LH with a European accent.
It seems like only yesterday, but Chrysler's LH cars--Chrysler Concorde, Dodge
Intrepid and Eagle Vision--were introduced over four years ago. Full-size
front-drivers, these were the cars that put the company's fortunes back on a positive
track with their breakthrough cab-forward design, a design that sent ripples through
the entire industry, as well as Chrysler offerings that have come along since.
Today they're the oldest cars in the entire Chrysler lineup, a dramatic index of
the sweeping changes at the company Walter P. Chrysler established back in 1923.
However, though they're now the veterans of the fleet, no one would call them
dated. The strong wedge shapes still stand out in traffic, and the cab-forward design
concept, which places the wheels at the corners of the car to expand interior volume,
still gives the LH triplets an edge in roominess. And that translates directly as
comfort and all-around utility.
The newer Chrysler LHS, an even larger car based on a stretched luxury version of
the basic LH platform, amplifies this benefit, but the original triplets are still
interior volume leaders in their respective market segments.
Although the three cars share the same basic chassis and hardware, the Vision is
the sportiest, aimed at drivers who want the functionality of a large 4-door sedan but
also want the handling and style found in European imports--without paying the price
commanded by the imports.
The Vision is a member of Chrysler's newest brand lineup, Eagle, which was
established after Chrysler purchased American Motors in the '80s. Eagle cars generally
are sold through dealerships that also sell the Jeeps.
As the brand conceived to lure import-intenders, Eagle frequently is called upon
to introduce technological innovations. The latest example is Autostick, an automatic
that can be shifted like a manual transmission if the driver chooses. Although it will
probably spread to other Chrysler products, for 1996 it's available only in the Eagle
Vision TSi.
Aside from this update, the Vision is unchanged from last year. The same goes for
the Intrepid and Concorde, as all three models approach their first major redesign.
Our test car was a TSi, equipped with the new Autostick transmission.
Walkaround
The design of the Concorde, Intrepid and Vision has proven to have excellent
staying power. Although a number of new designs have come along since this trio was
introduced, most notably Ford's flashy Taurus and Mercury Sable, the Chrysler models
still look contemporary and, more important, distinctive.
Like the other basic LH cars, the Vision is available in two models--the
well-equipped ESi and the even better furnished--and more powerful--TSi. Dodge offers
base and ES Intrepids, while the Corcorde is available in LX and LXi trim levels.
The main distinction between ESi and TSi is in the engine compartment, something
that's also true of standard and uplevel versions of Intrepid and Concorde. The ESi
comes with a 3.3-liter overhead valve V6 that provides adequate horsepower and
better-than-adequate torque. The TSi gets a 214-hp 3.5-liter dual overhead cam
24-valve V6, the top engine in Chrysler's passenger car powertrain inventory.
All LH cars are equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Autostick is
limited to the Vision TSi, where it's standard equipment.
Both Visions come with standard air conditioning, an AM/FM/cassette sound system,
and power windows/mirrors and locks. Much of the optional equipment on the ESi, such
as antilock brakes, remote keyless entry and 8-way power seats, are standard on the
TSi.
In addition to the higher standard equipment list, some options, including leather
seats and the performance handling package (upgraded tires and firmer suspension) are
available only on the TSi.
Interior Features
While the exterior design has withstood the test of time well, the interior
functionality remains a benchmark for the industry. Every time we test drive one of
the LH cars we're impressed with how roomy and airy the interior is. The cars are
ideal for families as well as for business people who have to carry around clients.
The Vision is available with 5- or 6-passenger seating in ESi editions, available
with a bench front seat. The TSi comes with twin bucket seats up front. The rear seat
area is large, with room enough for three tall people to comfortably stretch their
legs out. Available for the rear seat is an optional integrated child seat built into
the rear armrest. When not in use, the child seat can be stowed and the armrest forms
a seatback for the middle passenger.
All seats are extremely comfortable. Outboard seats have seatbelts with
height-adjustable upper anchors so drivers and passengers of any size can easily find
a comfortable seatbelt position. The belts also can secure a child safety seat without
a separate locking slip.
Large, wide-opening doors make entry and exit easy.
The trunk also is roomy, easily capable of holding several suitcases or golf bags.
However, unlike some of its competitors, including the Taurus/Sable and Chevrolet
Lumina, the Vision does not have a rear seatback that can fold down to expand trunk
capacity for long items.
In general, the controls are well laid out and easy to operate. Power window
switches and seatbelt buckles are illuminated to see better in the dark. The climate
controls, located at the base of the dashboard, may require a bit of a stretch to
reach. The steering wheel has buttons for the horn, rather than a depressable switch
in the center of the airbag, and the buttons are smallish.
Driving Impressions
There's no question that the Autostick makes the Vision TSi more fun to drive than
its LH counterparts with a regular automatic transmission. Set the shift lever in
Autostick mode and you just waggle the shifter to the left for upshifts, right for
downshifts.
It's easy to get used to, and there's no clutch pedal hassle. If you want to let
the car shift for itself, you simply switch back to full automatic mode.
Good steering and handling have been LH strong suits from the beginning. The
Vision is very agile, particularly for a sedan of its size, and it attacks tight
corners with very little body roll.
Though firm, the ride is comfortable, even on bumpy road surfaces. Original LH
models, particularly those with stiffer suspension packages, could be a trifle harsh
on nasty pavement, but Chrysler has softened the hard edges.
Our Eagle TSi tester was also relatively quiet at most speeds. Here too Chrysler
has made improvements over the years, though some noise is still noticeable over rough
pavement, transmitted to the interior through the suspension.
We liked the performance of our TSi's 3.5-liter V6, made more enjoyable by the
Autostick transmission. Though the basic 3.3-liter V6 is adequate for getting around
town, it won't knock your socks off, by any stretch. The 3.5-liter V6 lends a lot more
verve and much better punch for passing on rural highways.
There is a minor penalty in fuel economy for the TSi engine. The base engine is
rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the more potent engine gets 18 miles
per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway, though these numbers
are still respectable for a large car.
Lineup
Final Word
Unlike with most other models, the Vision's price has hovered in the same range
over the past few years. For the 1995 model year, Chrysler actually dropped the base
price. The base ESi starts at $19,245 running up to $23,190 for a fully loaded model;
a typically equipped ESi costs about $19,795. The TSi starts at $23,835, runs upward
to $26,875, with a typically equipped model costing $24,385. Intrepid prices are a
trifle lower, Concorde prices a trifle higher.
Although it offers essentially the same benefits as Intrepid and Concorde, the
Vision hasn't enjoyed the same sales success as the other LH cars, which means that
rebates and other customer incentives are often offered. Add frequent rebates to
competitive pricing, and the Vision's appeal increases. You'd be hard-pressed to beat
its combination of roominess, performance and style in this price class.