Overview:
Perhaps the most impressive thing to me in Chrysler’s Concorde full-size 6-passenger, 4-door sedan is the price. It’s available in a single trim: the LX and the price is $21,740. The available engines are either a 2.7L V6 200-hp or a 3.2L V6 225-hp and a 4-Speed automatic transmission. With the exception of the price and the smaller engine, I found it much the same car as its siblings, the LHS and the 300M. For the money you have to look at this model.
Included in the competition is its close cousin the Dodge Intrepid at about the same money. The attorney’s secretary, next door to my office, visited me when she saw I was driving the LHS and said it was her dream car. Well, so much for dreams – she went out and bought the Intrepid.
As most people seem to know, quality has been an issue in the past for Chrysler cars, and I have always been acutely aware of that criticism. When I drove the Jeep and had the emergency brake release button fall off in my hand, I was not impressed. I wondered at that moment if all the bad mouthing was well founded? But I know better and know that new cars, like computers when new, may have “bugs”. And as you’d expect, that emergency brake handle problem was a recall item and it was fixed at no cost to the consumer. My friend Norm bought a new Jeep Grand Cherokee and was not a happy camper. I think he either got a lemon or Norm is just more picky than I am. I happen to like the Jeep a lot because of the off road experiences I’ve had with them. If you go on a Jeep Jamboree you too will become a believer.
Anyway, for many people, the jury is still out on the quality issue and only time will tell. I don’t think the fact that this Concorde is assembled in Canada makes any difference. People are people and we all make mistakes. The quality of a car has more to do with the attitude of the company and its management. In the meantime, I see a lot of value in American cars and that is particularly true of Chrysler. They are proud of the fact that their cars are the first to be completely computer designed and with these new cost saving computer designs I sense there will be a marked improvement over past products.
The Concorde was first introduced in 1993 promoting the term “cab forward”. The design is known for the roomy interior it has, but I also feel a uniqueness in the driving experience. Road visibility is great and you feel you’re right out there on the pavement. It’s like there is no front end at all. That is kind of true with other car designs these days as well. Perhaps it is more noticeable to us older drivers who remember when hood ornaments were somehow “necessary”. Not only could you see the ornament in those early days, you also had full view of the hood, fenders and even headlights were visible if you were driving many pre 1940 autos. Well, fewer and fewer cars still show much of the hood and fewer have hood ornaments, like Mercedes, Jaguar and Rolls Royce.
Well, it is apparent that American cars are back and worth close attention and consideration when you buy your next car.
The competition:
Buick LeSabre $22,890 – $26,695, Chevrolet Lumina $18,335 – $20,535, Dodge Intrepid $20,120 – $22,965, Ford Taurus $17,495 – $29,050, Honda Accord $15,200 – $24,300, Mercury Sable $18,540 – $19,640, Mitsubishi Galant $16,990 – $24,350, Nissan Maxima $21,049 – $26,249, Pontiac Bonneville $23,010 – $30,010, Toyota Camry $17,098 – 25,058.
Good News:
Great pricing, roomy, comfortable, quality of much more expensive competition.
Bad News:
That same old question of how well they’re built.
Standard Equipment:
2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine delivering 200 horsepower, with the option of a more powerful 3.2-liter 225-horsepower V6, dual airbags, child safety locks, anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control, air conditioning, power door locks and windows, AM/FM stereo cassette, remote keyless entry, an 8-way power driver’s seat, intermittent wipers. Note: the LXi package adds automatic climate control, a 5-function trip computer, leather seats, an upgraded stereo system and power front seats.
Gas Stats:
21 City and 30 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $21,740
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2004 – An Automotive Love Affair
