Introduction

Chrysler's LHS offers an elegant design in a big luxury sedan that makes a statement of status and achievement. Fortunately, the distinctive design is backed up by the driving experience. The LHS is a joy to drive. It rides smoothly and handles remarkably well for a full-size front-wheel-drive sedan.

Walkaround

After three years, the LHS design still looks great. The big egg-crate grille, sculptured headlamps and fluted hood on the LHS demonstrate Chrysler wasn't afraid to step out of the box. Graceful, fluid lines emulate the craftsmanship of classic automobiles. It is a classic, yet contemporary design. The LHS looks sleeker than other four-door sedans in its class. The most noticeable design element is its grille, edged in chrome and adorned with a big winged Chrysler medallion. The front fascia on the LHS was engineered to meet federal impact requirements without the need for a visible external bumper. Sculptured headlamp bezels surround compact projector beams with integrated fog lamps and turn signals. The shape they describe flows seamlessly into the fluted aluminum hood. Augmenting the headlamps are driving lights molded into the lower fascia. New windshield pillar moldings reduce wind noise and improve water management. Viewed from the side, the aerodynamic lower sill complements the large wheels and tires and visually ties the unique front and rear fascias together. A winged Chrysler medallion adorns the deck lid. Wrap-around taillamps use a red/amber split to delineate the stop and turn functions. A pair of stainless steel oval exhaust tips indicates the added power and performance of the V6 engine.

Interior Features

The flowing shapes that grace the exterior are carried through inside. Interior surfaces are soft to the touch for a luxurious feel. No seams are visible where the passenger airbag resides. Elegant white-faced analog gauges, surrounded by thin chrome bezels, use electroluminescent lighting with stylish typefaces that give them a classic look. A beautiful white-faced clock that features watch-like detail is mounted in the center of the dash; jewel-like wings have been added to the clock face this year. Flanked by the Chrysler wings, it complements the design theme. Major controls use large twist dials. Few manufacturers get radios right and the LHS features slider tone controls that are challenging to operate when driving. Fortunately, steering wheel-mounted audio controls have been added for 2001. Power window and door locks switches are bright and the power mirror switches are color-keyed. Overall, the wood trim is attractive, but the oval piece of wood surrounding the shifter seems unnecessary and diminishes the positive effect of the rest of the trim. The leather-trimmed seats are comfortable and seat heaters add comfort when starting out in cold weather. Personalized memory controls remember the driver's seating adjustments, outside mirror positions and radio station presets. LHS offers a bit more front and rear legroom than the Chrysler 300M. A three-point seat belt was added to the rear center position this year. Safety is further enhanced by optional supplemental front side airbags. Overall, it's a brilliant interior, sleeker and more contemporary than the Lincoln Continental. The new sandstone interior lends a light, elegant look. Other new interior colors for 2001 include dark slate gray and light taupe. The LHS comes with a larger trunk than the 300M and it holds plenty of luggage for long trips. Details, such as gas struts for the trunk hinges, make life seem just a bit more luxurious. An inside emergency trunk lid release was added this year for increased safety.