1994 Chrysler LHS Review (continued)
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Walkaround

In addition to the expansive raked windshield, comparatively abbreviated hood and graceful sweeping roof line that are inherent to the LH cab-forward design, Chrysler has managed to give the LFIS a styling signature all its own. in profile, a European-style, gracefully rounded rear window distinguishes this luxury sedan from its counterparts.

Our Chrysler LHS test vehicle was a vision of rich, flawless black beauty. Out front, a vertical chrome grille with the Chrysler insignia in the middle was flanked by plastic-encased halogen headlamps and cornering lights that wrapped around the raked front fenders. Underneath, a massive vinyl-covered bumper wrapped under the front end and was protected by a chrome-encased vinyl molding.

A stroll along the side of our test vehicle revealed the special touches that give the Chrysler LFIS its unique styling signature. Striking cathedrals e aluminum wheels should raise a few eyebrows. On the doors, a large brushed-chrome side molding began just below the beltline of the vehicle and continued under the rocker panels. Combined with our vehicle's flawless black finish, the side moldings and wheel treatments imparted a look of sheer class.

Out back, the gracefully rounded, nearly vertical window design was complemented by a huge wraparound bright-chrome bumper that added to this car's image. Taillight/cornering lamp assemblies didn't wrap around the rear fenders; instead, Chrysler opted to place rectangular red side marker lamps on the lower portion of the rear fenders, another small but deliberate effort to give the '94 Chrysler LHS a truly unique look. In that effort, we believe that the Chrysler design team succeeded.

Interior Features

A traditional but elegant combination of wood trim and rich, black leather beckoned our test driver. The plush, deeply gathered leather front buckets and contoured rear seats seemed to embrace us rather than merely seat us. A thickly padded and cushioned console separated the front seats and housed a floor-mounted shift lever for the four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

One of the many thoughtful and driver-friendly touches we found was that the transmission indicators were incorporated in both the console and the speedometer/ tachometer dials, and in clear view through the steering wheel. The graceful arc of the instrument panel also showed analog fuel and temperature gauges and the expected comfort element of warning lights, while the leather steering wheel housed handy cruise control buttons.

Overhead, a roof console displayed the outside temperature as well as the setting for the standard automatic climate control. Other controls for the LHS's nearly endless complement of power assists-including antenna, trunk release and automatic security and headlamp systems-were carefully positioned and easily located on either the driver's armrest or on the dash beneath the instrument cluster.

A wood-grain enclosure for the vehicle's AM/FM stereo and climate control switches extended from the center of the instrument panel to the armrest. We were impressed not only with the rich wood grain that set off the Chrysler LHS's instrument panel and continued along the doors, but also with the cover for the passenger-side air bag, which was integrated unobtrusively with the dash and didn't impart the tacked on" look we've seen in other vehicles.

There's an abundance of leg and shoulder room up front. The exclusion of rear seat headrests was perhaps the only reason that we didn't give this luxury sedan a comfort rating of 11 on a 10-point scale. Thickly cushioned leather trim on all doors, entry straps, and enough map and courtesy lights to illuminate the interior for any purpose assured us that Chrysler has left little out of this high-style sedan."