Chrysler's LHS offers an elegant design in a big luxury sedan that makes a statement of status and achievement. Fortunately, the distinctive design is backed up by the driving experience. The LHS is a joy to drive. It rides smoothly and handles remarkably well for a full-size front-wheel-drive sedan.
One model is available. The $28,680 LHS comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 and a lovely leather-trimmed interior loaded with luxury features.
Designed to compete with the Buick Park Avenue, Oldsmobile Aurora and Lincoln Continental, the LHS comes standard with just about everything. Premium leather seating surfaces with seat heaters are standard. Also standard are antilock brakes with traction control.
Options include a moonroof ($895), chrome wheels ($750), and an 11-speaker 360-watt Infinity audio system ($515). New this year is the optional Luxury Group ($520), which includes outside mirrors with automatic tilt-down adjustment for reverse, automatic dimming driver's-side outside mirror, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, and California walnut wood trim on doors, instrument panel and steering wheel.
After three years, the LHS design still looks great. The big egg-crate grille, sculptured headlamps and fluted hood on the LHS demonstrate
Chrysler wasn't afraid to step out of the box. Graceful, fluid lines emulate the craftsmanship of classic automobiles. It is a classic, yet contemporary design. The LHS looks sleeker than other four-door sedans in its class.
The most noticeable design element is its grille, edged in chrome and adorned with a big winged Chrysler medallion. The front fascia on the LHS was engineered to meet federal impact requirements without the need for a visible external bumper. Sculptured headlamp bezels surround compact projector beams with integrated fog lamps and turn signals. The shape they describe flows seamlessly into the fluted aluminum hood. Augmenting the headlamps are driving lights molded into the lower fascia. New windshield pillar moldings reduce wind noise and improve water management.
Viewed from the side, the aerodynamic lower sill complements the large wheels and tires and visually ties the unique front and rear fascias together. A winged Chrysler medallion adorns the deck lid. Wrap-around taillamps use a red/amber split to delineate the stop and turn functions. A pair of stainless steel oval exhaust tips indicates the added power and performance of the V6 engine.
