Eagle Medallion
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Renault 21 (European model) |
| Founded | 1 March 1987 |
| Fate | Discontinued after 1989 |
| Successor | None |
| Headquarters | Maubeuge , France (production); marketed in United States and Canada |
Area served | North America |
Key people | Giorgetto Giugiaro (designer) |
| Products | Mid-size sedan and station wagon |
| Parent | American Motors Corporation (1987), Chrysler Corporation (1988–1989) |
The Eagle Medallion, also known under the name Renault Medallion, represents a slightly modified and rebranded North American iteration of the French Renault 21. This model was marketed by American Motors Corporation under the Renault badge during 1988, and subsequently by Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division in 1989.
This mid-size sedan and station wagon, equipped with a front-engine and front-wheel drive layout, was introduced to the North American market on 1 March 1987. Imported directly from France, it shared its underlying platform with the Renault 21. Notably, just over a week after its North American launch, Renault divested its ownership stake in AMC to Chrysler on 9 March 1987.
History
First appearing in Europe in 1986, the Renault 21 was designed to compete within the large family car category, targeting rivals such as the VW Passat. Crafted by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it underwent modifications to comply with U.S. safety and emission regulations before being rebadged as the Medallion for American Motors Corporation (AMC). Released as a 1988 model on 1 March 1987, it addressed a void in AMC/Renault’s lineup created by the discontinuation of the Renault 18i/Sportwagon and AMC Concord sedans. Between 1984 and 1987, AMC/Renault dealerships lacked a D-segment sedan offering, making the Medallion essential for expanding their product range.
Essentially an Americanized version of the successful European Renault 21, the Medallion was the second installment in a trio of models aimed at broadening AMC/Jeep/Renault dealer market presence beyond Jeep utility vehicles. This initiative began with the C-segment Renault Alliance in 1983 and culminated with the E-segment Eagle Premier shortly after the Medallion’s introduction. AMC/Renault set an annual sales target for the Medallion between 40,000 and 45,000 units.
Initially unveiled as the Renault Medallion during a winter 1986 press event, retail availability commenced shortly before Chrysler’s acquisition of Renault’s AMC stake in March 1987. Even after Chrysler established the Jeep/Eagle Division in late 1987, the Medallion retained its Renault branding through the 1988 model year to avoid internal brand conflicts. Beginning with the 1989 model year, Chrysler rebranded this vehicle as an Eagle — marking their first new marque launch since 1955 — featuring the Eagle head emblem instead of Chrysler’s traditional "Pentastar."
For the 1989 model year, sold as the "Eagle Medallion," it was distributed through the newly formed Jeep-Eagle division. Initially, AMC-Jeep-Renault dealership networks operated largely independently. Under Chrysler’s stewardship, AMC’s U.S. distribution model for the Medallion persisted for five years but ultimately fell short of anticipated import volume goals.
Design
Produced in Maubeuge utilizing the European Renault 21 platform, the Medallion was imported from France but modified specifically for U.S. and Canadian markets. These adaptations included unique trim levels, redesigned front-end styling, reinforced bumpers for enhanced safety, additional safety features, and varied powertrain configurations. Final assembly concerning options and trim packages took place at a port facility within the United States.
This front-wheel drive vehicle employed a longitudinally mounted 2.2 L inline-four engine sourced from the Renault 25—a less typical arrangement for front-wheel drive cars at that time which commonly used transverse engines. The longitudinal engine placement was chosen by Renault to better accommodate larger engines with more robust gearboxes and to minimize torque steer through equal-length half-shafts. This configuration resulted in wheelbases slightly shorter than those found on transverse-engine Renault 21 models. There were plans to introduce a four-wheel drive version of the Medallion by late 1988.
Every Medallion was equipped with an aluminum 132 CID overhead cam inline-four engine featuring Bendix multi-point fuel injection, delivering an output of 103 horsepower at 5000 rpm and torque of 124 lb·ft at 2500 rpm. The EPA fuel economy estimates were as follows:
- Manual transmission: 42 mpg highway, 27 mpg city, combined rating of 33 mpg
- Automatic transmission: 33 mpg highway, 22 mpg city, combined rating of 26 mpg
The suspension setup consisted of fully independent four-wheel suspension with MacPherson struts at the front incorporating anti-dive geometry for improved handling stability; meanwhile, the rear suspension utilized a V-section cross-member paired with torsion bars and inclined shock absorbers.
Introduced in 1986, the Renault 21 design featured superior aerodynamics compared to many contemporaries and bore resemblance to the Audi 100 series styling cues. The Medallion's overall design was characterized as "sharp" and wedge-like; its station wagon variant earned praise as "arguably one of the most stylish compact wagons available" at that time.
In terms of interior dimensions, the sedan fell within EPA's mid-size classification with a total interior volume index measuring approximately 115 cubic feet. It offered notably generous passenger cabin space and trunk capacity relative to compact segment competitors. The station wagon version featured an extended wheelbase that provided around 100 cubic feet of passenger space along with approximately 42 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row seats. Seating capacity accommodated five adults comfortably with an optional front-facing third-row seat designed to carry two additional children.
1988
For the extended 1988 model year, the Medallion lineup included base DL and upscale LX sedans, along with a DL wagon variant. Standard equipment featured a tachometer, digital clock, AM/FM radio, tinted windows, tilt steering column, power-assisted steering and brakes, plus an adjustable driver's seat height. The wagon version added conveniences such as a lockable storage compartment, an adjustable roof rack, and a rear window wiper. Actor George C. Scott served as the Renault spokesperson, emphasizing the Medallion’s increased size, powertrain capabilities, spacious interior, and warranty coverage in advertising campaigns.
Distinctive exterior design elements included skirted rear wheel wells, fixed chrome door handles with concealed actuators, and a trunk lid that extended over the rear fenders. The front fascia showcased flush-mounted composite headlights—a first for AMC—flanking a grille with three horizontal black slats and a prominent Renault diamond emblem. Differences between DL and LX sedans were evident in taillight lens designs; LX trims later offered an optional power sunroof. The station wagon boasted a longer wheelbase and extended rear doors to facilitate access to an optional third-row seat, adhering to French station wagon traditions focused on maximizing interior volume—surpassing even the larger Eagle Premier’s wheelbase.
Kiplinger's Personal Finance highlighted the Medallion wagon’s comfort and standard features at an affordable $10,693 starting price, noting its "powerful engine" paired with a roomy yet modest interior. A week-long evaluation by The Milwaukee Sentinel described the 1988 automatic Medallion as an "attractive alternative" delivering spirited performance and a smooth ride, with combined fuel efficiency of ; however, its relatively light curb weight () compromised stability at higher speeds and road noise insulation was subpar. EPA fuel economy ratings for the wagon stood at city , highway , and combined .
A long-term test by Popular Mechanics characterized the Medallion as "unassuming but comfortable," particularly well-suited for lengthy drives and rough urban streets, ultimately deeming it a "quite pleasant vehicle." Automotive reference guides recommended it for its ride quality and spacious cabin, noting Chrysler lacked an equivalent domestic competitor.
American Motors introduced a unique 1988 Ultra Plan warranty program for the Medallion that incorporated scheduled maintenance services. Following Chrysler's acquisition of AMC, marketing responsibilities transitioned to Chrysler, which continued financing support through Chrysler Credit Corporation until the end of 1988.
1989
In 1989, Chrysler emphasized the cutting-edge features within Eagle models. Medallions came equipped with Chrysler's new "7/70 Protection Plan," offering a comprehensive seven-year or 70,000-mile warranty. The rear emblem was revised to read "imported for Eagle," reflecting AMC’s buyout agreement permitting ongoing sales of Renault-produced vehicles in the U.S. Nonetheless, Chrysler ended Renault imports of Medallions after 1989, effectively terminating plans for a four-wheel-drive Eagle station wagon.
Marketing
The Eagle brand originated from AMC’s pioneering all-wheel-drive Eagle lineup; however, the Medallion was a traditional passenger car whose sales struggled due to ineffective marketing strategies. Despite positive reviews from automotive press, limited marketing resources at AMC and dealer transitions into the Chrysler-Jeep-Eagle network hampered its U.S. introduction. Additionally, the Medallion faced stiff competition from both domestic and imported vehicles that were easier to market within its segment.
Speculation surrounding Chrysler’s takeover of AMC raised doubts about ongoing support for the Medallion, although Chrysler committed to at least five years of backing under terms agreed with Renault. Plans to discontinue the Medallion sedan in favor of a four-wheel-drive wagon by 1990 did not come to fruition in the U.S.; instead, the next AWD wagon appeared only with the 1992 Eagle Summit Wagon. In Canada, AWD versions were available as the Eagle Vista from 1989 through 1991.
Over three years in the U.S., total Medallion sales reached 25,672 units—a reflection of challenges stemming from Renault’s withdrawal from the market and Chrysler’s prioritization of profitable Jeep models. While recognized as "a damn good car" with a nine-year production span outside North America, Chrysler discontinued it shortly after acquiring AMC. Robert Lutz noted in his book Guts that despite their quality construction, neither the Medallion nor Premier attracted adequate buyer interest.
Chrysler redirected efforts toward consumers inclined toward imports by replacing Renault partnerships with badge-engineered models sourced from Mitsubishi—a longstanding collaborator since 1971—investing heavily in their Diamond-Star Motors joint venture and constructing a new Illinois facility capable of producing nearly 250,000 vehicles annually. Meanwhile, competitors such as Honda intensified competition by launching luxury marques like Acura.
The smaller Mitsubishi-built Eagle Summit targeted former Alliance and Encore customers but legal complications delayed transition sales from the Medallion. Internally, the Medallion also competed against Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler offerings within similar segments—likely diminishing corporate enthusiasm for promoting it alongside the Premier.
Although Summit and Premier were phased out eventually, no direct replacement for the Medallion emerged in the U.S., despite later D-segment concepts like the Eagle Jazz fastback and Eagle Optima AWD sedan. In Canada, its successor was the Mitsubishi Galant-based Eagle 2000GTX.