1998 Chrysler Concorde

It is like the 1950s all over again for Chrysler Corp. As then, this automaker is making bold moves in vehicle design that keep its cars looking more advanced than those from Ford or General Motors.

Consider the dramatically redesigned Chrysler Concorde sedan. While it shares the platform of the revamped Dodge Intrepid four-door, the Concorde has racier styling. For instance, its grille resembles that of a classic Aston Martin race car and is nicely integrated into a futuristic front end.

The new Concorde is longer and lower than its predecessor, and has two new world-class aluminum V-6 engines with overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. It has the same cab-forward design as its predecessor, which allows limousine-style rear seat room.

The front-wheel-drive car is significantly more rigid than the old Concorde and has better construction. The previous Concorde generally was impressive, but had spotty quality.

The base Concorde LX lists at $21,305 and comes with a high-revving 2.7-liter V-6 that generates 190 horsepower. The higher-line, $24,740 LXi offers a 3.2-liter V-6 that produces 225 horsepower and more torque.

The bigger V-6 is quieter and works less hard than the 2.7-liter engine. Both motors provide strong acceleration, although the Concorde is slower off the line with the 2.7 than with the 3.2.

Both engines work with a smooth four-speed automatic transmission that deftly upshifts and downshifts for quick merges and passes.

Fuel economy is an estimated 21 and 30 with the 2.7 and is nearly as good with the 3.2 at 19 and 29. Those are sound numbers for a roomy, full-size car that is fairly heavy at 3,430 pounds. And only 87-octane fuel is needed.

The LX is well-equipped, with items such as air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM cassette, remote keyless entry and power driver's seat, windows, locks and mirrors.

The LXi adds the 3.2 V-6 and a bunch of other good stuff, including leather upholstery, automatic temperature control, upgraded sound system, larger 16-inch wheels with wider tires and anti-lock brakes.

Those brakes cost an extra $600 for the LX, which can be fitted with the larger wheels and tires for $200. Both are good options to improve braking and handling. The widely popular power sunroof costs $795.

The power steering is vague near the on-center steering wheel position, but is quick. And the revised all-independent suspension helps give the car excellent handling and the agility of a smaller car. The Concorde's ride is slightly softer than the Intrepid's, but is well-controlled.

Stopping distances are good, although the brake pedal feels a bit spongy.

Five tall adults easily fit in the Concorde, which has less road noise than its predecessor--but still more than some luxury car buyers may want. Otherwise, the interior is quiet, with supportive front bucket seats and large controls that feel nice.

The interior generally looks good with nice use of fake wood trim. It has easily gripped door handles, sturdy front cupholders, large glovebox, deep console storge bin and well-located power window controls for the driver.

However, the use of some plain materials detract from the interior's appearance. And the much-used turn signal lever feels rather flimsy.

The sloping hood and high rear window shelf make it impossible to see the front of the hood or the back end, so one must be careful when parking.

One nice touch is ultrapowerful windshield washers, which spray the windshield with six streams of washer fluid.

The trunk is very long and fairly deep. But its rather high, narrow opening inhibits easy loading of cargo. However, the trunk lid moves well up and well out of the way of heads. And the spare tire is conveniently located in a well below the trunk floor, where it doesn't consume cargo space and is easy to reach.

The Concorde hasn't taken off as well as Chrysler expected--largely because many vehicle buyers are opting for trucks instead of cars. Too bad, because the Concorde deserves a rousing reception.

And the back windows roll all the way down.