With the recent retiring of the lavish New Yorker sedan, the LHS moves into the spotlight as Chrysler Corp.'s top-of-the-line luxury sedan offering. The front-wheel-drive, 1997 LHS can best be described as well equipped, leather-trimmed version of Chrysler's successful, full-size Concorde sedan. Concorde, first introduced in May of 1993 as a 1994 model, shares a similar automotive platform (body structure and chassis systems) as Dodge's Intrepid and Eagle's Vision. Aside from additional exterior color choices and refinements in automatic transmission software, not much changes from the 1996 model year. An optional front bench seat, introduced late in the 1996 model year, provides room for six adults. Otherwise, five-seating accommodations are standard. If interior leg room and lots of truck space is high on your priority list, LHS is a must see. It's overall length is almost six inches longer than Concord's. This, coupled with its cab-forward design provides three more inches of rear leg room than Concorde, a car that already boosts better-than-average interior volume. Only one powertrain is available; an impressive 214 horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 engine. The multi-port, electronically fuel-injected powerplant is identical to one available in Concorde, Vision and Intrepid. Chrysler recently stopped offering a less powerful, 3.3-liter V-6 in LHS models Loads of standard features is the name of the game in LHS. A moonroof and upgraded stereo are about the only options offered. Four-speed automatic transmission, cruise control, power-assist steering, power windows and locks and heated power mirrors are all included in the base price. Dual front air bags, traction control and anti-lock brakes round out the standard safety features. Base prices start at $30,225. With a $595 destination charge and moonroof ($797) and upgraded sound system ($300), our bottom line totaled $32,145. Chrysler's Concord starts at $20,435. It's sleek, distinguished exterior design is four years old, yet it has more character personality and aggressive good looks than most of its full-size domestic rivals. Inside, leather seats are comfortable and spacious. Our five-seat LHS had a deep storage bin between the two front bucket seat capable of holding both compact discs and cassette tapes. Dual cup holders retracted from the front of this storage area; a great design that doesn't block instrument panel displays, yet is easily reachable by both front-seat occupants. However, climate and stereo controls are a bit small. A digital compass, temperature readout and additional instrument panel information is displayed overhead in a push-button message center in back of the rear view mirror. Small side view mirrors along with a narrow, letterbox-shaped, rectangular rear window provides below average, rear-view visibility. The LHS could use better sound insulation, as road noises creep into the interior. Back seat passengers enjoy loads of leg room and decent head room. Rear vents and fan speed dials allow riders in back to better control their atmosphere. The long, flat trunk floor allows for loads of luggage or golf clubs, but the trunk lid is difficult to slam shut at times. Fuel estimates check in at 17 miles per gallon city, and 26 mpg highway. With 1,700 odometer miles, our test drive LHS registered 22 mpg in combined driving. The tank holds 18 gallons of regular unleaded fuel. The circular fuel tank door does not lock. Chrysler Corp. this week provided a glimpse into its full-size sedan future by introducing the next generation, 1998 Concordes and Intrepids during a press briefing at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The automaker indicated it will retain price levels similar to 1997 editions. Chrysler assembles LHS in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. |