2003 Chrysler Concorde Review

The Chrysler Concorde is one of only about half a dozen full-size family sedans, although its rakish styling makes it look more like a sports sedan than a family hauler.

Many people are buying a sport-utility vehicle to get additional room, but most such vehicles have boxy styling and strictly average ride and handling.

The Concorde is based on DaimlerChrysler's Dodge Intrepid family sedan and is a more luxurious version of that model. It has a Ferrari-style grille and a show-car profile, but offers plenty of practicality with its limousine-style rear seat space and absolutely huge trunk.

Moreover, cargo capacity can be improved by folding the entire rear seat forward. The only drawback here is that the trunk opening is rather high, although that's also the case with many sport-utilities.

The current generation Concorde arrived in 1998 and was longer, lower and roomier than its predecessor. Importantly, it also had better quality than the first-generation (1993-97) model, which was generally above-average but had spotty quality.

The Concorde got many improvements for 2002, including slightly revised styling, an available hot rod engine and electronic brake distribution.

Thus, the few changes for the latest model include an audio system upgrade.

Being a family sedan, the Concorde offers key safety features, such as anti-lock brakes with low-speed traction control and $390 side air bags up front.

The Concorde comes as three models. There are the base $23,080 LX, mid-range $25,810 LXi and top-line $28,705 Limited.

Various option packages are offered, mostly for the LX and LXi. But even the base model has lots of standard comfort and convenience equipment, including air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette and the usual power accessories.

That model is powered by a smooth 2.7-liter V-6 with 200 horsepower. It provides quick acceleration off the line and in town. But it can be felt working hard during passing maneuvers on highways--especially with four passengers--because the Concorde is no lightweight at approximately 3,600 pounds.

However, the 207.7-inch Concorde is several inches shorter than some full-size sedans such as the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, making it easier to garage.

Actually, the Concorde looks longer than it is because of its "cab-forward'' styling, which moves the wheels to the far corners of the car.

Such a design allows a 113-inch wheelbase for a smooth ride, which is enhanced by the supple, all-independent suspension.

However, the Limited has 17-inch tires, which produce a slightly stiffer ride than the 16-inch tires standard on the LX and LXi.

The dramatic appearance of the Concorde probably works against it with many family sedan buyers, who often are conservative.

But the Concorde's sporty styling is practical, with an aerodynamic shape for better fuel economy and less wind noise at highway speeds. Also, the styling doesn't preclude items such as large, easily gripped outside door handles.

The LXi adds items such as a larger (3.5-liter) V-6 with 234 horsepower, automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD and leather upholstery.

The Limited even has such items as heated front seats. And it gets the hot rod 3.5-liter V-6, with 250 horsepower. The result is very quick merging and passing on highways. At 70 mph, the engine loafs at 2,300 rpm and never seems to work hard, like the 2.7 V-6.

On the other hand, the 2.7 V-6 provides the best economy: an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. The two more powerful V-6s deliver a decent, estimated 18 mpg in the city and 26 on highways.

Only 87-octane fuel is needed for all engines, which work with a smooth, responsive four-speed automatic transmission.

The steering is quick and precise, and handling is above-average. Of the trio, the Limited has the sharpest handling because of its larger tires and slightly wider 55-series tires.

The brake pedal feels a little soft, but has a nice linear action that allows smooth stops.

The quiet interior has climate controls atop the audio system controls, when the opposite arrangement would be more convenient. Also, fewer hard interior plastic parts would be appreciated.

There is plenty of room for four adults, although the generally supportive front bucket seats could use longer cushions for taller occupants.

Gauges are easy to read and controls are nicely placed. Inside door handles are easily gripped, and there are plenty of dashboard vents to allow good heating and cooling.

Front cupholders conveniently pop out of the console, which has a fairly large storage bin. Even the glovebox is large, and the front doors have storage pockets.

On long trips, the more storage areas the better.

The Concorde offers a nice blend of styling, performance and luxury that makes it unique.


2003 CHRYSLER CONCORDE
Prices:
$23,080-$28,705

Likes:
Rakish styling. Roomy. Comfortable. Good handling.

Dislikes:
Base engine needs more highway punch. Styling a bit too much for conservative sedan buyers.