Examine individual changes

'{{short description|Car model produced Renault and marketed by American Motors Corporation}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}} {{Infobox automobile | image = Renault Medallion 2.0 DL 1988 (12783128474).jpg | name = Eagle Medallion | aka = Renault Medallion (1988) | manufacturer = [[Eagle (automobile)|Eagle]] | designer = [[Giorgetto Giugiaro]], [[Italdesign]] | production = 1987 - 1989 | model_years = 1988 - 1989 | assembly = France: [[Maubeuge]] (Maubeuge Construction Automobile)<br>Canada: [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]] | predecessor = {{ubl | [[Renault 18|Renault 18i/Sportwagon]] | [[AMC Concord]] }} | successor = {{ubl | [[Eagle 2000GTX#Sixth generation|Eagle/Dodge 2000GTX]] (Canada) | [[Dodge Spirit]] (U.S.) }} | class = [[Mid-size car|Mid-size]] | body_style = {{ubl | 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] | 4-door [[station wagon]] }} | engine = 2.2&nbsp;L ''[[Douvrin engine#2.2|Douvrin]]'' [[Inline-four engine|I4]] | transmission = {{ubl | 5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] | 3-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] }} | layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Longitudinally mounted front-engine, front-wheel drive]] | related = [[Renault 21]] | wheelbase = {{ubl | Sedan: {{convert|2600|mm|in|1|order=flip|abbr=on}} | Wagon: {{convert|2750|mm|in|1|order=flip|abbr=on}} }} | length = Sedan: {{convert|182.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} <br/> Wagon: {{convert|190|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|67.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | height = Sedan: {{convert|55.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | weight = {{ubl | Sedan: {{convert|2588|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} | Wagon: {{convert|2736|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} }} | caption = 1988 Renault Medallion 2.0 DL }} The '''Eagle Medallion''', also marketed as the '''Renault Medallion''', is a [[badge engineering|rebadged]] and mildly re-engineered North American version of the French [[Renault 21]] marketed by [[American Motors Corporation]] under the [[Renault]] brand for the 1988 model year, and by [[Chrysler]]’s [[Eagle (automobile)|Jeep/Eagle]] division for the 1989 model year. The front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-door D-segment, or [[mid-size car|mid-size]] Medallion was launched in North America on 1 March 1987. The Medallion was imported from France, sharing its [[car platform|platform]] with the Renault 21.<ref name="AaronGold">{{cite web |url= http://cars.about.com/od/detoursanddiversions/ig/American-branded-Eurocars/Eagle-Medallion.htm |last=Gold |first=Aaron |title=American-branded Eurocar |publisher=About Cars |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150708162807/http://cars.about.com/od/detoursanddiversions/ig/American-branded-Eurocars/Eagle-Medallion.htm |archive-date=8 July 2015 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> Just eight days after the North American introduction of the Medallion, Renault initiated the sale of its stock in American Motors to [[Chrysler]] on 9 March 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Show/9396/r21/hist21.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090830094611/http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Show/9396/r21/hist21.htm |title=History Renault 21/21 Nevada |publisher=Rene's Renault Pages |archive-date=30 August 2009 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> ==History== The Renault 21 was introduced in Europe in 1987 to compete in the large family size market such as the VW Passat. Its clean design was the work of Giorgetto Giugiaro.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Niedermeyer |first1=Paul |title=1988 Renault Medallion (R21) – These Two Guys Are Determined To Keep What May Be The Last Of Its Kind Running |url= https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1988-renault-medallion-the-cc-heroes-these-two-guys-are-determined-to-keep-what-may-be-the-last-of-its-kind-running/ |publisher=Curbside Classic |date=18 April 2018 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> Modified to meet safety and emissions requirements, as well as rebadged as the Medallion, it became a [[captive import]] for Renault's corporate partner, [[American Motors Corporation]] (AMC). It went on sale on 1 March 1987 as a 1988 model and filled the gap left after the slow-selling [[Renault 18|Renault 18i/Sportwagon]] and the venerable [[AMC Concord]]. Both the 18i sedan and Concord had been discontinued after the 1983 model year, while the Sportwagon version of the 18i was marketed through 1986. Therefore, from 1984 until 1987, AMC/Renault dealers offered no sedan larger than the small C-segment Alliance. The larger D-segment Medallion sedan was thus important to American Motors dealers and filled a hole in its product line when it was launched. The Medallion was an Americanized version of the Renault 21, "a highly successful car in the European market."<ref name="kucinski">{{cite news|url= http://articles.mcall.com/1987-04-04/news/2582545_1_mid-size-amc-s-renault-medallion-test-car |title=Renault Medallion Is A Good Car At A Good Price Road Test |date=4 April 1987 |first=Leonard |last=Kucinski |newspaper=The Morning Call |location=Lehigh Valley, PA |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180208123440/http://articles.mcall.com/1987-04-04/news/2582545_1_mid-size-amc-s-renault-medallion-test-car |archive-date=8 February 2018 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> The Medallion was the second entry in a three-model marketing effort to expand market coverage for AMC/Jeep/Renault dealers beyond the four-wheel-drive [[Jeep]] utility vehicles. The first product in that plan had been the C-segment [[Renault Alliance]] that launched for the 1983 model year, while the third was the E-segment [[Eagle Premier]], which launched 10 months after the D-segment Medallion. AMC/Renault were planning to sell 40,000 to 45,000 Medallions annually.<ref name=Wards87>{{cite book|ref=WYB87 |title=Ward's Automotive Yearbook 1987 |publisher=Ward's Communications |location=Detroit, MI |editor-last=Stark |editor-first=Harry A. |volume=49 |date=1987 |pages=41, 178 |issn=0083-7229}}</ref> Badged as the Renault Medallion at its press launch in the winter of 1986,<ref name="kiplinger06-87"/><ref name="koblenz">{{cite journal|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=u-0rvhOztQgC&dq=Medallion+This+Renault+product+was+introduced+last+winter+and+will+see+little+change+for+'88&pg=PA84 |page=84 |date=November 1987 |journal=Black Enterprise |volume=18 |issue=4 |title=Auto Guide - the new faces of 1988 |first=Jay |last=Koblenz |via=Google Books |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> it went on sale 1 March 1987 - a mere 8 days before Chrysler agreed to buy Renault's shares in American Motors - as an early 1988 model. The Medallion retained its Renault branding after the Chrysler buyout, through the end of the 1988 model year, despite Chrysler's creation of the Jeep/Eagle Division in the fall of 1987. Because the Medallion had been launched as a 1988 Renault model prior to Chrysler's buyout of AMC and creation of the Eagle marque - Chrysler's first new brand since 1955 - Chrysler waited until the beginning of the 1989 model year to rebrand the Medallion as an Eagle, so as not to confuse buyers by selling the Medallion under both Renault and Eagle nameplates for 1988.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=DDCDCEA03C8E7BBEBE8479E64EDBA10E?&id=2210&mid=175 |title=Chrysler Historical Timeline 1875 - 2012 |publisher=Chrysler Group |year=2013 |access-date=9 March 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The cars were marketed as "Eagle Medallion" for the 1989 model year and sold through the newly formed [[Jeep-Eagle]] division.<ref name="eaglework">{{cite web|url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/eagle-cars.htm |title=How Eagle Cars Work |authors=Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'' |date=18 June 2007 |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> As a distinct Chrysler subsidiary, the nearly 1,200 AMC-Jeep-Renault dealer organization would initially remain independent.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://articles.philly.com/1987-03-09/business/26222529_1_chrysler-and-renault-renault-premier-renault-medallion |title=Chrysler to buy ailing rival AMC |date=9 March 1987 |agency=Daily News Wire Services |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirerm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402164552/http://articles.philly.com/1987-03-09/business/26222529_1_chrysler-and-renault-renault-premier-renault-medallion |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> As part of the buyout, Chrysler would continue AMC's program for U.S. distribution of the new Renault Medallion for five years, but not to sell a specific number of the French imports.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://apnews.com/article/93355f51b57d4d59c69c95ec16744cf2 |title=Trade Journal: Chrysler Plans to Dismantle and Absorb AMC |date=17 March 1987 |newspaper=AP News Archive |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> ==Design== [[File:88 Medallion 478.jpg|thumb|Side]] [[File:Eagle Medallion V6 3.0 Rear.jpeg|thumb|Rear]] [[File:Eagle Medallion V6 3.0 Front.jpeg|thumb|Front]] The Medallion was built in [[Maubeuge]] using the [[Automobile platform|platform]] of the European market Renault 21, and imported from France.<ref name="AaronGold"/> It was re-engineered for the U.S. and Canadian markets and differed from the Renault 21 in numerous features, trims, frontal styling, stronger bumpers and safety features, as well as powertrain availability. The final assembly of options and trim was performed at a facility at the U.S. port of entry. The [[front-wheel drive]] Medallion used the 2.2&nbsp;L [[Straight-4|I4]] engine that also powered the European [[Renault 25]]. It was mounted in a traditional [[longitudinal engine|longitudinal]] (front-back) configuration, driving the front wheels through either a 5-speed [[manual transmission]] or a 3-speed computer-controlled [[automatic transmission|automatic]]. The longitudinal engine placement was somewhat unusual for a [[front-wheel drive]] car of this era, as the [[transverse engine]] layout is typically more space-efficient.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bonnici |first1=David |title=Longitudinal and transverse engines explained |url= https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-advice/longitudinal-and-transverse-engines-explained |publisher=WhichCar |date=22 June 2017 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> However, Audi, SAAB, and Subaru used longitudinal engines with front-wheel-drive in this era, as well. It was unusual that Renault designed the [[Renault 21|R21]] to use transverse-mounted sub-2 liter engines, and longitudinal engines over 2 liters, which included all Medallion versions. Renault did this for two reasons: 1) The larger, more powerful engines required stronger gearboxes that could not be made to fit into the transaxle assembly common to transverse powertrains, and 2) The longitudinal engine/transmission layout allowed Renault to use equal-length half-shafts from a centrally-mounted gearbox, which reduced [[torque steering]] that would have otherwise been brought on by the increased power generated by the larger engines.<ref name="ramey">{{cite web|url= http://hooniverse.com/2013/03/13/v-i-s-i-t-1987-renault-medallion/ |title=Vehicles I Saw In Traffic – 1987 Renault Medallion |first=Jay |last=Ramey |date=13 March 2013 |work=hooniverse |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160818180350/http://hooniverse.com/2013/03/13/v-i-s-i-t-1987-renault-medallion/ |archive-date=18 August 2016 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> The longitudinal engine R21s and Medallions thus had slightly shorter wheelbases than the transverse engine R21s.<ref>{{cite book|first1=Denis |last1=Duquet |first2=Marc |last2=Lachapelle |title=Auto Guide 87 |publisher=Fitzhenry & Whiteside |year=1987 |isbn=9780889029392 }}</ref> Product plans also called for a [[four-wheel drive]] Medallion to be imported in late-1988.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=zOMDAAAAMBAJ&dq=4+wheel+drive+Eagle+Medallion&pg=PA54 |first=Jim |last=Dune |title=What will Chrysler do with all those chips? |page=54 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=October 1987 |volume=164 |issue=10 |via=Google Books |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> All Medallions came with an aluminum {{convert|132|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} overhead cam I4 engine with [[Bendix Corporation|Bendix]] multi-point [[fuel injection]]. The engine was rated at {{convert|103|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} at 5000&nbsp;rpm and {{convert|124|lb·ft|N·m}} at 2500&nbsp;rpm, achieving [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) fuel economy ratings of: :{{convert|42|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} highway, {{convert|27|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} city, {{convert|33|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} combined, with the manual transmission, and :{{convert|33|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} highway, {{convert|22|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} city, {{convert|26|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} combined, with the automatic.<ref name="eps-88">{{cite web|url= https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/epadata/88guide.txt |date=27 June 1988 |title=1988 Fuel Economy Guide |website=fueleconomy.gov |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> The Medallion featured four-wheel independent suspension with [[MacPherson strut]]s in the front with negative offset for stability and inclined lower wishbones for anti-dive effect, while the rear suspension is controlled by a V-section cross-member with four transverse [[Torsion bar suspension|torsion bars]] and inclined shock absorbers.<ref name="kucinski"/> When the original European Renault 21 models were shown for 1986, they featured a different design compared to the contemporary cars of the era with more rectilinear traditional designs. The new Renault 21 design most closely resembled the [[aerodynamic]] look of the [[Audi 200 Quattro|Audi 100]] models that were introduced in 1983. The Medallion was described "crisp look in contemporary wedge/aerodynamic styling."<ref name="kucinski"/> The station wagon version was judged by one automobile journalist as "arguably the most stylish compact wagon on the market."<ref name="haas">{{cite news|url= http://articles.philly.com/1987-03-27/news/26218389_1_station-wagon-renault-line-medallion |title=Medallion Brings A Winning Look To The Renault Line |first=Al |last=Haas |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=27 March 1987 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051238/http://articles.philly.com/1987-03-27/news/26218389_1_station-wagon-renault-line-medallion |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> The interior of the Medallion was spacious compared to similar cars in the compact segment, which AMC compared it to. The total volume index of the sedan was rated at {{convert|115|cuft|l|0}}.<ref name="eps-88"/> This put the Medallion in the mid-size car class according to EPA market segments (those between {{convert|110|and|120|cuft|l|0|abbr=on}} of passenger and luggage space).<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/info.shtml#sizeclasses |title=How are vehicle size classes defined? |website=fueleconomy.gov |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> The sedan was also notable for its rather commodious [[Trunk (automobile)|trunk]]. The station wagon was typically French in design in that it was built on a longer [[wheelbase]] than the sedan. The wagon was rated at {{convert|100|cuft|l|0|abbr=on}} passenger area and {{convert|42|cuft|l|0|abbr=on}} of cargo volume behind the 2nd row of seats.<ref name="eps-88"/> The Medallion station wagon seats "five adults in true comfort - and will accept an additional two kids" with the optional bench seat for the cargo area.<ref name="haas"/> This was a front-facing third-row seat,<ref name="milwaukee">{{cite news|url= https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1368&dat=19870413&id=nY5QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hxIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7103,3353995 |title=Renault Medallion merits consideration |first=Phil |last=Cash |newspaper=The Milwaukee Sentinel |date=13 April 1987 |access-date=9 March 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> such as in the [[Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser]] and [[Ford Freestyle]]. ==Model years== ===1988=== Medallion sedans were offered in base DL and uplevel LX sedans, as well as a DL wagon, for the long 1988 model year. Standard equipment on all Medallions included a tachometer, digital clock, AM/FM stereo, tinted glass, tilt steering wheel, power steering and brakes, as well as a driver's seat-height adjuster for the reclining front seats.<ref name="haas"/> The station wagon also included a locking storage bin, as well as an adjustable [[roof rack]] and a rear-window wiper.<ref name="haas"/> [[George C. Scott]] was the spokesperson for Renault products at the time and was featured prominently in commercials for the 1988 Renault Medallion, touting its new, larger size and competitive power, interior room, and warranty coverage.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Appel |first1=Tom |title=Hollywood Madness! 12 Classic Celebrity Car Commercials |url= https://blog.consumerguide.com/celebrity-car-commercials/ |publisher=The Daily Drive by Consumer Guide |date=29 May 2019 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Yates |first1=Brock |title=Driving and Buying With the Stars |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/magazine/1987/03/08/driving_and-_buying-with-the-stars/e350dd39-04c9-4dc8-a19b-7cb8bc94e1be/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=8 March 1987 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> Exterior styling showed many unusual features, including slightly skirted rear wheel arches, fixed chromed door handles with hidden squeeze-type actuators, and a decklid that wrapped over the tops of the rear fenders. At the front, the Medallion featured flush-mounted composite headlamps - a first for an AMC vehicle - mounted on either side of a flush grille with 3 horizontal black bars and a prominent Renault diamond logo. Medallion DL sedans offered a different taillight lens pattern than uplevel LX sedans did, with smoked clear reflector lenses continuing inward from the Medallion's reversing lights, and surrounding the upper portion of the decklid-mounted rear license plate depression. The LX sedans showed red lenses in this area instead. A power sunroof option on LX models was available later in the 1988 model year. Medallion station wagons had a {{convert|5.9|in|mm|0|adj=on}} longer wheelbase, and rear doors were much longer than those of their sedan counterpart, to improve optional third seat ingress and egress. While unusual for its class in the North American market, the wagon's uniquely longer wheelbase (more than {{convert|2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} longer than the much larger Eagle Premier's) was in keeping with French station wagon tradition to maximize interior space for passengers or cargo.<ref>{{cite web |title=French station wagons, a tradition that has continued since the post-war period |url= https://www.byri.net/2021/04/30/french-station-wagons-a-tradition-that-has-continued-since-the-post-war-period/ |work=Byri Car News |date=30 April 2021 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> This was design was also used on the competing [[Peugeot 504]] and [[Peugeot 505|505]]. The new Renault Medallion station wagon was reviewed by ''Kiplinger's Personal Finance'' magazine as "surprisingly comfortable, with a load of standard features for its relatively modest $10,693 base price."<ref name="kiplinger06-87">{{cite journal|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ZQUEAAAAMBAJ&dq=Renault+Medallion+station+wagon+specifications&pg=PA60 |pages=60–62 |first1=Ed |last1=Henry |first2=Scherri |last2=Miller |title=Mid-Size Wagons |journal=Kiplinger's Personal Finance |date=June 1987 |volume=41 |issue=6 |via=Google Books |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> The "powerful engine allows it to whiz through city traffic with ease" and the wagon's interior was "spartan," but "spacious and comfortable." A week-long review of an automatic transmission equipped 1988 Medallion by ''The Milwaukee Sentinel'' described it as an "eye-appealing alternative for those shopping for a compact four-door sedan" offering "peppy" performance with an engine that "purred contently at highway speeds" while offering a smooth ride in both the city and on the highway returning an actual combined {{convert|23|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} fuel economy, but the sedan's light weight, {{convert|2420|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}, was criticized as too light on open roads in the wind and the insulation to reduce road noise seemed inadequate.<ref name="milwaukee"/> The EPA estimated fuel efficiency for the station wagon at {{convert|21|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} in the city, {{convert|30|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} for highway, and {{convert|24|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} combined.<ref>{{cite web |title=1988 Eagle Renault Medallion Wagon |url=https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=4756 |website=fueleconomy.gov |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> A long-term test by ''Popular Mechanics'' found the Medallion "low on flash, high on comfort" especially on long-distance journeys and along the roughest roads in New York City, and the editors came to regard it as a "pretty nice car."<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ZuQDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Eagle+Medallion&pg=PA154 |pages=154, 160 |title=PM long term road test Renault Medallion low on flash, high on comfort |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=April 1988 |first=Mike |last=Allen |volume=165 |issue=4 |via=Google Books |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> Other automotive guides recommended the Medallion for comfortable ride and interior roominess, as well as summarizing that Chrysler does not "have a domestic model in this category that's quite as nice."<ref name="koblenz"/> American Motors offered a special optional warranty program exclusively on the Medallion for the 1988 model year called Ultra Plan, which included scheduled maintenance services. After the Chrysler buyout of American Motors, Chrysler took on responsibility for marketing the 1988 Renault Medallion and supported its financing through Chrysler Credit Corporation until the end of the 1988 model year. ===1989=== For 1989, Chrysler focused on the advanced technology incorporated in the Eagle models.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=sS7rBZRKdOcC&dq=Technology+Eagles+7/70+Protection+Plan+Medallion&pg=PA35 |title=These are What Make Eagles Fly (advertisement) |pages=34–35 |magazine=Skiing |date=March 1989 |volume=41 |issue=7 |via=Google Books |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> The 1989 Medallions were also covered by Chrysler's new "7/70 Protection Plan" that was a comprehensive warranty on the entire vehicle for seven years or {{convert|70000|mi|km}}.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=_QMEAAAAMBAJ&dq=Eagle+Medallion&pg=PA17 |pages=16–17 |title=An Eagle's Environment (advertisement) |magazine=Kiplinger's Personal Finance |date=January 1989 |via=Google Books |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> The rear of the 1989 Medallions now featured an “imported for Eagle” badge and the terms of the AMC buyout included the continued sales of Renault-built cars in the U.S.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=r9j7MWLE_jMC&dq=1989+Eagle+Medallion&pg=PA312 |page=312 |title=The Cars of American Motors: An Illustrated History |first=Marc |last=Cranswick |publisher=McFarland |year=2011 |isbn=9780786446728 |via=Google Books |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> However, Chrysler decided to cease importing the Medallions from Renault at the end of the 1989 model year. This also ended the potential revival of a four-wheel-drive Eagle station wagon.<ref name="pm-12-87">{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=G-MDAAAAMBAJ&dq=1987+Chrysler's+4-Wheel+Drive+Medallion+1990&pg=PA32 |page=32 |title=Inside Detroit: Chrysler's 4-Wheel Drive Medallion |first=Jim |last=Dunne |date=December 1987 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |volume=164 |issue=12 |via=Google Books |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> ==Marketing== While reviews were initially favorable, the Medallion had a poor launch into the North American market because of AMC's limited marketing resources.<ref name="ramey"/> There were industry rumors of problems at AMC and Chrysler's takeover of the company overshadowed the Medallion's introduction. ''Kiplinger's Personal Finance'' magazine raised the question of continued commitment and service for the Medallion after Chrysler's buyout of AMC, and noted that an expected letter of intent between Chrysler and Renault indicated that Chrysler "it would support the vehicle for a minimum of five years."<ref name="kiplinger06-87"/> The Madallion was a solid entry in a highly competitive market segment. Total U.S. sales were 25,672 spread over three calendar years.<ref>{{cite web |title=AMC Eagle Medallion US car sales figures |url= https://carsalesbase.com/eagle-medallion/ |website=carsalesbase.com |access-date=2 May 2022 |date=23 October 2019}}</ref> This reflects the numerous stuggles with the Medallion line that was launced just before Renault exited from U.S. market and Chrysler wanted to continue only the Jeep models.<ref name="Emslie">{{cite web |last1=Emslie |first1=Rob |title=At $1,500, Could This 1988 Renault Medallion Wagon be Your Gallic Grocery Getter? |url= https://jalopnik.com/at-1-500-could-this-1988-renault-medallion-wagon-be-y-1829025369 |publisher=Jalopnik |date=14 September 2018 |access-date=3 May 2022}}</ref> It was ranked as "a damn good car — winning numerous accolades and enjoying a 9-year model run outside the States."<ref name="Emslie"/> Although "it was actually a very nice car to drive," Chrysler discononued the Medallion soon after purchasing AMC.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Murilee |title=Guilty Pleasure: Renault Medallion |url= https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1074599_ebay-watch-ferrari-f40-with-buy-it-now-price-of-595000 |publisher=Motor Authority |date=29 March 2012 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> The Eagle name came from the innovative all-wheel drive [[AMC Eagle]] line, but the Medallion was a standard passenger car and its sales were also hindered by marketing missteps.<ref name="earthbound">{{cite magazine|title=Why Chrysler's Eagle is Earthbound |magazine=Business Week |page=40 |year=1988 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=VYUpAQAAIAAJ&q=why+Chrysler's+eagle+isn't+soaring+thanks+to+poor+marketing |via=Google Books |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> Chrysler also planned to phase out the Medallion sedan in favor of a four-wheel-drive wagon by 1990.<ref name="pm-12-87"/> However, the Eagle division in the U.S. went without a 4-wheel-drive station wagon model until the launch of the 1992 Eagle Summit Wagon. In Canada, a 4-wheel-drive wagon was available as the Eagle Vista from 1989 through 1991. [[Bob Lutz (businessman)|Robert Lutz]], the head of the Chrysler Corporation at the time, said in his 2003 book ''[[Guts (Robert A. Lutz book)|Guts]]'' that the Medallion, and its larger line mate, the [[Eagle Premier|Premier]] were "salesproof" in that no matter how attractive and competitive the cars were, customers in large enough number to ensure success just would not take notice. In reality, the corporation was drawing a tighter bead on "import intenders," and rather than working with an independent Renault, Chrysler shifted the Eagle models to [[Badge engineering|badge engineered]] cars sourced from its Japanese partner since 1971, [[Mitsubishi Motors]].<ref name="eaglework"/> At the time, Chrysler was investing in the [[Diamond-Star Motors]] manufacturing joint venture and building a new plant in [[Normal, Illinois]], with an annual capacity of almost a quarter-million vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1986-04-19/business/8601280784_1_chrysler-and-mitsubishi-mitsubishi-motors-diamond-star |title=400 More Jobs At Chrysler - Higher Output Planned As Downstate Plant Breaks Ground |date=19 April 1986 |first=Jim |last=Mateja |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130827185146/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1986-04-19/business/8601280784_1_chrysler-and-mitsubishi-mitsubishi-motors-diamond-star |archive-date=27 August 2013 |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> In 1986, Honda introduced their luxury brand [[Acura]] with the [[Acura Legend]] and [[Acura Integra]] thereby further competing in a crowded market segment. The smaller Eagle Summit made by Mitsubishi was also marketed by Jeep-Eagle dealers, primarily for [[Renault Alliance|Alliance]] and Encore owners to trade into, but with the Medallion "they were stuck with for a couple of years due to legal issues with Renault."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.allpar.com/threads/1988-92-eagle-premier-1990-92-dodge-monaco-and-1988-89-eagle-medallion.228759/#post-1085222857 |title=1988-92 Eagle Premier, 1990-92 Dodge Monaco, and 1988-89 Eagle Medallion |first=Dan |last=Minick |website=allpar.com |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> The imported Medallion also competed with Chrysler's numerous domestic Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler models.<ref name="ramey"/> This may have also contributed to a lack of enthusiasm within the company for properly marketing the Medallion - as well as the larger Premier.<ref name="earthbound"/> While the first-generation Summit and the much larger Premier were both replaced, the Medallion line had no successor in the U.S. market, despite the periodic appearance of several D-segment midsize concepts like the Optima and Jazz. In Canada, the Medallion was replaced by the [[Mitsubishi Galant]]-based Eagle 2000GTX. ==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} == External links == {{Commons category-inline|Eagle Medallion}} * [http://www.renaultclub.us/ Renault Owners Club of North America] * {{imcdb vehicle|make=Renault|model=Medallion|Renault Medallion}} {{Eagle}} {{Eagle Timeline}} {{American Motors}} {{AMC Timeline}} {{Renault}} {{Renault vehicles timeline 1980 to date, Western European and North American market}} [[Category:Eagle vehicles]] [[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]] [[Category:Mid-size cars]] [[Category:Renault vehicles]] [[Category:Sedans]] [[Category:Station wagons]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 1987]] [[Category:1980s cars]]'