2002 Chrysler Concorde: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Chrysler's mainstream full-size sedan adopts the body of its discontinued LHS near-luxury sedan counterpart and adds a new top-line trim level for 2002. The LHS continues in spirit as the new top-of-the-line Concorde Limited, which added an optional Pro-Am Edition Group at midyear. Concorde shares its underskin design with the Dodge Intrepid. It's also the foundation for Chrysler's sporty 300M near-luxury sedan. Concorde has standard seating for five and an optional front bench for six. The base LX has a 200-hp 2.7-liter V6, the LXi a newly available 234-hp 3.5-liter V6, the Limited a 250-hp 3.5. All team with automatic transmission. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard. ABS and traction control are standard on Limited, optional on LXi. ABS is optional on LX. Front side airbags are optional on all. The Limited's new Pro-Am Edition Group includes two-tone leather upholstery, unique interior trim, and special golf bag. Concorde's performance and accommodations mirror those of like-equipped Dodge Intrepids.

COMPETITION

This segment has been hard hit by the popularity of sport-utility vehicles. Just a few years back there were more than 12 cars in the segment and now there are just seven. Heading up the field as Best Buys are the Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid twins. They have real room for six, exceptional road manners, and plenty of power.

Toyota's Avalon and Buick's LeSabre are two Recommended choices. Both have room for five and offer a comfortable ride (with modest handling capabilities). If you are looking for towing ability, the Ford Crown Victoria with its rear-drive layout and body-on-frame chassis is an option. Ford has updated it nicely over the years and it comes at a reasonable price.