successful Chrysler cars that followed is undeniable. However, its journey was hampered by an identity crisis, inconsistent marketing, and reliability concerns that prevented it from achieving commercial success. For buyers today, the Premier is a rare and interesting classic, appealing to those who appreciate its unique blend of European design and American comfort, but it remains a choice for enthusiasts willing to navigate the challenges of maintaining a forgotten nameplate. It was a bold idea that, while not a sales champion, paved the way for a new era of design at Chrysler.