Concorde is a corporate twin to the Dodge Intrepid and a close relative of the Chrysler LHS and 300M, which use the same front-drive platform but have unique styling and trimmer dimensions. Though the Concorde and Intrepid are the same car under the skin, the Chrysler division of DaimlerChrysler offers near-luxury and upscale family models, while the Dodge division caters to buyers looking for sportier attributes.
Exterior
Concorde’s low nose/high rear-deck profile is similar to the Intrepid’s, but the Concorde has its own look from a large crisscross grille, unique wraparound headlamps, a smaller rear window and different rear-end styling.
The base LX model trades in last year’s standard 15-inch wheels for 16-inchers, same as the more-expensive LXi version. A power moonroof is a new option on the LX and a carryover option on the LXi.
Interior
The instrument cluster has revised vacuum fluorescent displays in new round gauges, and a four-disc, in-dash CD changer is a new option on the LXi. Front bucket seats are standard on both models, and a front bench is optional for six-passenger seating.
Like the Intrepid, the Concorde has large doors, a spacious interior and roomy trunk. Rear passengers enjoy slightly more headroom than in the Intrepid because of a higher roof. The narrow rear window makes parking and changing lanes trickier for the driver. Concorde’s trunk opening is larger than the Intrepid’s, but the Chrysler version does not have a folding rear seatback, only a small pass-through section to the trunk.
Under the Hood
Engine selection depends on the model. The LX comes with a 200-horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 and the LXi with a 225-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6. Both come with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard on the LXi and optional on the LX.
Performance
In addition to its eye-catching styling, the Concorde is roomy, functional and enjoyable to drive. It feels more nimble than many big cars and has sprightly acceleration with the 3.2-liter V-6. The smaller engine in the LX lacks the muscle to move this car with verve.
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