USED & NEW CARS AUTO PARTS INFORMATION 2007 2008 ONLINE - FIND CHEAP AUTO PARTS

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.

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.

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.