Review written on 5/1954.
It is not everyday one gets to drive a new automobile. Typically you find your self stuck with the same vehicle for at least five years before you purchase another one. And with the rate of depreciation and the amount of time we spend in traffic, this makes finding the right vehicle all the more important.
Philadelphia Motors believes their Eagle may be the best Sedan to enter the market. How does it compare other Sedan such as the Republique and 6765? We'll find out in this month's Vehicle Review!
It has been a long time since I've driven a Sedan that performed as well. I really hoped that the Philadelphia Motors Eagle would fix the performance funk we've had lately. Much to my chagrin, the Eagle did great! The 87 hp @ 4441RPMs 2551 cc I4 engine was able to launch the car. Getting out of the car I had to pop my neck. While there are faster Sedan the Eagle does better than most. On our speed tests we were able to get the Eagle up to 87 mph and on the strip we did an impressive 30.192s 0 to 60 mph. The engine puts out 83 lb-ft of torque making it able to tow 22 lbs which is average for this class. While Philadelphia Motors Eagle will never become a track car, it is one of the better performers. Compared to its peers in the Sedan class the Philadelphia Motors Eagle selling point should not be driveability. The Eagle offers bare bones handling. There is just enough grip in the wheels to keep you from flying off the side of a cliff... But not much. On the track, it is not much better.
While certainly does not have the best features or materials. The Philadelphia Motors Eagle does provide the bare necessities required in a vehicle of this type. No more and no less. As well as it should. If you wanted to spend that extra bit you would of bought the better vehicle. Was Philadelphia Motors wise in this respect? Maybe, but we do think they should of offered at least a little more bang for the buck so to speak.
The Philadelphia Motors Eagle is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class. With 41 cu-ft of cargo and passenger room you should never have any issues with transportation. Even if you have to move an elephant...
While not exactly handmade, Philadelphia Motors did put a bit of extra work into the Eagle and it shows. Panels actually fit and are made to last. The finish doesn't fade in the sun, and all the bolts have washers. It begs the question why buy a lower quality car every 5 years, and not buy the Philadelphia Motors Eagle which should last a few generations?
I imagine it'll be rare to find a Philadelphia Motors Eagle in repair shops or even junk yards. These things are well built with quality parts. And that will show in the long run.
The Philadelphia Motors Eagle's fuel economy is impressive, but not in a good way. The Eagle's 15.5 mpg is one of the worst in class. This might not be troublesome when you look at the numbers, but it will be when you actually have to pay for it.
You could really tell the engineers at Philadelphia Motors designed the Eagle to save lives. This vehicle not only reduces the risk of being killed in it, but reduces the risk of being killed from it. This vehicle should be looked at as a marvel of preventative engineering.
In the end the Philadelphia Motors Eagle provide decent value for the money. It's not the best car in the Sedan segment, but it won't disappoint. You could do a lot worse. If this model appeals to you I see no reason to dissuade you from it.