1987 AMC Eagle, a name that evokes images of rugged all-wheel drive and a unique blend of practicality and performance, was a car that challenged the status quo. This American-made wagon, with its roots in the 1970s, carved out a niche in the automotive landscape, offering a compelling alternative to traditional sedans and station wagons.
The Eagle’s legacy extends beyond its innovative design, encompassing a fascinating story of engineering ingenuity, marketing strategies, and a lasting impact on the automotive industry.
The 1987 Eagle was more than just a car; it was a statement. It embodied a spirit of adventure, offering drivers the ability to tackle diverse terrains with confidence. Its distinctive styling, featuring a boxy shape and a raised stance, hinted at its capabilities, while its spacious interior and comfortable ride provided a welcome sanctuary for families and adventurers alike.
History of the AMC Eagle
The AMC Eagle, a groundbreaking vehicle launched in 1979, was a pioneering example of the crossover segment that has become ubiquitous today. It was a unique combination of car-like handling and comfort with the practicality and versatility of a station wagon, but with the added advantage of all-wheel drive (AWD).
The 1987 AMC Eagle, a pioneer in the all-wheel-drive compact segment, was a far cry from the sleek, muscle-car styling of its predecessor, the 1968 AMC AMX. While the AMX focused on performance, the Eagle prioritized practicality and year-round driving capability, a testament to AMC’s evolving approach to the automotive landscape.
Design Philosophy and Unique Features
The AMC Eagle was the brainchild of American Motors Corporation (AMC), a company known for its innovative and unconventional designs. The car’s design philosophy was rooted in the need for a vehicle that could handle a variety of driving conditions, from snow-covered roads to rough terrain.
The 1987 AMC Eagle, with its unique blend of car-like handling and station wagon practicality, was a testament to American Motors Corporation’s innovative spirit. While the Eagle wasn’t the first to embrace the crossover concept, it certainly pushed the boundaries of what a car could be, much like the 1971 AMC Javelin did with its muscular styling and performance-oriented nature.
The Eagle’s success, however, was ultimately hampered by AMC’s own struggles, paving the way for other manufacturers to capitalize on the crossover segment in the years to come.
This led to the development of the Eagle’s distinctive features:
- All-wheel drive (AWD):The Eagle was one of the first mass-produced vehicles to offer AWD, which provided superior traction and handling in adverse weather conditions. This was a significant innovation at the time, as most cars were still rear-wheel drive.
- Unibody construction:The Eagle’s unibody construction provided a more rigid and stable platform, enhancing both handling and ride comfort.
- High ground clearance:The Eagle’s higher ground clearance than traditional sedans allowed it to navigate rough roads and snowdrifts with ease.
- Spacious interior:The Eagle’s wagon-like body offered ample cargo space and passenger comfort, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Marketing Strategies
AMC adopted a multi-pronged marketing strategy to promote the Eagle, emphasizing its unique capabilities and targeting specific demographics.
- Focus on versatility:AMC highlighted the Eagle’s versatility as a vehicle that could handle a wide range of driving conditions and tasks, from commuting to weekend adventures.
- Emphasis on AWD:The Eagle’s AWD system was a key selling point, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions. AMC ran numerous commercials and print ads showcasing the Eagle’s superior traction and handling in snow and ice.
- Targeting specific demographics:AMC targeted families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those living in areas with challenging weather conditions. The Eagle was marketed as a practical and reliable vehicle for everyday use, as well as for recreational activities.
Production Years and Variations
The AMC Eagle was produced from 1979 to 1987, with several variations introduced over the years.
- 1979-1980:The first generation Eagle was available in two-door and four-door sedan and station wagon body styles, with a 133-horsepower (99 kW) 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
- 1981-1983:The second generation Eagle featured a redesigned front end and a larger 151-horsepower (113 kW) 2.8-liter V6 engine. A four-door hatchback was also added to the lineup.
- 1984-1987:The third generation Eagle received a further facelift and a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 110 horsepower (82 kW). The 2.8-liter V6 remained available as an option.
Design and Engineering
The 1987 AMC Eagle, despite its origins as a compact car, possessed a unique design and engineering that set it apart from its contemporaries. It offered a blend of car-like handling and comfort with the versatility and capability of a light truck, making it a popular choice for drivers seeking a practical and capable vehicle.
Body Style and Dimensions
The 1987 AMC Eagle was available in both two-door and four-door wagon body styles. Its distinctive design featured a boxy, angular shape with a high roofline, contributing to its spacious interior and cargo capacity. The Eagle’s dimensions were relatively compact for its class, with a wheelbase of 101.2 inches and an overall length of 175.8 inches.
The 1987 AMC Eagle, a pioneering compact car with all-wheel drive, was a testament to American Motors Corporation’s commitment to innovation. While the Eagle shared its platform with the 1977 AMC Hornet , its unique drivetrain and rugged styling made it a distinct model, appealing to drivers seeking both practicality and performance.
The Eagle’s success paved the way for the development of other popular all-wheel drive vehicles, solidifying AMC’s legacy as a trailblazer in the automotive industry.
The wagon body style offered a generous cargo area, further enhanced by the fold-down rear seats.
Suspension System
The Eagle’s suspension system was a key element in its handling prowess. It employed a MacPherson strut front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs. This combination provided a balance between ride comfort and responsive handling, allowing the Eagle to tackle both paved roads and light off-road terrain with relative ease.
The suspension’s ability to absorb bumps and irregularities while maintaining a stable platform for the driver contributed to the Eagle’s reputation for being a comfortable and capable vehicle.
Engine Options, 1987 AMC Eagle
The 1987 AMC Eagle was offered with a variety of engine options, catering to different performance needs and preferences.
- The base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 90 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided adequate power for everyday driving but lacked the punch for spirited acceleration.
- A more powerful option was the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 140 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a noticeable improvement in performance, making the Eagle more capable for highway driving and passing maneuvers.
- For those seeking even more power, the 3.0-liter V6 engine was available, producing 145 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided the most powerful option, offering a more refined driving experience and improved acceleration.
Interior Features and Comfort
The interior of the 1987 AMC Eagle prioritized practicality and functionality over luxury. The dashboard design was straightforward and easy to use, with clear instrumentation and controls. The seating was comfortable and supportive, providing adequate room for passengers in both the front and rear.
The interior offered a range of standard features, including air conditioning, power steering, and an AM/FM radio. While the interior materials were not luxurious, they were durable and functional, reflecting the Eagle’s focus on practicality and utility.
Performance and Handling
The 1987 AMC Eagle was a car known for its versatility and practicality, but its performance was also a point of interest for many buyers. While it wasn’t designed to be a sports car, it offered a decent balance of power, handling, and fuel efficiency for its time.
Acceleration, Braking, and Fuel Efficiency
The 1987 AMC Eagle was available with a range of engine options, each offering different levels of performance. The base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which produced 90 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided adequate acceleration for daily driving but wasn’t particularly quick.
For those seeking more power, there was a 2.8-liter V6 engine, which generated 125 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a noticeable improvement in acceleration and overall performance.The Eagle’s braking performance was generally considered adequate for its time.
Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes provided sufficient stopping power for most driving situations. However, some reviewers noted that the brakes could feel a bit spongy under heavy braking.Fuel efficiency was a strong point of the AMC Eagle. The four-cylinder engine achieved an estimated 25 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway.
The V6 engine, while more powerful, saw slightly lower fuel economy at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Comparison to Contemporaries
Compared to its contemporaries, the 1987 AMC Eagle offered a unique combination of features. While it wasn’t as sporty as some of its competitors, it provided a more practical and versatile package. The Eagle’s all-wheel-drive system gave it an advantage in snowy or icy conditions, while its wagon body style offered more cargo space than most sedans.For example, the 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity, a popular mid-size sedan at the time, offered a similar level of performance but lacked the all-wheel-drive capability and cargo space of the Eagle.
Similarly, the 1987 Ford Taurus, another popular sedan, offered a more luxurious interior but was less practical for hauling cargo.
User Reviews and Opinions
User reviews of the 1987 AMC Eagle generally praised its practicality, fuel efficiency, and all-wheel-drive capabilities. Many owners appreciated the Eagle’s versatility for both daily driving and weekend adventures. However, some users reported issues with the car’s reliability, particularly with the engine and transmission.
“The AMC Eagle is a great car for people who need a vehicle that can handle all types of weather conditions. It’s also very practical for hauling cargo.”
A satisfied AMC Eagle owner
“I’ve had a few issues with the engine and transmission in my Eagle, but overall it’s been a reliable car.”
An AMC Eagle owner who experienced some problems
Performance Specifications Comparison
The following table compares the performance specifications of different 1987 AMC Eagle models:| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 mph | Fuel Economy (City/Highway) ||—|—|—|—|—|—|| AMC Eagle 4-Door Sedan | 2.5L I4 | 90 hp | 110 lb-ft | 11.5 seconds | 25/32 mpg || AMC Eagle 4-Door Wagon | 2.5L I4 | 90 hp | 110 lb-ft | 11.5 seconds | 25/32 mpg || AMC Eagle 4-Door Sedan | 2.8L V6 | 125 hp | 150 lb-ft | 9.5 seconds | 22/28 mpg || AMC Eagle 4-Door Wagon | 2.8L V6 | 125 hp | 150 lb-ft | 9.5 seconds | 22/28 mpg |
1987 AMC Eagle Today
The 1987 AMC Eagle, a pioneer in the crossover segment, remains a captivating vehicle for enthusiasts. Its unique blend of car-like handling and SUV-like capability continues to attract collectors and those seeking a piece of automotive history.
Collector Value
The 1987 AMC Eagle’s collector value varies significantly depending on its condition, mileage, and model. Generally, well-maintained examples, especially those with low mileage, command a higher price. The most sought-after models are the limited-edition “Limited” trim and the sporty “SX/4” versions.
Popular Restoration and Modification Projects
The 1987 AMC Eagle presents a canvas for restoration and customization. Here are some common projects:
- Engine Upgrades:Swapping in a more powerful engine, such as a V8 from a later Jeep Cherokee, is a popular modification. This enhances performance and provides a more modern driving experience.
- Suspension Enhancements:Upgrading the suspension with modern components, including adjustable shocks and springs, improves handling and ride quality.
- Interior Refresh:Replacing worn-out upholstery, updating the dashboard, and adding modern amenities can revitalize the Eagle’s interior.
- Exterior Restoration:Repainting the body, restoring chrome trim, and replacing damaged body panels can restore the Eagle’s exterior to its former glory.
Finding Parts and Information
Several resources are available for finding parts and information for the 1987 AMC Eagle:
- Online Forums and Communities:Dedicated forums and online communities offer a wealth of information, technical support, and parts sourcing. Popular examples include the AMC Eagle Club, the AMC Owners Group, and the AMC Eagle Forum.
- Specialty Parts Suppliers:Several companies specialize in providing parts for AMC vehicles, including the Eagle. These suppliers often carry hard-to-find items and can provide expert advice.
- Used Parts Marketplaces:Online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist offer a vast selection of used parts, often at affordable prices. However, it’s crucial to inspect parts carefully before purchasing.
Online Communities
- AMC Eagle Club:This dedicated club provides a platform for enthusiasts to connect, share information, and organize events. The club’s website offers a wealth of resources, including technical documentation, parts suppliers, and restoration guides.
- AMC Owners Group:A broader community for all AMC vehicle owners, the AMC Owners Group includes a dedicated forum for Eagle owners to discuss specific issues, share experiences, and find parts.
- AMC Eagle Forum:This online forum offers a vibrant space for Eagle owners to connect, discuss technical topics, and seek advice from experienced enthusiasts.
Concluding Remarks: 1987 AMC Eagle
The 1987 AMC Eagle remains a captivating example of American ingenuity and a testament to the power of innovation in the automotive industry. Its legacy lives on in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors, who appreciate its unique blend of practicality, performance, and off-road capability.
While the Eagle may no longer be in production, its influence on car design and its impact on the automotive landscape continue to resonate, making it a true icon of its time.