1996 Chrysler LHS Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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Chrysler
LHS
1996

1996 Chrysler LHS Review: Road Test

Below is a full, detailed 1996 Chrysler LHS review and road test from New Car Test Drive. A full evaluation of price, equipment, the driving experience, and specs are all here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with limitless e ...     read more
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1996 Chrysler LHS Review

Affordable luxury with a Euro touch.
Driving Impressions
If you're the type that counts cylinders, the LHS will immediately come up short.

The only engine is a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6. And indeed, it's no match for the

Northstar V8, or the Ford 4.6-liter V8 that powers the new Lincoln Continental. But

don't sell Chrysler short. At 214-horsepower, the LHS V6 is no wallflower. It's peppy

and responsive enough for all but drivers who like zero-to-60 mph times in the

7-second range. And if fuel economy matters, chalk one up for the LHS. Its V6 is far

more miserly than the V8s offered elsewhere. Particularly at this price.

Under normal driving conditions, you'll find the 4-speed, electronically

controlled automatic transmission is smooth and seamless. But shifts do become a bit

abrupt when you've got the accelerator pedal pressed to the floor.

Like the seats, the LHS tries to find a balance for its ride feel. The solution

may not satisfy everyone, particularly those used to the firmer feel and sharper

Review Sections
• Introduction
• Walkaround
• Interior
• Driving Impressions
• Summary & Specifications
Get Your Free Quote on a Chrysler LHS

response of a BMW, but for most, there's a good compromise between comfort and

handling. There's a bit of body roll in aggressive cornering maneuvers, and we noticed

a bit of squat and dive during hard acceleration and braking.

Steering is light, but direct, and the car tracks precisely where it's aimed.

Braking is adequate, with little fade after repeated hard stops. Still, this is

one area where improvement wouldn't hurt. There is no such thing as excess braking

power.

The LHS offers traction control as an option. It's a low-speed system which means

it will only operate during initial acceleration. Still, it's a useful feature,

especially if you live in snow country. Next Page


1996 Chrysler LHS