Large car; Built in Canada
  • 4-door sedan
  • longitudinal front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,500 – $4,500*


1998 Chrysler Concorde LXi


1998 Chrysler Concorde LXi


1998 Chrysler Concorde LXi interior


2000 Chrysler Concorde LX


2000 Chrysler Concorde LXi

Pros:
  • Traction control (optional)
  • Cargo room
  • Fuel economy (2.7-liter)
  • Passenger room
  • Ride
  • Steering/handling
Cons:
  • Trunk liftover
  • Rear visibility

Stunning styling, loads of room, and exceptional handling are the foremost attributes of the current Concordes. Acceleration is ordinary, however, and long-term mechanical reliability remains a bit uncertain compared to such rivals as the Buick LeSabre and Toyota Avalon. Best to stick with 3.2- or 3.5-liter V6 as the 2.7 is know to be troublesome.

Overview

Chrysler redesigned its mainstream front-wheel-drive, full-size sedan for 1998, adopting a markedly more dramatic appearance that was highlighted by a Ferrari-like grille. Similar to Chrysler’s 300M and LHS (introduced during 1998), the Concorde also was closely related under the skin to the Dodge Intrepid. Two new V6 engines were available. Base LX models got a 200-horsepower, dual-overhead-cam 2.7-liter V6. A 225-horsepower, 3.2-liter single-cam engine went into Concordes with the upscale LXi package. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard. Antilock braking was optional, or included with the LXi package. Traction control came the same way: standard on LXi, optional on LX. Wheelbase remained at 113 inches, but the front-drive chassis was extensively modified. Overall length grew by 7.5 inches. Weight dropped by nearly a hundred pounds, due to the use of aluminum for the rear suspension, hood, and both new engines. Concordes might have either 5- or 6-passenger seating, because front bucket seats were standard but a front bench was optional. Dual front airbags were standard. Competitors included the Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile Eighty Eight and LSS, Pontiac Bonneville, and Toyota Avalon.

Yearly Updates

1999 Concorde
Suspension revisions were the major change for ’99, softened to enhance ride comfort and reduce road noise. Thicker carpeting was installed inside, and a new standard cargo net went into the trunk. The LXi package added a CD player and Chrysler’s Sentry Key theft-deterrent system, which disabled the ignition unless the proper key was used to start the engine.
2000 Concorde
A sunroof could now be installed on the base model as well as the upscale LXi. Concorde also earned additional suspension changes designed to provide a quieter, smooth ride. Tires grew to 16-inch size for the LX, to match those of the LXi. The LXi edition gained standard speed-sensitive, variable-assist steering, as well as an optional 4-disc in-dash CD changer.
2001 Concorde
Optional front side airbags and a 3-point safety belt for the rear seat’s middle position were added in 2001. The LX’s 22D option package now included alloy wheels. Also, the LXi’s optional Infinity sound system gained steering-wheel mounted controls.
2002 Concorde
Adopting the body of the discontinued LHS, Concorde added a new top-line trim level (Concorde Limited) for 2002. At midyear, Limited models got an optional Pro-Am Edition Group that included 2-tone leather upholstery, unique interior trim, and a special golf bag.
2003 Concorde
No changes for Concorde in ’03.
2004 Concorde
No major changes for Concorde in ’04.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/front-wheel drive

All Concordes had V6 engines, in a choice of two configurations. A dual-overhead-cam 2.7 liter V6, installed in the base LX model, produced 200 horsepower. Concordes with the upscale LXi package enjoyed a 225-horsepower, single-cam V6 with 3.2-liter displacement. All Concordes used a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 3.5-liter V6 replaced the 3.2 for 2002, and the introduction of a new Limited model added a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 to the powertrain lineup.

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.7/167
Engine HP 200
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 190
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

21/30

26.2

ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.2/197
Engine HP 222-225
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 222-225
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

19/29

21.0

ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/215
Engine HP 234
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 241
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

18/26

ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/215
Engine HP 250
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 250
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

18/26

Road Test

The 3.2-liter produces a stronger pull at low speeds, a deeper exhaust note, and more-impressive passing ability. The 3.5 is decidedly stronger, resulting in acceleration on par with the best in this class. Acceleration with the 2.7-liter is adequate, but that V6 has to work harder to deliver the same level of performance. On the plus side, the 2.7-liter gives this large sedan impressive fuel economy. We’ve averaged 26.2 mpg in a test that included plenty of highway driving. A 3.2-liter V6 averages about 21 mpg.

Both models offer impressive handling ability. Not only do they carve tight turns with good grip and minimal body lean, they respond instantly to changes in steering-wheel input. Concorde steers and changes direction with responsive confidence, though test models have not displayed top-notch braking performance or feel. Ride quality also is impressive. The Concorde’s suspension soaks up rough pavement and provides a stable, comfortable highway experience. Road noise is markedly less than in the prior Concorde, but it’s still not in the Lexus league for overall quietness.

Clear gauges and large, well-marked controls for the climate and audio systems highlight the Concorde’s dashboard. Wide pillars, a sloping roof, and narrow rear window constrict the driver’s rearward view, though it’s a bit wider than in an Intrepid. Occupants can enjoy a generously sized interior, as before. Wide, tall doorways make it easy to get in and out of the front or rear compartment, and there’s ample room for five adults. The cabin is wide enough to hold three grownups in the rear without uncomfortable squeezing, and a taller roof profile gives slightly more rear head room than in Dodge’s Intrepid. Doorways are large, but the rear-door shape hampers entry. Concorde offers ample cargo room and a trunk opening wider than Intrepid’s, but liftover is on the high side. Most interior materials are good quality, though door panels look plain and roof pillars are trimmed with hard plastic that looks cut-rate.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 Chrysler Concorde LX

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4
40%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 5
50%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 6
60%

Other

Value - 8
80%

Total: 62

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
113.0 209.1 74.5 55.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
18.7 17.0 5-6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.3 37.2 42.1 41.6
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1999 Concorde 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Rear Passenger Injury - 3
60%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 80
Injury 69
Theft 56

Trouble Spots

Engine misfire
Description: Drivability problems occur when the speed-sensor wires pull out of the transmission. (1999)
Fuel gauge
Description: If gas tank is slow to fill or repeatedly trips nozzle, a revised fuel tank vent kit may be required. (2000-01)
Keyless entry
Description: Keyless entry transmitter range may be less than 10-feet requiring. A revised antenna will extend range. (1998-99)
Oil leak
Description: The oil-filter adapter may come out of the engine block when the filter is removed on 3.2L and 3.5L engines. When this happens the adapter must be replaced, not reinstalled. (1998-99)
Steering problems
Description: Power steering may feel heavy in cold weather unless the improved fluid is used. (1998-99)
Sunroof/moonroof
Description: The cloth on the sunshade peels away causing the shade or sunroof to bind. (1998-99)
Windows
Description: If power window sticks, motor may have to be replaced. (1998-2001)
Headlights
Description: Instrument lights may get bright and dim, and headlights and/or fog lights may come on spontaneously due to loose or corroded connector at the headlight switch. (2000-04)
Electrical problem
Description: The interior lights will not go out or will not come on because of a blown fuse because of a damaged wiring harness in the roof area. (1998-99)
Electrical problem
Description: Moisture getting inside the car behind the kick panels makes the windows, door locks and power mirrors operate by themselves. (1998)

Recall History

1998-02
Description: Some vehicles may have faulty seat-recliner bolts, allowing the seat to unexpectedly recline. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1999
Description: The front-seatbelt retractor does not comply with the requirements of the standard. If the retractor does not work properly, it will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash.
1999-00
Description: Inadequately manufactured mounting bolt for seatbelt shoulder height-adjustable turning loop may not withstand sufficient force to function properly in certain impact situations.
2000
Description: Molding flash on primary lever may prevent operation of G-lock and tilt-lock functions on some driver’s-side retractors, which could reduce driver protection during a frontal crash
2000
Description: Passenger-airbag inflator assembly on some cars contains incorrect inflator charge amount.
2000 w/o ABS
Description: Brake master-cylinder piston-retainer snap ring may be bent inward, which could result in brake-drag condition.
2000-01
Description: Some of the owner’s manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions for properly attaching a child-restraint system’s tether strap to the tether anchorage.
2000-01
Description: In the event of a crash, there is a potential for injury if the occupant’s head were to contact the B-pillar. Owners will be sent a storage-bin accessory unit that can be attached to the B-pillar along with installation instructions.
2003
Description: An inadequately manufactured hood latch component may cause hood to open without warning. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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