From: esl_manager@gimme.uh.edu ()
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: LH test-drive results (by a buyer)
Date: 29 Dec 1992 22:29:56 GMT
Organization: University of Houston
Distribution: world
Reply-To: esl_manager@gimme.uh.edu ()
NNTP-Posting-Host: gimme.cc.uh.edu

Hi 

If you have read my other posting with the subject "SL2 test-drive
results", you would know that I really try hard to buy American. Like
most people, I have seen all or almost all of the TV commericals about
the LH, the code name for the Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision and the
Chrysler Concorde. In addition, I requested the detailed literature from
Dodge, Eagle and Chrysler to obtain more info.  In fact, I have also
seen the PBS special, "Made In America" where Robert B Reiche (our
future Secretary of Commerce) was the main host of the documentary. In
it, the LH design process, Chrysler's new technology center, Chrysler
culture change and other juicy info was quite extensively brought to
public knowledge. All these info really got my adrenelin pumping and
guess what, I went for a test-drive.

Car tested: Dodge Intrepid, ES, 24-valves, V-6
Date tested: 24th Dec. , 1992

Likes:
1) [Handling]: The handling was firm and sporty; I would say it felt
like the Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry and maybe even the Maxima SE (but
cannot match the Honda Acccord's handling).
2) [Engine-noise]: Very well controlled and comfortably blocked away
from interior. The 24-valves really made the engine feel rather smoothe
when you apply the accelerator. Wonderful!
3) [Acceleration]: Above average to Good. Able to throw the driver to
his seat but because the car is quite high, so it does not give you that
feeling that you are accelerating fast, but you are, if you look at the
speedometer. Do not expect the same feeling you will get in the Honda
line of cars, though.
4) [Stereo system]: Way above the Japanese cars' stereo systems.
Excellent!
5) [Spaciousness]: Markedly more space in the rear seats, due to the
cab-forward design, I guess.

Dislikes:
1) [Spaciousness]: Personally, I cannot see nor feel any significant
difference in the amount space that the cab-forward design gave to the
front seats. This is quite a disappointment. Maybe I believed the
commericials too much. But then, the commercials are suppose to help
sell the cars, not exaggerate. I think raising the buyers' expectations
beyond reality is not going to do Chrysler any good.

2) [Where are the 5-speeds?]: I didn't see any 5-speeds options
available. This car would make a good competitor to the Maxima SE if
there is a 5-speed version together with a stiffer suspension. Is it not
suppose to be a sports sedan? Just a suggestion.

3) [Glove compartment]: The glove compartment is pretty small
considering the size of the car. Is it due to the passenger-side air-bag
competing for space?

4) [Rear lights]: A little too thin and small.

5) [Stingy dealer]: May be I was expecting too much, but I was only
allowed to test-drive in an area that was less than 3 blocks! The reason
given was to maintain a low mileage on the test cars. Was that being a
little stingy or what?  In addition, no attempts were made to "sell" the
car or even tell me or "remind" me of the strengths of this car.
Instead, the salesperson was telling me about his son's life in school
and everything else except the car. May be it was Christmas eve but I
must say that the impression I got was the dealership was definitely in
a holiday mood! May be these guys ought to pretend they are buying a car
and visit a Japanese car dealership.

Conclusion:
o   If you're buying a Camry, Taurus or Maxima, I would urge you to
seriously consider the LH also. In many ways, it matches or exceeds that
of those other cars.
o   If you are a die-hard Hondaholic, don't waste your time, the LH
handling does yield the same thing. It's just different, not necessarily
no good.
o   The car is so new,  so we don't have records to  about the cost of 
maintenance, repairs and quality control. But we will see ... (I think
it will do well if owners start to tell others about their
satisfaction).
o   It is hard to forget the attitudes of that Dodge dealership as I
remember how well my Acura dealership treated me 4 years ago. May be I
will try visiting an Eagle dealership instead; but, again, should I try
so hard to buy American?

--
Arthur