Review written on 8/1964.
Everyone always says the Republique is the greatest Sedan made. But you always go against the grain. What about a 772? OK stop laughing. Yes we all know the doors fall off when you open them. So what's the solution to setting the newest trend? Ever thought about a Durack? This month we take a look at the new Eagle. Is this the Sedan you've been looking for? Find out!
As always our first test is the track. Right off the bat I knew that the Durack Eagle was not going to be a show stopper. The vehicle is sluggish, specially for a Sedan. However it does what it has to. Get you from point A to point B. And while getting there quickly isn't a priority, with all the traffic these days, could you really enjoy anything faster? The 75 hp @ 2169RPMs 2162 cc I4 engine does struggle, but there is enough there to do the job. The Eagle tops out at 78 mph and can accelerate in 30.189s 0 to 60 mph.
So while not fantastic, enough for a daily driver. With 147 lb-ft of torque we were able to drag 22 lbs on our test trailer. So it can move your spare junk! The handling characteristics of the Durack Eagle is borderline acceptable for a Sedan. We wouldn't buy it for a tracking or narrow city streets. But for most people, who care little for driving, it is fine.
While the Durack Eagle won't win any awards, It won't turn heads, and it certainly doesn't have a wow factor. The Eagle does have a very well design interior. It may not be top end, but it is more than enough for long trips and everyday drivers. It makes you feel good about life. Without feeling pompous.
The Durack Eagle gives you a sense of home away from home. With 41 cu-ft of cargo and passenger space the Eagle feels like a second living room. Which was what Durack was probably thinking when they made this vehicle. "Lets make a vehicle that people could live in." Well Durack thank you, because after my wife threw me out, this is my new home. And let me tell you, it rocks!
Build quality of the Eagle is about what you would expect from Durack. We only noticed a few minor flaws in paneling gaps. There was also one or two vibration sounds in the interior. None of these flaws would be a deal breaker
I imagine it'll be rare to find a Durack Eagle in repair shops or even junk yards. These things are well built with quality parts. And that will show in the long run.
While the Durack Eagle will not win any awards for its fuel consummation. Its 32.7 mpg is better than most vehicles in its class. This means more money in your wallet and a happier long term experience. Durack did a good job in this respect.
While the Durack Eagle is certainly impressive in term of safety, it's not overly designed in this fashion in a way that would imped its enjoyment. Never the less this vehicle is more than safe enough for even the most uptight and poor drivers among us.
The Durack Eagle fits the mold of your prototypical Sedan. It meets all the necessary requirements of being a good Sedan and at times is quite enjoyable. It may not be the best. But it is still a good Sedan.