Chrysler's Flagship LHS Leads the Domestic Sport-Sedan Pack
By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor
Large sedans today are such a departure
from the traditional "big boats" of a decade ago that
it is truly fun to drive most of them. Among the best is the new
breed of luxury sport sedans - a pack that includes the new Chrysler
LHS.
The idea of the luxury sport sedan was introduced by Mercedes-Benz
about three decades ago, and today it's that company - DaimlerChrysler
- that is making some of the best sedans in this class.
Two things strike me most about this car. First, its looks; and
next, the ride. From the front and rear, the LHS is very good
looking. This dramatic styling was first seen on the 300M introduced
as a 1999 model, and it is a winner. The LHS is the flagship of
the Chrysler sedans, all of which are nice. They are the 300M,
Cirrus and Concorde. The LHS surprised me with its nimble, near
sports-car handling and suspension characteristics, a real rarity
on domestic sedans.
Smoother
road surfaces are traversed quietly and softly, while both high-speed
and low-speed bumps are firmly and quickly resolved by the four-wheel
independent touring suspension. Topping it off is the speed-sensitive
steering. Braking is precise and quick with antilock braking.
Touring tires and alloy wheels round out the package that offers
the best sedan handling package outside of Germany.
An optional V8 would be nice, but the standard multi-port fuel-injected
3.5-liter (215 cid) V6 delivers ample power. This high-output,
24-valve powerplant delivers 253 horsepower at 6400 rpm (it redlines
at 6800 rpm), and 255 lbs. ft. of torque at 3950 rpm - big power
from a V6. Even with the best power at high rpm, the engine is
smooth and quiet with quick throttle response.
Quality at Chrysler is at an all-time high. The fit and finish
of the LHS is as good as any other car, with some superior features,
like standard heated seats and the biggest trunk in its class.
The LHS base price is $28,090 and our test car was priced at $29,960
without tax or license (varies by location). Ours was equipped
with up-graded Infinity mu-sic system ($515), chromed aluminum
17" wheels ($750), and $805 dealer-destination charge. Everything
else on the LHS is standard, which makes its price a real value
among these sedans.
Inside, the LHS is much bigger than it appears. The rear seating
areas are cavernous, with fold-down armrest with trunk access,
vent controls and cupholders. Up front, the seats and everything
else are power. Most notable is the driving benefits of cab-forward
design, and the retro-styled instrument cluster. At night, the
instruments are illuminated in an "Indiglo" green effect.
LHS is rated at 18-mpg city, and 26-mpg highway, but we got better
fuel economy from our test car. It is covered by Chrysler's standard
warranty, and it is assembled at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario,
Canada plant with all domestic parts.
COMPARISONS: Compare LHS with other sedans in the $30,000 price
range - the Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile Aurora, Lincoln LS, Mercedes-Benz
C-class, Volvo, and Saab 9-5.
STRONG POINTS: European styling and feel, great price, improved
interior creature comforts, superior handling and ride.
WEAK POINTS: No V8 available, awkward seat controls.
ENJOY THE DRIVE: Remember, always drive safely, obey all traffic
laws and fasten all seat belts, even with airbags.
Copyright (c)
2000 Vince Bodiford.
