We tested a front-wheel-drive LXi. It presents a sporty visage that is both elegant and slightly imposing. A steeply raked windshield blends into the sloping hood, finished with a sweeping grille and winged Chrysler badge. Rounded corners, sculpted body panels and understated side moldings add to the image, particularly in dark colors.
A base price of more than $32,000 may sound steep, but the LXi comes with a high level of standard equipment: anti-lock brakes, traction control, dual-zone air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, power eight-way front seats with memory, easy-out rear seats with rollers, adjustable driver's-seat lumbar support, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, overhead console trip computer, power garage door opener, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, rearview mirror with automatic day-night feature, AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo with equalizer, extra sound insulation and 16-inch gold wheel covers.
Side-door beams and dual airbags are standard and the driver gets a Next-generation airbag designed to deploy less forcefully in an accident. An accident response system unlocks the doors and turns on the interior lights whenever an airbag deploys. A reclining child seat was added to the middle-row bucket seat this year. Next Page