It appears like only yesterday, but
Chrysler's LH cars--
Chrysler Concorde,
DodgeIntrepid 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 all new Autostick transmission.
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.
