It was simultaneously ahead and behind the times. The Eagle was the blueprint for most crossovers today to the point it looks less weird now than it did in the 1980s, yet it was bases on car that dates back to 1970.
I see where youre coming from with that and its not the first time ive herd that. But I dont agree. An Eagle serves a purpose, its actually good at something. And if you had deeper pockets you could even get it with a seriously nice interior. Modern crossovers dont really do anything well. They are really for two types of people, those that turn their noses up to minivans but have a family so they buy what is essentially a minivan with less room, and those that have a fear of owning small cars and want to be "up high like other cars". An Eagle on the other hand is spacious and comfortable, and until its clearance runs out (and theres a lot of clearance) it will go anywhere an AMC/ Jeep XJ or YJ is going to go. Its a car for an outdoors loving, adventuring family that makes the 5 hour drive up to Acadia twice a year and books the camp sites a year in advance because... its just implied that they are going.
Or making me nostalgic for things I have never experienced. I don't think I have ever even been in an AMC car. But I distinctly remember seeing one nearly every day on my walk to high school. The driver must have been going to work every day right around the time I was going to school. Even in the early 90s I was thinking how anachronistic an AMC Eagle in reasonably good condition was.
@Rocky's Modern Life We did get both of those in the US. Peugeot was nearing the end of their efforts to sell cars in the US, and the 405 never sold very well, though I'd see them sometimes. The 504 had been more common, especially the wagon, and I used to see the occasional 505, but I lived in a neighborhood heavy with Air Force officers who had often been posted in Europe and bought a lot of foreign cars. There was even a 604 a block over, a real rarity. The Honda/Rover was just sold as a Sterling in the US because Rover had tried to sell under their own name and failed. To Americans, "Rover" is what you name a dog, not a car. Alas, renaming it a Sterling didn't help and it sold in tiny numbers. I knew an Army officer who had one, but he was a bit of an oddball. However, you're right that very few Americans have nostalgic feelings about those cars, unless maybe their family owned one. One good friend's family had an Audi 100LS, as did the people who lived across the street, but they were much more common, more like Volvos, as cheaper alternatives to a Mercedes. BMWs were still uncommon, with the 2002 the only model normally seen.
I want him to buy one- I actually thought this was gonna be his new car when I saw the thumbnail. He obviously loves the car, there's no reason to not have one. Apart from the newest one being 35 years old now.....
as a guy who dailies an eagle: I find myself pleasantly surprised that this review was 100% accurate and didnt have any mistakes in it at all. Good work and thank you.
I owned an 84 Eagle Wagon for over 20 years, it survived daily driving plus was all 4 of my kids first car. Almost 200K miles and the dang thing just refused to die. WOuld go anywhere especially in the snow. It was a tank, heavy, slow and bulletproof. Finally sold it after all the kids grew up. Last I heard it was still driving around with the new owner. Miss it still sometimes.
@@Mr.Plant1994 Ill admit I have regretted selling a few times. But once all the kids grew up and left it was just sitting, so I sold it and bought an old Jeep J10 Pickup, always wanted one of those too! The J10 has the same engine, so Im already trained in maintenance.
That’s really cool man I was actually scrolling through the comments to see if someone had a story about owning one. Thanks for sharing your experience owning it
“When you find something you love, it doesn’t have to be perfect,and it doesn’t have to be the only thing you think about. It just has to be what it is.” Brings me back to my parents’ purple suburban. What a weird color. And it never was as reliable as the older suburbans we had. It just was what it was. And I loved it. Thanks for the tears, Roman. Excellent writing to all of you.
👍👍 I watch "RCR" for the writing as much as for the car reviews. I'll watch episodes about cars I couldn't care less about! This channel can be funny or thought provoking or emotional (often all three in a single review!) Like Scotty Kilmer's channel, You either "get it", or you don't.
Dear Roman, this was an incredible episode! The way you explain the place of this car in your life resonated with my situation with my '86 Subaru XT Turbo. I can't find any car that could replace it, and there are much reasonable cars that i had to drive, but this unique weirdness is what we need from these cars. This is silly love, but at least it's fun. 🙃
I'm going to quote mr regular on how you feel of that subaru. When you fall in love with something, it stops making sense. I feel that way with my 85 celica, and its countless problems im having to fix. But i love the thing. And its fun too.
@Gondola Gripes treating me well! Just doing the nickle and dime stuff of replacing seals, bushings and general maintanence never done by previous owners so it gets pricy
I feel much the same as with the 1984 Toyota Tercel SR5 Wagon. I loved that car, and despite it being slower than someone on a huffy bike, it was charming, and the 4wd worked great in light snow and mud, and could be 2wd for everyday driving. I miss that car, despite having better cars sinve.
I had the predecessor to this car, the AMC Hornet wagon. The Eagle and the Hornet wagon share just about everything, same body, similar I-6 Engine Layout, similar interior, but the addition of 4W drive really sets these apart. You're not alone Roman, I love the styling on these too. My hornet was my first car, that first grasp at teenage freedom. It was also the last gift my Grandfather gave me. My time with that car will forever be a part of me that I cherish.
Also forgot to mention- I love how he's got the aftermarket valve cover on that! The 83-87 Eagles had that plastic valve cover on the engine- which everyone who owns them loathes.
AMC actually added extra screws for the valve cover. Then under Chrysler they eventually added the stamped steel and rubber insolators on the valve cover screws. I had a hand in building the machine to put them together. I can't remember how long the cast aluminum valve cover lasted but I do remember that the RTV gasket was formed in house. The nozzle was controlled by cam followers and a pattern. Are laying down the bead the covers sat for one or two days so the RTV could set.
you dont have to feel alone in liking this body style. ive always loved these 80s AMCs. a lady in my neighborhood had a white and gold eagle wagon for decades, it was so neat. she'd blast out in the winter with 2 foot snow drifts, and off she goes to the grocery store
From down-under, I look at this, well, I want to say 'USA meets Subaru outback' but really, this reminds me of something I've held dear since I was younger, the GM Holden Overlander. Not a factory item, but the idea was to take the then-current wagon, pickup or panel van and basically stick some hilux running gear behind the motor and under the body. it was jacked up, it could go further than the normal ones, it was odd, and I so terribly would like the wagon one to just explore the nation in.
@@dalehadley3283 the overlander was basically a set of modded vehicles, but Google them, they're kinda good. This does hark back to the video, a kids eye of what a car should be, I know an overlander won't hang with a proper off road prepared vehicle, but a cozy wagon that could hit a beach on a weekend or not need a gravel driveway on a remote homestead. Yet still lug the shopping, make some fun noise, look interesting in a parking lot, and just still bring what we expect of the body. Yes please! Bin the SUV three row soccer mum special, forbid the dual/crew cab utility for non workplace purposes. A jacked wagon is cool, and it's a bit sad that only Subaru did it properly, with the outback soft roader or Forrester adding trunk usage to the party.
I know someone that put the 4.0 HO head and fuel injection on his Eagle 4.2. it took it to around 235 hp...it's not hard to do either. There's forums on this mod. It really woke it up.
for all intents and purposes it was just a Cherokee in a pretty frock. The trouble is that the Cherokee was more practical, arguably more attractive, and certainly more reliable. It was cheaper to produce and rode better so the Cherokee wound up pushing the Eagle out as a viable profit generator.
@@dangerpudge1922 not really the amc eagle was way more upper end the Cherokee back then had the 2.5 4 or 2.8 v6 so even if it had the 4.0 which came in 87 . The grand Cherokees was more similar to eagle but the idea was a car that can can do anything a jeep can do. Still something that only a awd charger / challenger comes close to. Can't think of many awd full size cars
The cherokee took the correct approach tho. Just being a slightly more refined wrangler. Still satisfied the "male urge to own an offroad suv" and then was just continuously refined into what it is today
These were very popular in PA, upstate NY and the midwest. I have a 2dr (sedan, some call it a coupe) but they are very hard to find. It's easier to find the lift back SX/4
The coupe was like the personal luxury offering. 2 door, vinyl top, slow. Very rare targa convertible versions exist. The SX4 was meant to be the sporty one with its rally car styling even though they all had the same drive trains. 4.0 liter/5speed jeep swaps wake them up a bit
Lol, I’ve tried to fix it, but the bucket behind the light is broken and I can’t quite get it right. I even bought another bucket assembly, and it was broken too! It’s better than it was when I got it
My dad drove a 95 legacy wagon for most of my childhood. I learned how to drive on that car. The weird, utility quirkiness of Subaru's been engraved in me so much so that anything else falls short, even when it doesn't make sense. It feels exactly like how a car should feel to me. Although I'm saddened that almost every modern car has replaced "utility" with "features."
Loved my Eagle Wagon. Another car hit the the back when I was stopped and that car was totaled. Bent the Eagle bumper slightly. Gave the other driver a ride and went on about my day. We used to sit on the roof to watch ballgames and never left a dent. Was so slow passing anything else that was moving was just not an option. Thanks for the video, brought back a lot of memories.
Ha Ha, the same thing happened to me - I was rear ended by a Chevy LUV Truck and the vehicle behind me was totaled, and I was ok (except for a blown seal in one of my rear brake drums).
As a fellow CT resident, you should switch out those license plates for some Classic Vehicle plates! The car certainly qualifies, and there's no reason not to. And you'll save some money on those yearly excise taxes.
@@jonclark1288 I'm so used to them, I didn't even notice that they were CT plates. For sure, saving the tax money is a plus, the DMV headache almost invalidates the time spent though. Where are you from in CT?
This episode really resonated with me. The first car i ever rode in was my parents 1988 Oldsmobile 98. When I think of a car as a concept, the 3 box beige Oldsmobile comes to mind. It had a red overstuffed velour interior. Fake wood everywhere. My dad doesn't even remember what engine it had only that it was V6 and was front wheel drive. I was born in 1992 and my parents wanted a front wheel drive car because TV told them fwd was safer. They wanted a large sedan because a large sedan wouldn't "fold up like tin foil like a Japanese car" as my dad said. My dad sold a 1976 Chevy Monte Carlo for a beige 1988 Oldsmobile in 1992, just because he wanted to feel like he was protecting his son the best he could. I'm now 29 and both my parents have passed away. I find myself thinking about that alot. I never took in that my parents were people. I always took them and their love for granted. I've come to appreciate them so much more now. I think about the sacrifices and effort they put in to make sure I had the best upbringing they could provide. I wouldn't be the man I am today if not for them, and it makes me feel so grateful. I hardly ever see Oldsmobiles in general anymore, but when I do see one I reminisce about the carefree days of my youth. Playing a grey original Gameboy in the red couch-like backseat of an Oldsmobile 98
One of my parents neighbors had woodie one of these long in to the 2010s…a true icon I think he’s replaced it with an off-white nice trim P/T Cruiser. Dude is a CHAMPION.
I'm so thrilled that you've finally been able to get ahold of one of these. I love AMC. The Eagle was the ultimate expression of the agility and innovation that a corporation can be capable of. They're awesome in every way that matters. Great episode.
Had a girlfriend about a decade ago who had one of these. Was definitely a dog, but was something that caught a lot of attention at parking lots. Always some old guy who knew someone who had one etc. they are pretty rare now, and finding parts can be a pain. The 4.2 is still common but some of the interior stuff is non existent now.
Your dream car? My dream car! I've never seen one in person; it's too old for my time. But I want one. Someday, I will own an Eagle. I've been watching for one for a good while. Also, there are two things that also come to mind for me with the Eagle: the success in rally races and the rust-proofing. The Eagle SX/4 was basically the perfect car for rallying, or, well, apart from the not-so-perfect power output. A great ride height and traction to keep you moving across any terrain in a rally track! Pretty slick if you ask me. The rust-proofing is also really impressive. I saw an AMC Spirit magazine ad for 1979 touting that the thing was the first car with every single exterior body panel galvanized for rust protection. Combine that with some pretty solid paint and those plastic fender guards and you have a car with protection some 15 or 20 years ahead of its time. That's extra important for somebody like me, who lives in ye olde land of rust, AKA Wisconsin. Speaking of Wisconsin, I get a hefty sense of pride that the Eagle was conceived and built right here, over in Kenosha, at least before 1984. It's a shame that the plant doesn't exist anymore.
Amazing episode! I spent my early childhood in my grandfather’s AMC Concorde two door. I still miss that car…even with all of its duct tape holding the fenders together and the thumb tacks in the headliner. That was just something about that car that was home.
I have an 83 I bought during the peek of covid. There really is so much warmth to it. Especially given the circumstances we were in it felt like a place of familiarity and comfort amongst the tensions and fear.
Always wanted one of these, just a cool car that was so ahead of it's time. Modern SUV/CUVs can't hold a candle to the classic eagle in terms of capabilities. I fully agree that if they would have continued to refine and develop the platform it would have been amazing. You really got me with the Centralia footage of the Jeep...I was showing my kids pictures of that road they will never see in person
Can't remember which one it is, but I'm pretty sure the footage of the Jeep in Centralia is from another of his own videos on said Jeep, which I vaguely recall has a lot of scenes in Centralia. All his footage showing other vehicles is from his own past videos. He is based in rural Pennsylvania, with the exceptions of a few trips he's been on (around the US, Europe, and Australia) all of his videos are from that area.
The Eagle was a high-speed gravel road bomber! I know form experience. My buddy and I took his mother's Eagle all the time. That car spent a lot of time going way too fast on gravel roads, sometimes with all four wheels off the ground. That things was awesome and so fun! We finally were banned form ever using it again after my buddy accidentally shot the tail light out in the driveway with a rifle. AHHHHH, youth Oh yeah, and it was brown on brown on brown on brown on brown. Like everything in the 80s
Roman, amazing job on this review. It was so meaningful the way you described what this car means to you. I'd love more Roman reviews in the future, I really appreciate the level of sentimentality in Roman's style of writing!
Thanks for this episode! I own a 1980 AMC Spirit DL, it’s a mix between the front end of the Eagle and the rear of the Gremlin but with the 4.2L. It is my first car and it’s been on my family since brand new. I got it on 1996 with only 42k miles and now should be around 120k. I love my little car, and with this episode I love it even more! Thanx
I had a 1978 Subaru DL 4x4 wagon, that honestly was probably technically comparable to the Eagle. But it's charm was the fact it was stuck in the 70s. That was the charm of all the AMC cars. I still think we may see these going through Mecum for near six figures someday. That will never happen with a Subaru DL.
Love the video! A friend in the 80's had one in the sedan version -- since this was in Texas, we all wondered why. Roman's writing hits me in "all the feels" as the kids say today. I'm looking forward to rewatching this a few times to properly soak it in.
Being an AMC wagon owner myself this made me really emotional but in a good way because a lot of what was said reflects how my car makes me feel, while I am no where old enough to appreciate my vehicle (I was born in 99) I can understand the nostalgic feeling to some degree because growing up most of the cars my parents owned were either wagons or vans. My dad is a good example because most his life after his first car (a dark blue 1977 Ford Maverick coupe) everything he had was some kind of cargo vehicle like wagons or vans and very rarely owned anything else. The only time he ever owned close to a standard car was an old Honda hatchback with pop ups and a very small selection of sedans. I think it's because of how often my family had to relocate is what made these vehicles so special to me and my father because no matter where we went these vehicles made us feel at home even when left a place that was supposed to be home to us. Eventually we stopped moving and found a home where me and my siblings spent most of our childhoods even though we didn't need to move anymore my dad still bought wagons and vans because they were good cargo vehicles... Well that and the fact he had 4 kids. Anyway this was a great upload as always.
THANK YOU RCR for finally covering the Eagle. Blue on blue on blue! PLEASE BUY ONE ROMAN!!! Harry is exactly me from 15 yrs ago when I had my 85 wagon.. I even dressed the same. I bought an 81 sedan last month! You have to love it for its weirdness. You have to laugh at the wayward steering, the rumbling feeling of having a ton of power yet it accelerates like frozen molasses going uphill, the checkerboard interior that feels like grandma's kitchen. NOBODY guesses this car is from the 80s, everyone guesses it's older. But everyone who has ever owned one, ridden in one, always remembers it with a smile.
Lol! It’s been a super fun car to own, and a great car to learn on mechanically. It was awesome having in college too, everyone on campus knew it was mine, lol! And cool to hear you also have great sense of fashion!
@@thechryslercrew9417 ^_~ When I was in college there was a girl that had a burgundy Eagle sedan. Maybe an 85 or 86, I was very jealous- it was only a 14 year old car then. I bought my old wagon after I graduated, it remains my favorite car I've ever owned. It was identical to yours except burgundy with that same interior just the opposite color. Good luck and take care of it!
This reminds me of the summer of 89' when I went up with my friend Mark's family when I was about 17, we caravanned up to Door county Wisconsin in an AMC Eagle wagon and a brand new Eagle Premier. Marks dad must have loved AMC products and still bought the AMC Premier after Chrysler had recently acquired AMC. The Eagle wagon was loaded up with camping gear. I remember that Eagle wagon had the most plush leather perforated seats I'd ever sat in. We would trade off riding in the Premier or the Eagle wagon, Marks older brother and sister always drove the wagon, while his dad always drove the brand new Premier; after all he brought the thing brand new. Man the Premier had a fantastic ride quality, and the Eagle wagon had those plush seats.
This review is TERRIFIC! Thank you, Roman. The writing is wonderful. I got to drive the compact SX4 version of one as a teenager when going on vacation to the Jersey shore with a friend back in @1981. I fell in love with it. It drove really well for the time compared to the Fords my family had back then. It was smooth and stable. I came for the car, stayed for the writing. Beautiful job.
Omg, I've been seeing one of these driving around near my house for about a year and I've loved it since I first saw it! I never knew what it was but every time I see it, it catches my eye. Such a cool car.
As a newlywed in ‘86 my wife thought she wanted one of these. So we drove a couple. I remember it being extremely practical, and perfect for her as a commuter since we lived a rural lifestyle. Its performance was horrid, the fit & finish was so bad that it reminded me of the GM junk of the early ‘70s, and it wasn’t a cheap vehicle. But what really soured us, (mainly her) was that it was an AMC. Ten years earlier that wouldn’t have mattered so much. But by 1986 AMC’s future wasn’t a given. And we made the decision to not buy into the unknown. So we bought an S-10 Blazer instead. Which I remember being cheaper than the Eagle.
Odd you had that experience, personal opinions aside I have also spent some time in mechanical repair and auto restoration and found AMC vehicles to be the best vehicles I have ever had my hands on. A lot going on at AMC towards the end, I wonder if it depends on when your Eagle was made, fit and finish is usually superior with them. And yes, a blazer was cheaper. I'm surprised you didnt get the Cherokee at that point. Although it was probably more expensive.
@@drwatson32bit it must be something crisis dependent. You two aren't the first I've heard call vehicles known for quality and reliability crap. I suppose it's yet another reason not to buy one sight unseen
My version of this was the 1991 Honda Accord EX-L Wagon. It's largely forgotten, but everything you said about your feelings on this car, I feel about that one. I know you guys did a video on the 1996, but there's something about the earlier models that I'd still like to see the comparison.
Nice car, that Accord wagon. It felt like a cheaper, more reliable Audi wagon. It was so airy, with such a low beltline. Even little kids could see out. I feel sorry for them now, stuck in the third row of a crossover, with puny side windows they can barely see anything out of. The Camry wagon of the same era was much uglier than the Accord, but indestructible.
SO....80'SSS!!!!!! ( WHILE GRINDING MY TEETH). Congrats Mr. Roman!! Blue interior is weird enough now but the no airbag steering wheel? Wow!! Love you guys.❤ that last part about parents & imagination & artists is absolutely amazing......
Fantastic job Nick. I have have very fond memories of AMC Eagles as one of my best friends had two of them when we were younger. Also I can't wait for the Saab RCR story. Keep up the great work.
I’d like to imagine an alternate universe where, instead of the XJ, the Eagle gets carried forward and produced until 2002, Maybe where Matt’s Offroad Recovery Banana is an Eagle, and Eagles fly around the desert of Moab.
If the crossover popularity happened in the late 80s instead of the late 90s, or if wagons and hatchbacks got cool again earlier; AMC might still be in business today. Instead of Imprezas and Outbacks people would be driving Gremlins and Eagles.
The xj was a brilliant automobile. So I don't wish it out of existence, especially since I can't call many vehicles briliant. But I do wish the Eagle lived on.
Soon as I saw this old school beauty.. my mind went immediately to the "Holden Overlander" and the more recent "Holden Adventra". Nothing to do with AMC, but it's a sort of design that hasn't quite ever found it's place despite being very good at many things!
This makes me want to drive my parents’ 1980 Datson coupe. It was the only car of theirs that I can remember that I never got to drive myself. Great episode RCR!
Ever since I found this channel nearly a year ago, I've binged dozens dozens of car videos, and your extensive documentaries. I've been hoping Roman would get to drive one of these. And when I saw the video, I knew Roman was gonna handle this one. I'm happy for you man. Also, looking forward to the Saab video. I love your documentaries.
In all honesty I loathed everything about these cars when I was a kid... But about 5 years ago I saw one parked on the street outside my office and I spent my whole lunch break outside, walking around it and just... staring... It stirred intense feelings of nostalgia and childish joy that, frankly, no other car ever has. Nobody in my family or friend circles ever owned an Eagle - or anything AMC for that matter - but here sat this freak that third grade me vividly remembers hating and that mid-30s me will violate traffic laws to turn around and go inspect in the rare instance I see one in the wild. The magic in the Eagle was that there was nothing else like it. And there never will be. My childhood revulsion has blossomed into full-fledged adoration for anything baring an AMC badge and I covet these vehicles hard. I don't have the same level of childhood nostalgia tied to one of these vehicles like Roman does, but I absolutely understand his inability to fully quantify how or why this vehicle makes him feel the way it does.
Roman, this is the best episode you've ever done and tied for my favorite on the channel. Don't know how you guys do it, but this really got to me. My dad drove an E39 M5 he got real cheap when I was growing up; as I understand it it was his first "adult" car with practicality in mind, but it was also my first love affair with a vehicle. I can recall in vivid detail sitting in the back, watching him shift gears, hearing that V8 open up on the highway, and listening to Lithium on the radio. I was crushed when he sold that car (all the gaskets in the cooling system decided they wanted a divorce from the rest of the vehicle, so I understand why he did it), and part of me wonders if it's still alive out there somewhere. There were far more practical cars he could have owned that would have better handled the New England winter or swallowed more miscellaneous gear or been faster for the price or this or that or the other thing. That was the car he drove, and that's the benchmark that I compare every other vehicle against to this day. Thanks for putting that feeling into words and reminding me what it's like.
It's not weird to have this as a dream car. I recently bought mine, a 2010 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 MT Coupe. I bought it last Monday for $6500 on OfferUp and it puts a huge smile on my face every time I drive it. Yes, I like it more than a McLaren F1 or a CGT. If this Eagle is your dream car, embrace it! Don't worry about what others think.
Great video dude. Glad you got to experience this! There's this old dude here in Portland who was a customer of mine when I had a job at a gas station, long skinny face, salt and pepper hair down to his lower back, carried those out the front automatic knives, and drove THREE different AMC Eagles. He was such a nice and cool guy!
I have to admit, I really like these. AMC, are sort of the US version of British Leyland.......as in, making the most of a platform and coming up with some interesting products on a limited budget.....there is a lot to admire about AMC.
Used to drive past one that sat in a driveway everyday on the way home from work. Literally never saw it move, but just SITTING there, it still spoke to me.
You and I have more in common than I would have assumed Roman. Absolutely loved these as a kid. Wanted one similar to the Ski Patrol's version shown in a few magazine ads. Finally got into an SX/4 (not Suzuki) with the 258 and a five speed in the early '00s. Such an awesome vehicle. Like a sporty CJ-7, but with less capability on the trails. Still kinda want one of the wagons. Capable cars with a fascinating history. Don't see them much anymore, with the coupes and sedans being especially rare sights.
What a great episode! It got me thrilled from beginning to end. Not only because you shared some touching moments from your childhood, but also because I can relate how cool it was (to me) to ride in my nanny's Eagle wagon back in the early 90s when these things were mostly driven into the ground by people who didn't care what these were because they were just thought of as cheap transportation.
I buddy of mine had one in the early 1990s. It disintegrated just as fast as my k-car! It also made my k-car feel "modern" despite being only one model year apart - the Eagle really was a 1970s car build in the 1980s.
It never ceases to amaze me how in 15 minutes Roman can make me think in such a analytical and yet human way there is always a moment of retrospective described in these reviews and it really forces me to have those same moments of looking back and seeing everything from an adult prospective… I recently turned 18 and I’m on the verge of making one of the biggest purchases in my life so to have this moment of clarity amongst memories of the time past is almost galvanizing when Roman spoke about his thoughts as a child with his mother it made me think back to riding in my moms 1999 Dodge Stratus ES and how I love that car even though its lesser than what I have now and what I’m soon purchasing I will always hold that car as a nostalgic masterpiece as I think of my childhood in north Houston I think of them fondly because they to me were the most positive years in my life so in conclusion, thank you Roman and Mr.Regular for the wonderful feeling of entertainment and for lighting up some of my darkest hours.. Genuinely thank you
We had two of these growing up. They were cheap, roomy, and 4wd. The first was brown, the second was less brown. When both the engines finally gave, so did a part of my childhood. One time, the rain rolled in while we were fishing. I drug my stupid, child feet and we ended up not being able to get through the slickened clay of the glorified farm pond we were at. I slept in the back on those aptly-described plastic seats. In the morning we did some more unsuccessful fishing, the highlight of which was hitting a massive catfish between the eyes and watching in wonder as a large portion of the water overturned. I was heartbroken to find out in my adulthood that these are now rare for the exact reason we lost ours. Thank you for this.
Авто/Мото
Hearing Roman’s voice is like that substitute teacher that everyone likes
But who is still bullied
I don't like it it sounds like he is too close to the mic
The irony of this comment when Mr. Regular legit worked as a substitute teacher haha
Roman’s voice is low key relaxing
@@adintijerina7596 It's like he's whisper yelling. Truly a horrible voice.
It was simultaneously ahead and behind the times. The Eagle was the blueprint for most crossovers today to the point it looks less weird now than it did in the 1980s, yet it was bases on car that dates back to 1970.
I see where youre coming from with that and its not the first time ive herd that. But I dont agree. An Eagle serves a purpose, its actually good at something. And if you had deeper pockets you could even get it with a seriously nice interior. Modern crossovers dont really do anything well. They are really for two types of people, those that turn their noses up to minivans but have a family so they buy what is essentially a minivan with less room, and those that have a fear of owning small cars and want to be "up high like other cars". An Eagle on the other hand is spacious and comfortable, and until its clearance runs out (and theres a lot of clearance) it will go anywhere an AMC/ Jeep XJ or YJ is going to go. Its a car for an outdoors loving, adventuring family that makes the 5 hour drive up to Acadia twice a year and books the camp sites a year in advance because... its just implied that they are going.
Hornet -> Commadore -> Eagle
It must have been weird since most cars rode low in 1980s-1970s, must if looked like a lifted truck back then
@@firebomb13b concord, not commodore
And don't forget that suspension the new platform was designed around in 1970 was engineered to win Trans Am haha
No other car channel would ever get this excited about Dodge Caravans, Neons, Accords, and AMC Eagles
Or making me nostalgic for things I have never experienced. I don't think I have ever even been in an AMC car. But I distinctly remember seeing one nearly every day on my walk to high school. The driver must have been going to work every day right around the time I was going to school. Even in the early 90s I was thinking how anachronistic an AMC Eagle in reasonably good condition was.
RCR has a very particular and special flavor compared to other car-related RUclips channels.
@Rocky's Modern Life We did get both of those in the US. Peugeot was nearing the end of their efforts to sell cars in the US, and the 405 never sold very well, though I'd see them sometimes. The 504 had been more common, especially the wagon, and I used to see the occasional 505, but I lived in a neighborhood heavy with Air Force officers who had often been posted in Europe and bought a lot of foreign cars. There was even a 604 a block over, a real rarity.
The Honda/Rover was just sold as a Sterling in the US because Rover had tried to sell under their own name and failed. To Americans, "Rover" is what you name a dog, not a car. Alas, renaming it a Sterling didn't help and it sold in tiny numbers. I knew an Army officer who had one, but he was a bit of an oddball.
However, you're right that very few Americans have nostalgic feelings about those cars, unless maybe their family owned one. One good friend's family had an Audi 100LS, as did the people who lived across the street, but they were much more common, more like Volvos, as cheaper alternatives to a Mercedes. BMWs were still uncommon, with the 2002 the only model normally seen.
We need more channels like RCR. I don’t really care about supercars and new cars at all…
@Rocky's Modern Life I don't feel nostalgia for old Euro shitboxes, but I do feel a powerful need. Especially old Citroens and Fiats.
Seeing Roman finally get to drive an AMC Eagle for a review is the hero arc we all wanted
I want him to buy one- I actually thought this was gonna be his new car when I saw the thumbnail. He obviously loves the car, there's no reason to not have one. Apart from the newest one being 35 years old now.....
as a guy who dailies an eagle: I find myself pleasantly surprised that this review was 100% accurate and didnt have any mistakes in it at all. Good work and thank you.
Is the, uhh, whatever the owner was doing with grease and the plastic bag accurate?
@@nitehawk86 thats rtv, the valve covers leak oil constantly, very accurate.
@@TheOneTrueHeavy That’s exactly it! It sprung a leak on the drive up, and I wanted to fix it after the review for my 2 hour drive home
@@thechryslercrew9417 but hey at least its not as bad as the plastic valvecover
I have a Concord. Basically same thing. Just older and RWD. Still accurate.
This was surprisingly moving. “If you find something you love, it doesn’t have to be perfect…”
Wise words from a kind heart.
I owned an 84 Eagle Wagon for over 20 years, it survived daily driving plus was all 4 of my kids first car. Almost 200K miles and the dang thing just refused to die. WOuld go anywhere especially in the snow. It was a tank, heavy, slow and bulletproof. Finally sold it after all the kids grew up. Last I heard it was still driving around with the new owner. Miss it still sometimes.
Why did you stop owning it?
@@Mr.Plant1994 Ill admit I have regretted selling a few times. But once all the kids grew up and left it was just sitting, so I sold it and bought an old Jeep J10 Pickup, always wanted one of those too! The J10 has the same engine, so Im already trained in maintenance.
These cars are so disrespected. It was a GREAT car!
My father has one and put 32” tires on it with space adapters, and hes thinking about putting a roll cage, pushbar, now that thing is actually a tank
That’s really cool man I was actually scrolling through the comments to see if someone had a story about owning one. Thanks for sharing your experience owning it
“When you find something you love, it doesn’t have to be perfect,and it doesn’t have to be the only thing you think about. It just has to be what it is.”
Brings me back to my parents’ purple suburban. What a weird color. And it never was as reliable as the older suburbans we had. It just was what it was. And I loved it.
Thanks for the tears, Roman. Excellent writing to all of you.
👍👍 I watch "RCR" for the writing as much as for the car reviews. I'll watch episodes about cars I couldn't care less about! This channel can be funny or thought provoking or emotional (often all three in a single review!) Like Scotty Kilmer's channel, You either "get it", or you don't.
This quote stuck with me as well!
Dear Roman, this was an incredible episode! The way you explain the place of this car in your life resonated with my situation with my '86 Subaru XT Turbo. I can't find any car that could replace it, and there are much reasonable cars that i had to drive, but this unique weirdness is what we need from these cars. This is silly love, but at least it's fun. 🙃
I'm going to quote mr regular on how you feel of that subaru.
When you fall in love with something, it stops making sense.
I feel that way with my 85 celica, and its countless problems im having to fix. But i love the thing. And its fun too.
@@kacewhite4746 man I'd really like either an xt, xt6, or this eagle. How's it treating you?
@Gondola Gripes treating me well! Just doing the nickle and dime stuff of replacing seals, bushings and general maintanence never done by previous owners so it gets pricy
@@kacewhite4746 that's awesome! Is parts availability an issue? Do you think it's better to try and find an xt, the turbo, or the xt6 for reliability?
I feel much the same as with the 1984 Toyota Tercel SR5 Wagon. I loved that car, and despite it being slower than someone on a huffy bike, it was charming, and the 4wd worked great in light snow and mud, and could be 2wd for everyday driving. I miss that car, despite having better cars sinve.
Nick Roman: the official car reviewer of heart-felt discussions, awesome stories, and bangin' music.
Trent Falconrath
I had the predecessor to this car, the AMC Hornet wagon. The Eagle and the Hornet wagon share just about everything, same body, similar I-6 Engine Layout, similar interior, but the addition of 4W drive really sets these apart. You're not alone Roman, I love the styling on these too. My hornet was my first car, that first grasp at teenage freedom. It was also the last gift my Grandfather gave me. My time with that car will forever be a part of me that I cherish.
Both you and Roman are not alone. I had a '76 Hornet Sportabout. These were the best looking wagons of their era, Bar none! 👍👍
CHRIS no offense, the Eagle was all wheel drive not 4 wheel drive
Also forgot to mention- I love how he's got the aftermarket valve cover on that! The 83-87 Eagles had that plastic valve cover on the engine- which everyone who owns them loathes.
I actually changed it to the aftermarket one the day before filming- of course the gasket popped out on my drive up, that’s why I was RTVing it!
AMC actually added extra screws for the valve cover. Then under Chrysler they eventually added the stamped steel and rubber insolators on the valve cover screws. I had a hand in building the machine to put them together.
I can't remember how long the cast aluminum valve cover lasted but I do remember that the RTV gasket was formed in house. The nozzle was controlled by cam followers and a pattern. Are laying down the bead the covers sat for one or two days so the RTV could set.
The plastic covers were fine unless people tried using it with a gasket or over torquing the fasteners. Then They warped.
Thank you Roman for finally reviewing an AMC Eagle... As a kid I loved these wagons
Check out my Eagle videos
I'm so glad Roman finally got a chance to drive this thing. Great video boys.
you dont have to feel alone in liking this body style. ive always loved these 80s AMCs. a lady in my neighborhood had a white and gold eagle wagon for decades, it was so neat. she'd blast out in the winter with 2 foot snow drifts, and off she goes to the grocery store
I love how Roman is all smiles in every shot. Congrats on finally being able to get your hands on one
From down-under, I look at this, well, I want to say 'USA meets Subaru outback' but really, this reminds me of something I've held dear since I was younger, the GM Holden Overlander. Not a factory item, but the idea was to take the then-current wagon, pickup or panel van and basically stick some hilux running gear behind the motor and under the body. it was jacked up, it could go further than the normal ones, it was odd, and I so terribly would like the wagon one to just explore the nation in.
That sounds like it would have been awesome!
@@dalehadley3283 the overlander was basically a set of modded vehicles, but Google them, they're kinda good. This does hark back to the video, a kids eye of what a car should be, I know an overlander won't hang with a proper off road prepared vehicle, but a cozy wagon that could hit a beach on a weekend or not need a gravel driveway on a remote homestead. Yet still lug the shopping, make some fun noise, look interesting in a parking lot, and just still bring what we expect of the body.
Yes please! Bin the SUV three row soccer mum special, forbid the dual/crew cab utility for non workplace purposes. A jacked wagon is cool, and it's a bit sad that only Subaru did it properly, with the outback soft roader or Forrester adding trunk usage to the party.
Man, I'm so glad I looked that up. 😁
What are you driving now?
Those things ROCKED!!! You just unlocked a childhood memory for me
I know someone that put the 4.0 HO head and fuel injection on his Eagle 4.2. it took it to around 235 hp...it's not hard to do either. There's forums on this mod. It really woke it up.
Amazing review! Crazy to think how close this is to a Cherokee, how much the "forward going backwards" keeps things around.
for all intents and purposes it was just a Cherokee in a pretty frock. The trouble is that the Cherokee was more practical, arguably more attractive, and certainly more reliable. It was cheaper to produce and rode better so the Cherokee wound up pushing the Eagle out as a viable profit generator.
@@dangerpudge1922 not really the amc eagle was way more upper end the Cherokee back then had the 2.5 4 or 2.8 v6 so even if it had the 4.0 which came in 87 . The grand Cherokees was more similar to eagle but the idea was a car that can can do anything a jeep can do. Still something that only a awd charger / challenger comes close to.
Can't think of many awd full size cars
The cherokee took the correct approach tho. Just being a slightly more refined wrangler. Still satisfied the "male urge to own an offroad suv" and then was just continuously refined into what it is today
When Roman does the entire review, you know things are serious
I’ve wanted a coupe one of these for a while. Seems like a car built to be sporty but can handle PA roads in winter well.
These were very popular in PA, upstate NY and the midwest. I have a 2dr (sedan, some call it a coupe) but they are very hard to find. It's easier to find the lift back SX/4
The coupe was like the personal luxury offering. 2 door, vinyl top, slow. Very rare targa convertible versions exist. The SX4 was meant to be the sporty one with its rally car styling even though they all had the same drive trains. 4.0 liter/5speed jeep swaps wake them up a bit
A guy in my neighborhood daily drove a 2 door into the early 2010s. It eventually rotted away.
Keep looking at eBay Motors. They pop up occasionally.
The crooked headlight would drive me crazy if I owned it, but is really "period" correct.
Lol, I’ve tried to fix it, but the bucket behind the light is broken and I can’t quite get it right. I even bought another bucket assembly, and it was broken too! It’s better than it was when I got it
My dad drove a 95 legacy wagon for most of my childhood. I learned how to drive on that car. The weird, utility quirkiness of Subaru's been engraved in me so much so that anything else falls short, even when it doesn't make sense. It feels exactly like how a car should feel to me. Although I'm saddened that almost every modern car has replaced "utility" with "features."
Loved my Eagle Wagon. Another car hit the the back when I was stopped and that car was totaled. Bent the Eagle bumper slightly. Gave the other driver a ride and went on about my day. We used to sit on the roof to watch ballgames and never left a dent. Was so slow passing anything else that was moving was just not an option. Thanks for the video, brought back a lot of memories.
Ha Ha, the same thing happened to me - I was rear ended by a Chevy LUV Truck and the vehicle behind me was totaled, and I was ok (except for a blown seal in one of my rear brake drums).
Thank you guys again for filming the eagle! The valve cover gasket leak has been fixed, as has a vacuum leak I had not noticed.
And thank you for getting this gem into the hands of our boys at RCR! So glad to finally see this happening! Rock on!
As a fellow CT resident, you should switch out those license plates for some Classic Vehicle plates! The car certainly qualifies, and there's no reason not to. And you'll save some money on those yearly excise taxes.
@@jonclark1288 I'm so used to them, I didn't even notice that they were CT plates. For sure, saving the tax money is a plus, the DMV headache almost invalidates the time spent though. Where are you from in CT?
@@artbk It was my pleasure! I’m going to try and get them to film my Renault LeCar and 84 Alfa spider too!
Check out my Eagle wagon videos, I show some of the vacuum line goodness LOL
This episode really resonated with me. The first car i ever rode in was my parents 1988 Oldsmobile 98. When I think of a car as a concept, the 3 box beige Oldsmobile comes to mind. It had a red overstuffed velour interior. Fake wood everywhere. My dad doesn't even remember what engine it had only that it was V6 and was front wheel drive. I was born in 1992 and my parents wanted a front wheel drive car because TV told them fwd was safer. They wanted a large sedan because a large sedan wouldn't "fold up like tin foil like a Japanese car" as my dad said. My dad sold a 1976 Chevy Monte Carlo for a beige 1988 Oldsmobile in 1992, just because he wanted to feel like he was protecting his son the best he could.
I'm now 29 and both my parents have passed away. I find myself thinking about that alot. I never took in that my parents were people. I always took them and their love for granted. I've come to appreciate them so much more now. I think about the sacrifices and effort they put in to make sure I had the best upbringing they could provide. I wouldn't be the man I am today if not for them, and it makes me feel so grateful.
I hardly ever see Oldsmobiles in general anymore, but when I do see one I reminisce about the carefree days of my youth. Playing a grey original Gameboy in the red couch-like backseat of an Oldsmobile 98
One of my parents neighbors had woodie one of these long in to the 2010s…a true icon
I think he’s replaced it with an off-white nice trim P/T Cruiser. Dude is a CHAMPION.
I'm so thrilled that you've finally been able to get ahold of one of these. I love AMC. The Eagle was the ultimate expression of the agility and innovation that a corporation can be capable of. They're awesome in every way that matters. Great episode.
Had a girlfriend about a decade ago who had one of these. Was definitely a dog, but was something that caught a lot of attention at parking lots. Always some old guy who knew someone who had one etc. they are pretty rare now, and finding parts can be a pain. The 4.2 is still common but some of the interior stuff is non existent now.
14:25 onwards. Damn that was a gut punch. I have very simmilar thoughts/feelings for a very different car - my childhood car
Your dream car? My dream car! I've never seen one in person; it's too old for my time. But I want one. Someday, I will own an Eagle. I've been watching for one for a good while.
Also, there are two things that also come to mind for me with the Eagle: the success in rally races and the rust-proofing. The Eagle SX/4 was basically the perfect car for rallying, or, well, apart from the not-so-perfect power output. A great ride height and traction to keep you moving across any terrain in a rally track! Pretty slick if you ask me.
The rust-proofing is also really impressive. I saw an AMC Spirit magazine ad for 1979 touting that the thing was the first car with every single exterior body panel galvanized for rust protection. Combine that with some pretty solid paint and those plastic fender guards and you have a car with protection some 15 or 20 years ahead of its time. That's extra important for somebody like me, who lives in ye olde land of rust, AKA Wisconsin.
Speaking of Wisconsin, I get a hefty sense of pride that the Eagle was conceived and built right here, over in Kenosha, at least before 1984. It's a shame that the plant doesn't exist anymore.
Eggochuggy
These cars make me so happy. Kudos to Harry for keeping this underrated classic on the road!!
Roman doesn't own it
Fixed it
Amazing episode! I spent my early childhood in my grandfather’s AMC Concorde two door. I still miss that car…even with all of its duct tape holding the fenders together and the thumb tacks in the headliner. That was just something about that car that was home.
I have an 83 I bought during the peek of covid. There really is so much warmth to it. Especially given the circumstances we were in it felt like a place of familiarity and comfort amongst the tensions and fear.
Always wanted one of these, just a cool car that was so ahead of it's time. Modern SUV/CUVs can't hold a candle to the classic eagle in terms of capabilities. I fully agree that if they would have continued to refine and develop the platform it would have been amazing.
You really got me with the Centralia footage of the Jeep...I was showing my kids pictures of that road they will never see in person
Can't remember which one it is, but I'm pretty sure the footage of the Jeep in Centralia is from another of his own videos on said Jeep, which I vaguely recall has a lot of scenes in Centralia. All his footage showing other vehicles is from his own past videos. He is based in rural Pennsylvania, with the exceptions of a few trips he's been on (around the US, Europe, and Australia) all of his videos are from that area.
The Eagle was a high-speed gravel road bomber! I know form experience. My buddy and I took his mother's Eagle all the time. That car spent a lot of time going way too fast on gravel roads, sometimes with all four wheels off the ground. That things was awesome and so fun! We finally were banned form ever using it again after my buddy accidentally shot the tail light out in the driveway with a rifle. AHHHHH, youth
Oh yeah, and it was brown on brown on brown on brown on brown. Like everything in the 80s
You don't have to feel alone, I too unironically love the way these cars look. There are literally dozens of us!
This is the RCR I have been waiting for. Thanks for this Roman
- Steve Buscemi
Loved the movie where you end up on a can!
I'm so glad Roman did the review, his are the best
Roman, amazing job on this review. It was so meaningful the way you described what this car means to you. I'd love more Roman reviews in the future, I really appreciate the level of sentimentality in Roman's style of writing!
Thanks for this episode!
I own a 1980 AMC Spirit DL, it’s a mix between the front end of the Eagle and the rear of the Gremlin but with the 4.2L. It is my first car and it’s been on my family since brand new. I got it on 1996 with only 42k miles and now should be around 120k.
I love my little car, and with this episode I love it even more!
Thanx
I had a 1978 Subaru DL 4x4 wagon, that honestly was probably technically comparable to the Eagle. But it's charm was the fact it was stuck in the 70s. That was the charm of all the AMC cars. I still think we may see these going through Mecum for near six figures someday. That will never happen with a Subaru DL.
Love the video! A friend in the 80's had one in the sedan version -- since this was in Texas, we all wondered why. Roman's writing hits me in "all the feels" as the kids say today. I'm looking forward to rewatching this a few times to properly soak it in.
Talk about mud flaps
My gal's got 'em.
Big bottom
Drive me out of my mind.
How can I leave this behind?
This is probably the best review of any car by anyone ever! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Being an AMC wagon owner myself this made me really emotional but in a good way because a lot of what was said reflects how my car makes me feel, while I am no where old enough to appreciate my vehicle (I was born in 99) I can understand the nostalgic feeling to some degree because growing up most of the cars my parents owned were either wagons or vans. My dad is a good example because most his life after his first car (a dark blue 1977 Ford Maverick coupe) everything he had was some kind of cargo vehicle like wagons or vans and very rarely owned anything else. The only time he ever owned close to a standard car was an old Honda hatchback with pop ups and a very small selection of sedans. I think it's because of how often my family had to relocate is what made these vehicles so special to me and my father because no matter where we went these vehicles made us feel at home even when left a place that was supposed to be home to us. Eventually we stopped moving and found a home where me and my siblings spent most of our childhoods even though we didn't need to move anymore my dad still bought wagons and vans because they were good cargo vehicles... Well that and the fact he had 4 kids. Anyway this was a great upload as always.
This is one of the few times I've been this early, I always found these old amcs interesting
Dammit Roman, that was beautiful. now im crying
THANK YOU RCR for finally covering the Eagle. Blue on blue on blue! PLEASE BUY ONE ROMAN!!! Harry is exactly me from 15 yrs ago when I had my 85 wagon.. I even dressed the same. I bought an 81 sedan last month! You have to love it for its weirdness. You have to laugh at the wayward steering, the rumbling feeling of having a ton of power yet it accelerates like frozen molasses going uphill, the checkerboard interior that feels like grandma's kitchen. NOBODY guesses this car is from the 80s, everyone guesses it's older. But everyone who has ever owned one, ridden in one, always remembers it with a smile.
Lol! It’s been a super fun car to own, and a great car to learn on mechanically. It was awesome having in college too, everyone on campus knew it was mine, lol! And cool to hear you also have great sense of fashion!
@@thechryslercrew9417 ^_~ When I was in college there was a girl that had a burgundy Eagle sedan. Maybe an 85 or 86, I was very jealous- it was only a 14 year old car then. I bought my old wagon after I graduated, it remains my favorite car I've ever owned. It was identical to yours except burgundy with that same interior just the opposite color. Good luck and take care of it!
This reminds me of the summer of 89' when I went up with my friend Mark's family when I was about 17, we caravanned up to Door county Wisconsin in an AMC Eagle wagon and a brand new Eagle Premier. Marks dad must have loved AMC products and still bought the AMC Premier after Chrysler had recently acquired AMC. The Eagle wagon was loaded up with camping gear. I remember that Eagle wagon had the most plush leather perforated seats I'd ever sat in. We would trade off riding in the Premier or the Eagle wagon, Marks older brother and sister always drove the wagon, while his dad always drove the brand new Premier; after all he brought the thing brand new. Man the Premier had a fantastic ride quality, and the Eagle wagon had those plush seats.
Lacks BROWN
LMAO
This review is TERRIFIC! Thank you, Roman. The writing is wonderful. I got to drive the compact SX4 version of one as a teenager when going on vacation to the Jersey shore with a friend back in @1981. I fell in love with it. It drove really well for the time compared to the Fords my family had back then. It was smooth and stable. I came for the car, stayed for the writing. Beautiful job.
Omg, I've been seeing one of these driving around near my house for about a year and I've loved it since I first saw it! I never knew what it was but every time I see it, it catches my eye. Such a cool car.
Whenever they talk about nostalgia in other videos, this is the car I know Roman is thinking of
As a newlywed in ‘86 my wife thought she wanted one of these. So we drove a couple. I remember it being extremely practical, and perfect for her as a commuter since we lived a rural lifestyle. Its performance was horrid, the fit & finish was so bad that it reminded me of the GM junk of the early ‘70s, and it wasn’t a cheap vehicle. But what really soured us, (mainly her) was that it was an AMC. Ten years earlier that wouldn’t have mattered so much. But by 1986 AMC’s future wasn’t a given. And we made the decision to not buy into the unknown. So we bought an S-10 Blazer instead. Which I remember being cheaper than the Eagle.
Odd you had that experience, personal opinions aside I have also spent some time in mechanical repair and auto restoration and found AMC vehicles to be the best vehicles I have ever had my hands on. A lot going on at AMC towards the end, I wonder if it depends on when your Eagle was made, fit and finish is usually superior with them. And yes, a blazer was cheaper. I'm surprised you didnt get the Cherokee at that point. Although it was probably more expensive.
@@1598hi I could believe it though. We have an 87 Wagoneer and find the interior quality to be probably the worst I've experienced for an American car
@@drwatson32bit it must be something crisis dependent. You two aren't the first I've heard call vehicles known for quality and reliability crap. I suppose it's yet another reason not to buy one sight unseen
My version of this was the 1991 Honda Accord EX-L Wagon. It's largely forgotten, but everything you said about your feelings on this car, I feel about that one. I know you guys did a video on the 1996, but there's something about the earlier models that I'd still like to see the comparison.
Nice car, that Accord wagon. It felt like a cheaper, more reliable Audi wagon. It was so airy, with such a low beltline. Even little kids could see out. I feel sorry for them now, stuck in the third row of a crossover, with puny side windows they can barely see anything out of. The Camry wagon of the same era was much uglier than the Accord, but indestructible.
"Give you the piece of mind of 4WD but the freedom not to use it" is an AMAZING line.
SO....80'SSS!!!!!! ( WHILE GRINDING MY TEETH). Congrats Mr. Roman!! Blue interior is weird enough now but the no airbag steering wheel? Wow!! Love you guys.❤ that last part about parents & imagination & artists is absolutely amazing......
The cherokee had no airbag until 97
Fantastic job Nick. I have have very fond memories of AMC Eagles as one of my best friends had two of them when we were younger. Also I can't wait for the Saab RCR story. Keep up the great work.
Another beautiful essay by RCR. I'm a huge fan of a few other car channels, but Regular Cars has been my favorite since discovering it last fall.
I’d like to imagine an alternate universe where, instead of the XJ, the Eagle gets carried forward and produced until 2002, Maybe where Matt’s Offroad Recovery Banana is an Eagle, and Eagles fly around the desert of Moab.
If the crossover popularity happened in the late 80s instead of the late 90s, or if wagons and hatchbacks got cool again earlier; AMC might still be in business today. Instead of Imprezas and Outbacks people would be driving Gremlins and Eagles.
The xj was a brilliant automobile. So I don't wish it out of existence, especially since I can't call many vehicles briliant. But I do wish the Eagle lived on.
One of my uncles had an AMC Eagle and it was perfect for them- they lived miles from the nearest pavement.
Soon as I saw this old school beauty.. my mind went immediately to the "Holden Overlander" and the more recent "Holden Adventra". Nothing to do with AMC, but it's a sort of design that hasn't quite ever found it's place despite being very good at many things!
The difference in color of the two front seats tells me he really does use it like any other vehicle. Props
This makes me want to drive my parents’ 1980 Datson coupe. It was the only car of theirs that I can remember that I never got to drive myself.
Great episode RCR!
Ever since I found this channel nearly a year ago, I've binged dozens dozens of car videos, and your extensive documentaries.
I've been hoping Roman would get to drive one of these. And when I saw the video, I knew Roman was gonna handle this one. I'm happy for you man.
Also, looking forward to the Saab video. I love your documentaries.
Lifted AWD wagons make my pee pee do funny things.....
I love these introspective takes in your videos man.
Something about Roman's videos feel consistently more introspective than most RCR offerings
In all honesty I loathed everything about these cars when I was a kid... But about 5 years ago I saw one parked on the street outside my office and I spent my whole lunch break outside, walking around it and just... staring... It stirred intense feelings of nostalgia and childish joy that, frankly, no other car ever has. Nobody in my family or friend circles ever owned an Eagle - or anything AMC for that matter - but here sat this freak that third grade me vividly remembers hating and that mid-30s me will violate traffic laws to turn around and go inspect in the rare instance I see one in the wild. The magic in the Eagle was that there was nothing else like it. And there never will be. My childhood revulsion has blossomed into full-fledged adoration for anything baring an AMC badge and I covet these vehicles hard. I don't have the same level of childhood nostalgia tied to one of these vehicles like Roman does, but I absolutely understand his inability to fully quantify how or why this vehicle makes him feel the way it does.
Nice to see Roman again 😃. Shoutouts from the Philippines 🇵🇭.
Roman, this is the best episode you've ever done and tied for my favorite on the channel. Don't know how you guys do it, but this really got to me.
My dad drove an E39 M5 he got real cheap when I was growing up; as I understand it it was his first "adult" car with practicality in mind, but it was also my first love affair with a vehicle. I can recall in vivid detail sitting in the back, watching him shift gears, hearing that V8 open up on the highway, and listening to Lithium on the radio. I was crushed when he sold that car (all the gaskets in the cooling system decided they wanted a divorce from the rest of the vehicle, so I understand why he did it), and part of me wonders if it's still alive out there somewhere.
There were far more practical cars he could have owned that would have better handled the New England winter or swallowed more miscellaneous gear or been faster for the price or this or that or the other thing. That was the car he drove, and that's the benchmark that I compare every other vehicle against to this day. Thanks for putting that feeling into words and reminding me what it's like.
It's not weird to have this as a dream car. I recently bought mine, a 2010 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 MT Coupe. I bought it last Monday for $6500 on OfferUp and it puts a huge smile on my face every time I drive it. Yes, I like it more than a McLaren F1 or a CGT. If this Eagle is your dream car, embrace it! Don't worry about what others think.
We don’t hear Roman speak often but when he does he always blows it out the park great job thank you for this
Finally! Every aspect I love about my Crosstrek, I have always seen the direct connection in philosophy with the AMC Eagle.
I love Roman episodes
You guys are doing great content with cars like this. Thank you!
You are not alone in your appreciation of the styling of this car. I have loved these since I was a little kid- in the mid-80's...
Great video dude. Glad you got to experience this! There's this old dude here in Portland who was a customer of mine when I had a job at a gas station, long skinny face, salt and pepper hair down to his lower back, carried those out the front automatic knives, and drove THREE different AMC Eagles. He was such a nice and cool guy!
I have to admit, I really like these. AMC, are sort of the US version of British Leyland.......as in, making the most of a platform and coming up with some interesting products on a limited budget.....there is a lot to admire about AMC.
So, this must be the reason the story of AMC kept popping up all weekend.
Yep
Used to drive past one that sat in a driveway everyday on the way home from work. Literally never saw it move, but just SITTING there, it still spoke to me.
This ep was delightful, and brightened my day. Thanks, Roman and Mr. Regular. I needed that.
Not even a minute in and he BUSTED
I love me a Roman-narrated RCR!!
You and I have more in common than I would have assumed Roman. Absolutely loved these as a kid. Wanted one similar to the Ski Patrol's version shown in a few magazine ads. Finally got into an SX/4 (not Suzuki) with the 258 and a five speed in the early '00s. Such an awesome vehicle. Like a sporty CJ-7, but with less capability on the trails. Still kinda want one of the wagons. Capable cars with a fascinating history. Don't see them much anymore, with the coupes and sedans being especially rare sights.
How is this show so artful but so childishly funny at the same time.
Owner rejected the option of getting an antique plate for it (which costs way less in CT), tells you all you need to know.
Aww roman narrates this review. He is underrated
This is his best review so far. Absolutely great, keep up the awesome work
Damn Nick, I think this may be your best review yet! It's very clear this car means a lot to you and I'm glad you got to drive it. Keep it up sir!
I was hooked the whole time. Videos like this remind me so much of what I love about this channel
I wish these were still around and being developed. It seems to be the perfect blend between style and utility. Way ahead of its time and very cool
What a great episode! It got me thrilled from beginning to end.
Not only because you shared some touching moments from your childhood, but also because I can relate how cool it was (to me) to ride in my nanny's Eagle wagon back in the early 90s when these things were mostly driven into the ground by people who didn't care what these were because they were just thought of as cheap transportation.
Thanks for reviewing this! I was about 3 or 4 years old when my mom had this car (same color too!) Brought back awesome memories!
Great job man. Both of you are such amazing writers. Incredible that a car channel has such sophisticated script. Always enjoy it.
I'll never get used to the sudden turns to deep thoughts and feelings from RCR. Keep up the good work!
I buddy of mine had one in the early 1990s. It disintegrated just as fast as my k-car! It also made my k-car feel "modern" despite being only one model year apart - the Eagle really was a 1970s car build in the 1980s.
I love the look of this car. Never seen one before. Thanks as always for your efforts.
The writing on this channel is better then most books. The references and comparisons are always perfect. Thanks as always for the great videos!
It never ceases to amaze me how in 15 minutes Roman can make me think in such a analytical and yet human way there is always a moment of retrospective described in these reviews and it really forces me to have those same moments of looking back and seeing everything from an adult prospective… I recently turned 18 and I’m on the verge of making one of the biggest purchases in my life so to have this moment of clarity amongst memories of the time past is almost galvanizing when Roman spoke about his thoughts as a child with his mother it made me think back to riding in my moms 1999 Dodge Stratus ES and how I love that car even though its lesser than what I have now and what I’m soon purchasing I will always hold that car as a nostalgic masterpiece as I think of my childhood in north Houston I think of them fondly because they to me were the most positive years in my life so in conclusion, thank you Roman and Mr.Regular for the wonderful feeling of entertainment and for lighting up some of my darkest hours.. Genuinely thank you
As an AMC lover and a parent, you get me Roman. That car is beautiful...
We had two of these growing up. They were cheap, roomy, and 4wd. The first was brown, the second was less brown. When both the engines finally gave, so did a part of my childhood.
One time, the rain rolled in while we were fishing. I drug my stupid, child feet and we ended up not being able to get through the slickened clay of the glorified farm pond we were at. I slept in the back on those aptly-described plastic seats. In the morning we did some more unsuccessful fishing, the highlight of which was hitting a massive catfish between the eyes and watching in wonder as a large portion of the water overturned.
I was heartbroken to find out in my adulthood that these are now rare for the exact reason we lost ours. Thank you for this.