Chrysler Concorde

Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler
Production	1993–2004
Assembly	Brampton Assembly in Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Predecessor	Chrysler Fifth Avenue Chrysler LHS (for Concorde Limited)
Successor	Chrysler 300
Class	Full-size
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler LH platform
Transmission(s)	4-speed 42LE automatic

The Chrysler Concorde is a large four-door, full-size, front wheel drive sedan produced by Chrysler from 1993 to 2004. It replaced the Chrysler Fifth Avenue on the lineup. One of Chrysler's 3 original Chrysler LH platform models derived from the American Motors/Renault-designed Eagle Premier, it was related to the Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler LHS, Chrysler New Yorker, and the Eagle Vision. It was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1993 and 1994. Like all LH-body cars, the Chrysler Concorde had only an automatic transmission.

[edit] Design

The "First Generation" Design was based on the exterior design of the 1987 concept Lamborghini Portofino.^[1] The Portofino set in motion Chrysler's decision to produce a production sedan with the Portofino's revolutionary design, called "cab-forward". The cab-forward design was characterized by the long, low-slung windshield and relatively short overhangs.^{[citation needed]} The wheels where effectively pushed to the corners of the car,^{[citation needed]} creating a much larger passenger cabin than the contemporaries of the time.^{[citation needed]}

Although American Motors' Eagle Premier (and Dodge Monaco) was discontinued by Chrysler after the 1992 model year, the new Concorde's packaging was derived from the Premier, and all the suspension and drivetrain development mules were Premiers.^[2] Other design features found their way into the Chrysler LH platform, most notably the longitudinal engine layout, a hallmark of Renault's front-wheel-drive designs.^[3] This design allowed Chrysler to lower the hoodline, made maintenance/servicing simpler, and tightened the car's turning diameter. Other notable achievements included the Center for Auto Safety ranking the 1993 Concorde as superior in crashworthiness after testing it at 35 miles per hour (56.3 km/h) into a wall.

The "Second Generation" design was introduced in 1996 as the Chrysler LHX Concept Car. This concept vehicle had large 20" wheels, a centrally located instrument cluster and a closed-circuit television system within the windshield pillars replacing conventional rear view mirrors. The wheelbase was expanded to 124 inches (3,100 mm) to allow for rear passenger supplement restraints, rear occupant entertainment center and storage compartment.

[edit] Generations

The first generation of the Concorde debuted at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a 1993 model. It debuted as a single, well-equipped model that was priced at US$18,341.^[4] The first generation lasted until 1997; the Concorde was completely redesigned for 1998. The Concorde Limited, which was 4 inches (102 mm) longer than the standard Concorde, debuted in 2002 to replace the nearly identical Chrysler LHS. The Concorde, along with the Intrepid, saw its last year of production in 2004. The Chrysler 300M (which replaced the Eagle Vision in 1999) was also discontinued that year. The Chrysler 300 replaced the Concorde in 2004 as a 2005 model.

[edit] Year-to-year changes

[edit] First generation

First generation

Production	1993–1997
Engine(s)	3.3 L EGA V6 3.5 L EGJ V6
Wheelbase	113.0 in (2870 mm)
Length	1993-94: 202.8 in (5151 mm) 1995-97: 201.5 in (5118 mm)
Width	74.4 in (1890 mm)
Height	56.3 in (1430 mm)
Related	Dodge Intrepid Chrysler LHS Chrysler New Yorker Eagle Vision

First generation featured full width taillamp design

• 1994: For this year, the touring suspension became standard. Also, base engines gained 8 hp (6 kW), and a front bench seat became available. Power steering added more assist, to reduce turning effort for parking but delivered greater feel at higher speeds. The 3.3 liter engine had 153 hp in 1993 and 161 hp in the following years of the first generation. Both 3.3 liter engines were rated at 18/21/26 MPG.

• 1995: Improvements made to the transaxle, a modification to the optional remote keyless entry system and the addition of 'thumb-touch' acceleration and cancel features, placed on the steering wheel spokes, to the cruise control. Later 1995 models were produced with sheet metal front fenders, which replaced the composite fenders on earlier models to improve structural integrity.

The "Pentastar" logo was replaced by the Chrysler wreath on the grille, horn pad, and various other places (except the keyless entry key fob and keys, which still had the old "Pentastar" logo).

• 1996: The Concorde gained two distinguished trim levels for 1996: lower-level LX and higher-level LXi. Extra sound insulation and revised structural engineering promised to make the Concorde quieter. Sheet metal front fenders added for 1996 and later on all models as part of the structural upgrade.
• 1997: The only major change for this year was that on the base LX model, the 3.3 L V6 was dropped as the standard engine.

All of the 1st generation 3.5 liter engines were rated at 217 hp with 16/24 city/hwy mpg.

[edit] Second generation

Second generation

Production	1998–2004
Engine(s)	2.7 L EER V6 3.2 L V6 3.5 L EGJ V6 3.5 L EGG V6
Wheelbase	113.0 in (2870 mm)
Length	1998-2001: 209.1 in (5311 mm) 2002-04: 207.7 in (5276 mm)
Width	74.4 in (1890 mm)
Height	55.9 in (1420 mm) 1999-2001 LX: 56.2 in (1427 mm)
Curb weight	3,495 lb (1,585 kg) (LX) 3,566 lb (1,618 kg) (LXi)
Related	Dodge Intrepid Chrysler LHS Chrysler 300M

• 1998: The Concorde was completely redesigned for the 1998 model year. Body shells were designed to be stronger and stiffer, as well as incorporating double-shear suspension mounts and integrated side impact protection.^[5]
• 1999: Suspension revisions were the major change for 1999; it was softened to enhance ride comfort and reduce road noise. Thicker carpeting was installed inside, and a new standard cargo net went into the trunk. The LXi package added a CD player and Chrysler's Sentry Key theft-deterrent system, which disabled the ignition unless the proper key was used to start the engine.
• 2000: For this year, a sunroof could be installed on the base model as well as the upscale LXi. The Concorde also earned additional suspension changes designed to provide a quieter, smoother ride. Tires grew to 16 in for the LX, to match those of the LXi. The LXi edition gained standard speed-sensitive, variable-assist steering, as well as an optional 4-disc in-dash CD changer.
• 2001: Optional front side airbags and a 3-point safety belt for the rear seat's middle position were added for 2001. The LX's 22D option package now included alloy wheels. Also, the LXi's optional Infinity sound system gained steering wheel-mounted controls.
• 2002: Adopting the body of the discontinued Chrysler LHS, a trim level was added, the hyper-luxury Limited for 2002, which featured 17-inch wheels and a "high output" 3.5L V6 engine with 250 horsepower. At midyear, Limited models got an optional Pro-Am Edition Group that included 2-tone leather upholstery, unique interior trim, matching chrome rimmed spare tire, a set of Taylor Made golf clubs (irons only), a special leather/suede Chrysler golf bag, exterior 'Pro-Am' appliques on the exterior rear windows, and a 'Pro-Am' trunk organizer for holding the clubs and other golf paraphernalia.
• 2003: For 2003 no major changes were made except the optional 4-disc in-dash CD changer was replaced with the optional 6-disc in-dash CD changer.
• 2004: The Concorde's last year. For 2005, the Concorde was replaced by the Chrysler 300.

[edit] References

• http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2016/
• http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2302/

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Chrysler Concorde

• Chrysler.com - 2001 Chrysler Concorde homepage, courtesy of Internet Archive