Comparison: 1995-98 Eagle Talon (base) & ESi

1995-98 Eagle Talon (base) vs. ESi​

This analysis focuses on the North American 2nd generation Eagle Talon (base) and ESi models only.
Interested in learning more about the 2nd Generation Non-Turbo Mitsubishi Eclipses? Click here.

Disclaimer: this info may not be comprehensive or exhaustive, and may contain mistakes or errors. If you see a mistake or something missing, feel free to drop a comment.

Sources: A lot of this information was derived from observation and sales brochures. (Note: a Canadian brochure was referenced for the 1998 model year, as a US brochure could not be sourced at the time of this writing).

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Eagle Talon Sales Brochures​

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Brief Introduction​

The Talon and Talon ESi coupes were the lowest trim levels for the 2nd generation Eagle Talon. Both were front wheel drive and equipped with a Naturally Aspirated 420A 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine making 140 hp @ 6000 rpm, and 130 lbs-ft @ 4800 rpm from the factory.

Design Styles​

• 2GA: 1995-1996 model years.
• 2GB: 1997-1998 model years. Talon (base) model added to lineup. 2GB ESi models saw changes to the front and rear bumpers and interior cloth design.

Base MSRP​

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price from J.D. Power (https://www.nadaguides.com/)

• Talon (base):
  • 1997: $14,059
  • 1998: $14,505
• ESi:
  • 1995: $14,362
  • 1996: $14,830
  • 1997: $14,830 (+$771 over Base)
  • 1998: $15,275 (+$770 over Base)

Curb Weight​

Approximate

• Talon (base):
  • 1997: 2729 lbs
  • 1998: 2729 lbs
• ESi:
  • 1995: 2835 lbs
  • 1996: 2789 lbs
  • 1997: 2749 lbs (+20 lbs over Base)
  • 1998: 2749 lbs (+20 lbs over Base)

Talon (base) & ESi Factory Paint Colors​

Paint codes can be found on @Tanro's paint codes list.
Note: Talon (base) only available from 1997-98. Dates preceeding 1997 were ESi.

• Bright White
• Black
• Indy Red
• Wildberry
• Tropical Lime Metallic (1995)
• Deep Green Metallic (1995)
• Medium Gray Metallic (1995-1996)
• Blue Metallic (1995-1996)
• Prism Blue (1996)
• Polo Green (1996-1998)
• Bright Jade (1997)
• Paprika (1997-1998)
• Pewter Blue (1997-1998)
• Silver Mist (1997-1998)

Factory Interior Colors​

Note: Talon (base) only available from 1997-98. Dates preceeding 1997 were ESi.

• Gray (1995-1997)
• Brownstone (1995-1996)
• Black/Tan (1997-1998)
• Black/Gray (1998)

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Talon (base) and ESi Shared Equipment​

Regardless of package upgrades or options, all Talon (base) and ESi models featured:

• Black roof
• Black side mirrors
• Fixed antenna
• Sun visors with unlit vanity mirrors
• Front sway bar / no rear sway bar
• Rear drum brakes
• Cloth seats
• 6-way adjustable driver seat
• One-piece folding rear back seat
• No fog lights

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Talon (base)​

This was the lowest trim level for the 1997-1998 model years.
Regardless of package upgrades or options, all Talon (base) models featured:

• 14" steel wheels with covers
• Manual locks
• Crank windows
• Manual side mirrors
• Black exterior door handles
• Fixed intermittent windshield wipers
• Interior fuel door release

Standard equipment:​

• 5-speed manual transmission
• Rear window defroster (1998)

Optional equipment:​

• 4-speed automatic transmission
• AM/FM Stereo with 4 speakers
• AM/FM Cassette stereo with 6 speakers
• Air conditioning

Omitted equipment:​

It is interesting to note that the Talon (base) had:

• No cruise control
• No rear wiper
• No rear spoiler
• No sunroof
• No body side molding
• No interior rear hatch release
• No chimes for key-in-ignition or headlights on
• No ignition halo
• No floor mats
• No foot lamp
• No cargo lamp
• No cargo net
• No cargo cover
• No center console cupholder

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ESi​

The ESi was produced from 1995 to 1998 and served as the lowest trim level from 1995-1996. Regardless of package upgrades or options, all ESi models featured:

• Color-matched exterior door handles
• Bodyside molding
• Rear spoiler
• Interior fuel door and rear hatch release
• Variable intermittent wipers
• Cloth upholstry
• No side skirts

Standard equipment:​

• 5-speed manual transmission
• 14" Steel wheels with covers
• Manual door locks
• Crank windows
• Side mirrors:
  • Manual (1995-1997)
  • Power (1998)
• AM/FM Stereo with:
  • 4 speakers (1995-1997)
  • Casette (1998)
• Rear window wiper/washer (1995-1996)
• Rear window defroster (1998)
• Air conditioning (1998)
• Cruise control (1998)
• Cargo net (1998)
• Cargo cover (1998)
• Floor mats (1998)

Option Groups 21B & 22B (1995-1997):​

• Air conditioning
• Rear window defroster
• Front floor mats
• Cargo cover
• Cruise control
• Power side mirrors
• AM/FM Casette stereo with 6 speakers

Option Groups 21C & 22C (1995-1997):​

Includes option group 21B or 22B plus:

• Power windows
• Power door locks
• Cargo net
• 16" alloy rims (1997)

Optional equipment:​

• 4-speed automatic transmission
• Anti-lock brakes
• Power windows
• Power door locks
• Remote keyless entry
• Power sunroof
• 16" alloy rims
• Power side mirrors (1995-1997)
• Rear window defroster (1995-1997)
• Air conditioning (1995-1997)
• Cruise control (1995-1997)
• Cargo net (1995-1997)
• Cargo cover (1995-1997)
• Floor mats (1995-1997)
• HomeLink(R) equipped driver sunvisor (1996)
• AM/FM casette/CD stereo (1997-1998)
• AM/FM CD stereo (1998)