REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Still a diamond in the rough

The Concorde had barely rolled off the assembly line before the specialized press was already hailing it as the discovery of the 1998 car year: a mid-size that every driver simply had to take for a spin. Strangely enough, that initial media enthusiasm has evaporated, and it certainly won ’ t be restored with new exterior colors or optional side- impact airbags.Nicely styled (it seems the designer used to be a jeweler), the Concorde has also adopted the “ forward control cab ” design introduced by Chrysler several years ago to increase passenger and cargo area. In fact, the competition has to concede victory to the sedan on both these points, since it has lots of interior space and can seat 6.

The trunk can accommodate all their luggage, but the driver still has to deal with the lip, which sticks up too far and obstructs rear visibility. All dashboard instruments are elegantly outlined with a chrome circle (Chrysler ’ s new signature), but the inaccessibility of certain controls (such as radio and air-conditioning) runs counter to ergonomic wisdom.

Another strike against it: the faux wood strips on the dashboard only look good with some of the available interior colors.Different versions of the Concorde come with different engines. The 2.7-liter, 200 horsepower V-6 is installed on the LX, whereas the LXi has a 3.2-liter, 220 horsepower V-6.

Both are hitched to a 4-speed automatic transmission. I don ’ t want you break the bank, but I do think the 3.2-liter engine is more appropriate to the vehicle ’ s positioning. It ’ s more responsive at low speeds and is less gutless than the 2.7-liter, which has to try much harder on steep roads. That said, the Intrepid ’ s frame is well put-together and more rigid than expected, giving an exceptionally smooth and stable ride and good road-grip. These advantages are offset by unattractive lines that many find distasteful, steering with too much play in the middle—although the LXi version has improved in this area, thanks to power-assisted steering—suspension that ’ s geared to comfort above all else and brakes that still lack bite.

Overall, the Concorde ’ s claim to be the most spacious and innovative American mid-size is pretty convincing. But, as is unfortunately the case with many DaimlerChrysler products, it still lacks refinement.

PROS
Roomy passenger compartment
Well-chosen 3.2-liter
V-6 Smooth ride

CONS
2.7-liter not large enough
Unattractive shape
Brakes lack bite

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * *