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{{About|the car|the mountain in [[Alaska]]|Eagle Summit (Alaska)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}

{{Infobox automobile
| image = Eagle-Summit.jpg
| caption = 
| name = Eagle Summit
| manufacturer = [[Mitsubishi Motors]]
| production = 1989&ndash;1996
| class = [[Subcompact]]<br>[[Compact MPV]] (wagon) <ref name="Tribune-22-03-93">{{cite news|url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/1993/03/22/inside-story-on-93-eagle-summit-plenty-of-space-few-safety-features/ |quote=Summit may be ranked as a subcompact based on exterior dimensions, but it has interior room most midsize cars would envy. |title=Inside Story On '93 Eagle Summit: Plenty Of Space, Few Safety Features |date=22 March 1993 |first=Jim |last=Mateja |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=11 October 2015}}</ref>
| predecessor = {{Unbulleted list| [[Renault Alliance|Renault Encore]] (for 3-door hatchback) | [[Renault Alliance]] (for coupe & sedan) }}
| successor = {{Unbulleted list| [[Plymouth Neon]] (coupe and sedan) | [[Chrysler PT Cruiser]] (hatchback and wagon) }}
}}

The '''Eagle Summit''' is a line of [[subcompact cars]] produced for two generations by [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] and sold by [[Eagle (automobile)|Eagle]] from 1989 until 1996. It was marketed as a [[captive import]] by the [[Jeep-Eagle]] sales division that was established after [[Chrysler]] Corporation purchased [[American Motors Corporation]] (AMC) in 1987.

==Overview==
Use of the Eagle model name originated with the innovative all-wheel-drive [[AMC Eagle]] introduced for the 1980 model year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hunting |first1=Benjamin |title=The AMC Eagle Invented the Crossover 20 Years Too Soon |url= https://www.insidehook.com/article/vehicles/amc-eagle-invented-crossover-too-soon |publisher=InsideHook |date=22 November 2021 |access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref> Production continued even after Chrysler purchased AMC, but both the AMC brand and the original Eagle line were discontinued after 1988.<ref name="Foster-OCW"/> The replacements were "badge-engineered products designed, Chrysler said, to compete with hot-selling import cars."<ref name="Foster-OCW">{{cite web |last1=Foster |first1=Patrick |title=Seeking the Summit |url= https://www.oldcarsweekly.com/features/seeking-the-summit |publisher=Old Cars Weekly |date=15 March 2021 |access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref>

The [[Eagle (automobile)|Eagle]] Summit joined the [[Dodge Colt]] and [[Plymouth Colt]] starting in 1989 as Chrysler wound down the assembly of the subcompact Plymouth Horizon and [[Dodge Omni]] twins.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=tgEAAAAAMBAJ&q=Eagle+Summit&pg=PA91 |title=Global Designs for Compact Sedans |first=Dan |last=McCosh |magazine=Popular Science |date=November 1990 |page=92 |volume=237 |issue=5 |accessdate=11 October 2015}}</ref> The introduction of the Summit coincided with the release of the [[Mitsubishi Mirage]]'s third generation.

The Eagle Summit was positioned as a subcompact automobile model in the product mix for Jeep-Eagle dealers.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=EuMDAAAAMBAJ&q=Eagle+Summit&pg=PA43 |first=Jim |last=Dunne |title=Inside Detroit |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=June 1988 |page=43 |accessdate=11 October 2015}}</ref> Previously, this position was held by the [[Renault Alliance]] until it was discontinued following Chrysler's acquisition of AMC from [[Renault]] in 1987. 

The Eagle Summit line continued through the extent of the Mirage's fourth generation, which ended in 1996. The somewhat related Eagle Summit Wagon (a [[compact MPV]]) was marketed from 1992 through 1996 and was based on the [[Mitsubishi RVR]].

The [[Chrysler Neon]] was introduced in January 1994 and distributed through Dodge and Plymouth dealers. Chrysler officials declared that an Eagle version of the Neon was not planned.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://driventowrite.com/2023/12/05/book-of-the-dead-eagle-part-two/ |title=Book of the Dead — Eagle (Part Two) |date=5 December 2023 |first=Bruno |last=Vijverman |work=driventowrite |access-date=31 December 2024}}</ref> This decision meant that Eagle dealers had no competitor to the Neon and, combined with the Summit's Mitsubishi heritage, made the Eagle line expendable.<ref name="Tribune-22-03-93"/>

{{clear}}

==Year-to-year changes==

===First generation (1989–1992)===
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation
| related = {{Unbulleted list| [[Mitsubishi Lancer]] | [[Mitsubishi Mirage]] | [[Dodge Colt|Dodge/Plymouth Colt]] | [[Mitsubishi Space Wagon]] }}
| image = Eagle Summit DL Sedan.JPG
| production = 1989&ndash;1992
| assembly = {{Unbulleted list|Japan: [[Kurashiki]], [[Okayama]]|United States: [[Normal, Illinois]] ([[Diamond-Star Motors]])<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/05/17/new-line-of-work-for-chrysler-plant/ |title=New Line Of Work For Chrysler Plant: Subcompact To Replace Full-size Cars At Belvidere |date=17 May 1991 |first=Jim |last=Mateja |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=11 October 2015}}</ref>}}
| class = 
| layout = [[FF layout]]
| engine = {{Unbulleted list| 1.5&nbsp;L {{convert|81|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Straight-4|I4]] | 1.6&nbsp;L {{convert|123|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} I4 }}
| wheelbase = {{Unbulleted list| {{convert|93.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (sedan) | {{convert|93.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (hatchback) }}
| length = {{Unbulleted list| {{convert|170.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (sedan) | {{convert|158.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (hatchback) }}
| width = {{convert|65.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{Unbulleted list| {{convert|52.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (sedan) | {{convert|51.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (hatchback) }}
| weight = {{Unbulleted list| {{convert|2271|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} (sedan) | {{convert|2205|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} (hatchback) }}
| body_style = {{Unbulleted list| 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] | 3-door [[hatchback]] | 4-door [[station wagon|wagon]] }}
| transmission = {{Unbulleted list| 3-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]] | 4-speed automatic<br/>4-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] | 5-speed manual }}
}}

The Summit was a [[badge engineering|badge engineered]] version of the [[Mitsubishi Mirage]]. In a pairing of the Japanese-built Mitsubishi Mirage and the identical Eagle Summit to test if [[Lee Iacocca]]'s theory was true regarding the preference of a Japanese to an American brand on similar cars, ''Popular Mechanics'' found that American consumers were "not sold on Japanese cars. Quite the opposite. They want to "Buy American," but the Japanese manufacturers seem to offer more of the type of cars Americans need and at a better price, and from more cooperative dealers."<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=o-MDAAAAMBAJ&q=not+sold+on+Japanese+cars.+Quite+the+opposite.+They+want+to+%22Buy+American,%22&pg=PA125 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |title=Blind Taste Test |date=November 1990 |last=Taylor |first=Rich |volume=167 |issue=11 |pages=41–125 |accessdate=11 October 2015}}</ref> The Summit was originally manufactured in Japan. Starting with the 1991 model year, the Eagle Summits were also built by [[Diamond-Star Motors]] (DSM), a joint-venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi, in Normal, Illinois.<ref>Taylor, p. 46.</ref>

: '''1989''': Summit was introduced as a [[sedan (car)|sedan]] in DL and LX trim, both powered by a 1.5-liter 8-valve [[Straight-four engine|four-cylinder]] engine with {{convert|81|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The LX could have a 1.6-liter 16-valve DOHC engine with {{convert|123|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The {{convert|100.7|cuft|m3}} of interior volume classified the Summit into the compact car class, while most of its competitors were still subcompacts. The Summit was also noted for its generous rear legroom. Sales started in August 1988.

: '''1990''': A low-cost base model was added to the bottom of the Summit line. Added to the top was a new ES, which paired the 1.6-liter engine with a sport suspension, 4-wheel-disc brakes, and {{convert|14|in|mm|sing=on}} alloy wheels with P195/60R14 tires. All models received all-[[capital letter]]ing on the back.

[[File:Dodge Colt (4948863469).jpg|thumb|left|Hatchback (related Dodge Colt)]]

: '''1991''': The 1.5-liter engine output increased to {{convert|92|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} due to 4 additional valves (for 12 total). The ES models returned to {{convert|13|in|mm|sing=on}} wheels and disc brakes on only the front. New was the 2-door Summit [[hatchback]]; both it and the sedan was available in base and ES trims. The [[manual transmission]] was a 4-speed on the base hatchback and a 5-speed on all others; the [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] was a 3-speed on hatchbacks and a 4-speed on [[Sedan (car)|sedans]]. All models featured a new front grille.

: '''1992''': The Summit Wagon joined the line, and it was a completely different vehicle featuring a high roofline and sliding rear side door. This "crossover" design was actually a rebadged [[Mitsubishi RVR]], thus not related to the Mirage-based Summits. The Wagon was available in DL and LX trims, as well as in a [[four-wheel drive]] (AWD) version. The new Summit Wagon was marketed as blending the maneuverability of a small car with the roominess of a [[minivan]] with its interior offering high seating positions and removable rear seats.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=GQsDAAAAMBAJ&q=Eagle+Summit+wagon&pg=PA108 |title=Hot Wheels '92 |first=Felix|last=Winternitz |magazine =Cincinnati Magazine |date=October 1991 |page=108 |volume=25 |issue=1 |accessdate=11 October 2015}}</ref> It was designed to attract young families with seating for five.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=SAQEAAAAMBAJ&q=Eagle+Summit+wagon&pg=PA107 |magazine=Kiplinger's Personal Finance |date=October 1991 |page=107 |title=What's new for '92? Check these models |volume=45 |issue=10|accessdate=11 October 2015}}</ref>

{{clear-left}}
: '''Production Figures:'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+Eagle Summit Production Figures<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flammang |first=James M. |title=Standard catalog of American cars, 1976-1999 |date=1999 |publisher=Krause Publications |others=Ron Kowalke |isbn=0-87341-755-0 |edition=3rd |location=Iola, WI |oclc=43301709}}</ref>
!
!Sedan
!Hatchback
!Yearly Total
|-
|'''1989'''
|27,213
| -
|'''27,213'''
|-
|'''1990'''
|13,772
| -
|'''13,772'''
|-
|'''1991'''
|9,257
|8,363
|'''17,620'''
|-
|'''1992'''
|3,348
|6,881
|'''10,229'''
|-
!Total
!53,590
!15,244
!<u>68,834</u>
|}
:

{{clear}}

===Second generation (1993–1996)===
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Second generation
| image = Eagle Summit.jpg
| production = 1993&ndash;1996
| related = {{Unbulleted list| [[Mitsubishi Mirage]] | [[Dodge Colt|Dodge/Plymouth Colt]] }}
| class = 
| transmission = {{Unbulleted list| 5-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] | 3/4-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]] }}
| platform = 
| engine = {{Unbulleted list| 1.5&nbsp;L {{convert|92|hp|abbr=on}} [[Straight-4|I4]] | 1.8&nbsp;L {{convert|113|hp|abbr=on}} I4 }}
| assembly = Japan: [[Kurashiki]], [[Okayama]] (coupé & sedan)
| wheelbase = {{Unbulleted list| Coupe: {{convert|96.1|in|mm|0|abbr= on}} | Sedan: {{convert|98.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} |Wagon: {{convert|99.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} }}
| length = {{Unbulleted list| Sedan: {{convert|174.0|in|mm|0|abbr= on}} |Wagon: {{convert|168.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} }}
| width = {{Unbulleted list| 1993-94: {{convert|66.5|in|mm|0|abbr= on}} | 1995-96: {{convert|66.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} }}
| height = {{Unbulleted list| {{convert|51.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | 1995-96 Coupe: {{convert|51.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} }}
| weight = Wagon: {{convert|2700|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| aka = Wagon: Mitsubishi Space Runner (Europe) <ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/02/junkyard-find-1993-eagle-summit-wagon/ |title=Junkyard Find: 1993 Eagle Summit Wagon |first= Murilee |last=Martin |date=12 February 2014 |work=The Truth About Cars |accessdate=11 October 2015}}</ref>
| body_style = {{Unbulleted list| 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] | 2-door [[coupe]] | 4-door [[station wagon|wagon]] }}
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front engine]], [[front-wheel drive]]
}}

The 1993 model year Summits were completely new and featured more room on the inside as well as weighing less than before.<ref name= "allen">{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=OOMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA39 |first=Mike |last=Allen |title=Drive Report: Eagle Summit |magazine=Popular Mechanics | volume=169 |issue=10 |date=October 1992 |page=39 |accessdate=11 October 2015}}</ref> The Summit was now based the fourth generation [[Mitsubishi Mirage]] 'CC' chassis platform featuring a multilink rear suspension and the body was given a rounder shape. 

The hatchback body design was dropped in favor of a two-door coupe version, while a four-door sedan joined the Summit lineup.<ref name="allen"/><ref name="Tribune-22-03-93"/>

[[File:Eagle-Summit-coupe.jpg|thumb|left|Eagle Summit coupe]]
[[File:Eagle Summit Sedan 2nd Gen.jpg|thumb|left|Eagle Summit Sedan (U.S.)]]
[[File:Eagle Summit LX wagon -- 03-16-2012 1.JPG|thumb|left|Eagle Summit Wagon]]

The Summit Wagon, a rebadged [[Mitsubishi RVR]] was classified as a compact minivan,<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ll4dAQAAMAAJ&q=eagle+summit+wagon |title=The Car Book |first=Jack |last=Gillis |publisher=Tilden Press |year=1996 |isbn=9780062732828 |accessdate=11 October 2015}}</ref> or a compact MPV.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.subcompactculture.com/2009/04/nostalgic-subcompact-tall-wagon.html |title=Nostalgic Subcompact: Tall wagon triplets—Mitsubishi Expo LRV, Eagle Summit Wagon, and Plymouth Colt Vista |date=20 April 2009 |work=Subcompact Culture |first=Andy |last = Lilienthal |accessdate=11 October 2015}}</ref>

: '''1993''': As with the Mirage and both Colts, the base 1.5-liter engine remained, paired to a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. New was a {{convert|113|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} 1.8-liter [[Overhead camshaft#Single overhead camshaft|SOHC]] engine, whose optional automatic was a 4-speed. The Summit was offered in [[sedan (car)|sedan]] and [[coupe]] body styles, in both DL and ES trim lines. The [[Mitsubishi RVR|RVR]]-based [[minivan]] version, marketed as the Summit Wagon, replaced the [[Canada]]-only [[Eagle Vista]] wagon.

: '''1994''': All Summits featured a driver's side [[airbag]], replacing one of the motorized seatbelts. The lower-end DL sedan was rebadged LX and inherited the 1.8-liter engine, which was now an option for the ES coupe as well. The ES sedan upgraded to larger {{convert|14|in|mm|sing=on}} wheels.

: '''1995''': A passenger's side airbag on all Summits replaced the other motorized seatbelt, and ES models were renamed ESi. More significantly, the 1994 demise of both Colts left the Summit as the only remaining Mirage clone, and the cancellation of the Mirage sedan at the end of 1994 left the Summit as the only four-door offering.

: '''1996''': Summit models entered its last model year with new paint colors and seat fabrics.<ref>{{cite book|title=Edmunds Used Cars and Trucks Summer 2001 |pages=166–67 |publisher=Edmund Publications |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-87759669-1}}</ref>
:

:

{{clear}}

==Trim levels overview==

:'''4-door sedan (1989-1996)'''
:*''DL'' - 1989-1990; 1993
:*''LX'' - 1989-1990; 1994–1996
:*base - 1990-1992
:*''ES'' - 1990-1994
:*''ESi'' - 1994-1996

:'''2-door coupe/hatchback (1991-1996)'''
:*base - 1991-1992
:*''ES'' - 1991-1994
:*''DL'' - 1993-1996
:*''ESi'' - 1994-1996

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Eagle Summit}}
* {{imcdb vehicle|make=Eagle|model=Summit|Eagle Summit}}

{{Eagle}}
{{Eagle_Timeline}}

[[Category:Eagle vehicles|Summit]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Subcompact cars]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Hatchbacks]]
[[Category:Compact MPVs]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:1990s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1989]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1996]]