It seems like only yesterday, but Chrysler's LH cars--Chrysler Concorde, Dodge

Intrepid and Eagle Vision--were introduced over four years ago. Full-size

front-drivers, these were the cars that put the company's fortunes back on a positive

track with their breakthrough cab-forward design, a design that sent ripples through

the entire industry, as well as Chrysler offerings that have come along since.

Today they're the oldest cars in the entire Chrysler lineup, a dramatic index of

the sweeping changes at the company Walter P. Chrysler established back in 1923.

However, though they're now the veterans of the fleet, no one would call them

dated. The strong wedge shapes still stand out in traffic, and the cab-forward design

concept, which places the wheels at the corners of the car to expand interior volume,

still gives the LH triplets an edge in roominess. And that translates directly as

comfort and all-around utility.

The newer Chrysler LHS, an even larger car based on a stretched luxury version of

the basic LH platform, amplifies this benefit, but the original triplets are still

interior volume leaders in their respective market segments.

Although the three cars share the same basic chassis and hardware, the Vision is

the sportiest, aimed at drivers who want the functionality of a large 4-door sedan but

also want the handling and style found in European imports--without paying the price

commanded by the imports.

The Vision is a member of Chrysler's newest brand lineup, Eagle, which was

established after Chrysler purchased American Motors in the '80s. Eagle cars generally

are sold through dealerships that also sell the Jeeps.

As the brand conceived to lure import-intenders, Eagle frequently is called upon

to introduce technological innovations. The latest example is Autostick, an automatic

that can be shifted like a manual transmission if the driver chooses. Although it will

probably spread to other Chrysler products, for 1996 it's available only in the Eagle

Vision TSi.

Aside from this update, the Vision is unchanged from last year. The same goes for

the Intrepid and Concorde, as all three models approach their first major redesign.

Our test car was a TSi, equipped with the new Autostick transmission.

The design of the Concorde, Intrepid and Vision has proven to have excellent

staying power. Although a number of new designs have come along since this trio was

introduced, most notably Ford's flashy Taurus and Mercury Sable, the Chrysler models

still look contemporary and, more important, distinctive.

Like the other basic LH cars, the Vision is available in two models--the

well-equipped ESi and the even better furnished--and more powerful--TSi. Dodge offers

base and ES Intrepids, while the Corcorde is available in LX and LXi trim levels.

The main distinction between ESi and TSi is in the engine compartment, something

that's also true of standard and uplevel versions of Intrepid and Concorde. The ESi

comes with a 3.3-liter overhead valve V6 that provides adequate horsepower and

better-than-adequate torque. The TSi gets a 214-hp 3.5-liter dual overhead cam

24-valve V6, the top engine in Chrysler's passenger car powertrain inventory.

All LH cars are equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Autostick is

limited to the Vision TSi, where it's standard equipment.

Both Visions come with standard air conditioning, an AM/FM/cassette sound system,

and power windows/mirrors and locks. Much of the optional equipment on the ESi, such

as antilock brakes, remote keyless entry and 8-way power seats, are standard on the

TSi.

In addition to the higher standard equipment list, some options, including leather

seats and the performance handling package (upgraded tires and firmer suspension) are

available only on the TSi.

While the exterior design has withstood the test of time well, the interior

functionality remains a benchmark for the industry. Every time we test drive one of

the LH cars we're impressed with how roomy and airy the interior is. The cars are

ideal for families as well as for business people who have to carry around clients.

The Vision is available with 5- or 6-passenger seating in ESi editions, available

with a bench front seat. The TSi comes with twin bucket seats up front. The rear seat

area is large, with room enough for three tall people to comfortably stretch their

legs out. Available for the rear seat is an optional integrated child seat built into

the rear armrest. When not in use, the child seat can be stowed and the armrest forms

a seatback for the middle passenger.

All seats are extremely comfortable. Outboard seats have seatbelts with

height-adjustable upper anchors so drivers and passengers of any size can easily find

a comfortable seatbelt position. The belts also can secure a child safety seat without

a separate locking slip.

Large, wide-opening doors make entry and exit easy.

The trunk also is roomy, easily capable of holding several suitcases or golf bags.

However, unlike some of its competitors, including the Taurus/Sable and Chevrolet

Lumina, the Vision does not have a rear seatback that can fold down to expand trunk

capacity for long items.

In general, the controls are well laid out and easy to operate. Power window

switches and seatbelt buckles are illuminated to see better in the dark. The climate

controls, located at the base of the dashboard, may require a bit of a stretch to

reach. The steering wheel has buttons for the horn, rather than a depressable switch

in the center of the airbag, and the buttons are smallish.

There's no question that the Autostick makes the Vision TSi more fun to drive than

its LH counterparts with a regular automatic transmission. Set the shift lever in

Autostick mode and you just waggle the shifter to the left for upshifts, right for

downshifts.

It's easy to get used to, and there's no clutch pedal hassle. If you want to let

the car shift for itself, you simply switch back to full automatic mode.

Good steering and handling have been LH strong suits from the beginning. The

Vision is very agile, particularly for a sedan of its size, and it attacks tight

corners with very little body roll.

Though firm, the ride is comfortable, even on bumpy road surfaces. Original LH

models, particularly those with stiffer suspension packages, could be a trifle harsh

on nasty pavement, but Chrysler has softened the hard edges.

Our Eagle TSi tester was also relatively quiet at most speeds. Here too Chrysler

has made improvements over the years, though some noise is still noticeable over rough

pavement, transmitted to the interior through the suspension.

We liked the performance of our TSi's 3.5-liter V6, made more enjoyable by the

Autostick transmission. Though the basic 3.3-liter V6 is adequate for getting around

town, it won't knock your socks off, by any stretch. The 3.5-liter V6 lends a lot more

verve and much better punch for passing on rural highways.

There is a minor penalty in fuel economy for the TSi engine. The base engine is

rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the more potent engine gets 18 miles

per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway, though these numbers

are still respectable for a large car.

Unlike with most other models, the Vision's price has hovered in the same range

over the past few years. For the 1995 model year, Chrysler actually dropped the base

price. The base ESi starts at $19,245 running up to $23,190 for a fully loaded model;

a typically equipped ESi costs about $19,795. The TSi starts at $23,835, runs upward

to $26,875, with a typically equipped model costing $24,385. Intrepid prices are a

trifle lower, Concorde prices a trifle higher.

Although it offers essentially the same benefits as Intrepid and Concorde, the

Vision hasn't enjoyed the same sales success as the other LH cars, which means that

rebates and other customer incentives are often offered. Add frequent rebates to

competitive pricing, and the Vision's appeal increases. You'd be hard-pressed to beat

its combination of roominess, performance and style in this price class.