Chrysler LHS

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Chrysler LHS
1995-1997 Chrysler LHS
ManufacturerChrysler Corporation
DaimlerChrysler
Production1994-1997; 1999–2001
AssemblyBrampton, Ontario, Canada
PredecessorChrysler Imperial
Chrysler New Yorker
SuccessorChrysler Concorde (Moniker & Refresh)
ClassFull-size
Body style(s)4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformChrysler LH platform
ManualsService Manual

The Chrysler LHS is a full-size, front wheel drive car based on the Chrysler LH platform. It was Chrysler's flagship model from 1994 to 2001.

Having been praised throughout its production run as offering a blend of high end luxury and features, along with solid performance, the LHS was said[by whom?] to rival others costing thousands more. The first generation LHS was said[by whom?] to have an overall package (of both luxury and performance) very reminiscent of a higher end European car. Ironically, many automotive journalists stated that Chrysler's flagship car could be easily mistaken for something German. This was just a few years before Chrysler Corporation's partnering with Daimler-Benz.

First generation: 1994-1997

First generation
1994 Chrysler LHS
Production1994–1997
Engine(s)3.5 L EGJ V6
Transmission(s)4-speed 42LE automatic
Wheelbase113.0 in (2870 mm)
Length207.4 in (5268 mm)
Width74.4 in (1890 mm)
Height1994: 55.7 in (1415 mm)
1995-97: 55.9 in (1420 mm)
RelatedDodge Intrepid
Chrysler Concorde
Chrysler New Yorker
Eagle Vision

Originally released in 1994, a year after the Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid and Eagle Vision were released, the LH 207 (Chrysler LHS and New Yorker) used a version of the LH platform with a five-inch (127 mm) longer body, and took the place of the Imperial as the largest and most luxurious car in Chrysler's range and viewed as its "flagship" model. While the wheelbase of all the LH models remained the same, the 5 inch longer body allowed the engineers to push the rear seat even farther back. This gave the LHS an almost limo-like rear seat room, analogous to the various stretched "L" models from BMW or Mercedes. A very similar New Yorker model was also built as a replacement for the New Yorker Fifth Avenue and New Yorker Salon. From 1994 on, all three Chrysler LH models used the mid-level "Touring" suspension. An even stiffer "Performance" setting was an available option on the Dodge Intrepid and Eagle Vision.

The Concorde, which differed substantially more, was seen as the base full-size Chrysler. The six-passenger LHS was differentiated from its counter part chrome trimmed sibling, the Chrysler New Yorker, by a floor console and shifter, an upgraded interior and a sportier image. The New Yorker was dropped in favor of a six-passenger option on the 1997 LHS. The LHS received a minor face change in 1995 where the Pentastar was changed in favor of Chrysler's current medallion logo.

Being the top-of-the-line Chrysler, many features came standard on the LHS, many were only options on its siblings. These included a 3.5 L EGJ 24-valve 214 hp (160 kW) V6 engine, body-colored grille, side mirrors and trim, traction control, aluminum wheels, integrated fog lights, and 8-way power adjustable front seats. Like the New Yorker, leather seats were an option, a velour-like cloth coming standard. The LHS's leather mimicked the gathered style of its cloth seats, and projected a more expensive look than the New Yorker's more traditionally styled leather.

It should be noted that the first generation LHS was praised by motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson, who is well known for criticizing American automobiles but described the LHS as "by global standards, right up there with the best."[1]

Second generation: 1999-2001

Second generation
1999-2001 Chrysler LHS
Production1999–2001
Engine(s)3.5 L EGJ V6
Transmission(s)4-speed 42LE automatic
Wheelbase113.0 in (2870 mm)
Length207.7 in (5276 mm)
Width74.4 in (1890 mm)
Height56.0 in (1422 mm)
RelatedDodge Intrepid
Chrysler 300M
Chrysler Concorde

The LHS was dropped after the 1997 model year in anticipation of a new, redesigned LHS, released for 1999. As was the case before, the second generation LHS occupied its niche as Chrysler's most luxurious car, although it's interior provided no more space than the slightly longer-nosed Concorde. The differences between the second-generation LHS and the Concorde were far fewer and limited mostly to fascias and equipment levels. Also released with the new LHS was the Eagle Vision replacement, the Chrysler 300M. With the 300M, this once again gave Chrysler three full-sized models, all based on the LH platform. Oddly enough, the slightly smaller 300M ended up costing more than the LHS, however it gained more popularity than the LHS, as did the less-expensive, nearly identical in every aspect Concorde. Due to the restyling, the LHS interior felt slightly more cramped than the previous model. The side windows were more aggressively curved into the roof, reducing the space between the upper portions of the windows and the sides of the occupants' heads. While all the stated interior measurements equaled or exceeded the first LHS's, the new car's interior lost its predecessor's limo-like feel. This caused the LHS to meet a similar fate to that of the New Yorker. Ironically, in the previous generation, the LHS had been the one to become more popular and caused its discontinuation. So for 2002, Chrysler quietly dropped the LHS nameplate from its lineup, with the 2002-2004 Concorde LXi taking on the LHS's front and rear fascia styling as well as the LHS interior. The lower line 2002-2004 Concorde LX retained it's Concorde heritage.

LHS base prices

First generation

  • 1994 • $30,283 USD
  • 1995 • $29,595
  • 1996 • $30,225
  • 1997 • $30,225

Second generation

  • 1999 • $28,950
  • 2000 • $28,340
  • 2001 • $28,680

References

  1. Clarkson, J. (2004). Motorworld. Penguin. ISBN 978-1-856-13098-1. 

External links