Eagle Summit Overview

The people at Chrysler's Jeep./Eagle division can call it a station wagon if they want - we'll call it like we see it. We think the '94 Eagle Summit LX Wagon, with its versatility and many features, should be planted firmly in the minivan category.

Complete with a sliding side-cargo door and a rear liftgate, the Summit LX Wagon offers those in search of a second family vehicle, or commuter car, some very pleasant alternatives to the larger minivans in terms of creature comforts, cargo capacity-even performance.

Further, with the broad expanse of front, side and rear glass, our Summit LX Wagon offered us more scenic cruising possibilities than most of the larger minvans we've tested.

We suspect Eagle dubbed it a wagon instead of a minivan because of the Summit LX Wagon's comparatively short (99.2-inch) wheelbase, small (2.4-liter) engine displacement and car-like fuel mileage ratings of 20 city and 26 highway.

Yet, the Summit eclipses the usual expectations for a wagon in passenger room, cargo area, loading convenience and the like. As such, it comes very close to being a vehicle with a niche all its own - perhaps we could call it a mini-minivan?

It's MSRP of $17,107 is likely to put the amply equipped Summit LX Wagon well within the small-wagon buyer's price range. In addition to a premium interior and a driver-side air bag that are standard, that price afforded us options such as air conditioning, a six-speaker AM/FM stereo with a cassette player, speed control, a keyless entry system, four-speed automatic transmission and a roof rack.