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Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (210 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2001
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on specific model years and maintenance history.
5 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission failure
Catastrophic failures reported, particularly in early models (1994-1995); described as a fundamental design flaw with the "Ultra drive" (42LE, etc.) transmissions.
- RecurrentElectrical system failures
Various gremlins including security system malfunctions preventing starting, faulty oxygen sensors causing the car to enter a "dead" mode, and general electronic component failures as the vehicle ages.
- RecurrentCooling system problems
Overheating issues, potentially related to water pump failure, thermostat issues, or head gasket concerns on the 3.5L V6.
+ 2 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedGeneral electronic/sensor failures
Faulty O2 sensors and other electronics leading to poor running or failure to start.
- IsolatedInterior component failures
Power seat motor failures ("gangster lean").
The version owners recommend
The 2001 model year is implicitly recommended based on a specific owner report of flawless ownership, contrasting with severe transmission issues reported in earlier models like the 1995 and 1996. The data suggests later production years benefited from revisions that addressed some of the early transmission problems.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Buick Roadmaster, Pontiac Bonneville, Buick Regal, Eagle Vision and Chrysler 300M.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on specific model years and maintenance history. The vehicle is consistently praised for its comfort, with multiple owners describing the driving experience as akin to "driving a leather couch," and appreciating its spacious, refined, and elegant design for the era. The 3.5L V6 engine is noted for being a "fairly high output" and "robust" powerplant, with one owner stating their 2001 model was "flawless." However, a very strong and recurrent criticism centers on catastrophic automatic transmission failures, particularly in early models (noted as 1994-1995). This issue is described as a fundamental, widespread flaw with the platform's "Ultra drive" transmissions, leading to a reputation as "complete piles of shit" when they fail. Other common complaints include various electrical gremlins, cooling system problems, and general electronic failures as the vehicles age. The consensus indicates that well-maintained later examples (e.g., 2001) can be reliable and satisfying, but early models and neglected vehicles are prone to expensive, debilitating failures.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a comfortable, front-wheel-drive American luxury sedan from the 1990s. It is favorably compared to its platform-mates (Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision) for offering a more upscale interior and higher output from its 3.5L engine. When compared to contemporary domestic rivals like the Buick Roadmaster, it is seen as more modern, fuel-efficient, and sporty but ultimately less reliable and durable in the long term. The Buick Roadmaster is cited as the superior choice in retrospect due to its robust rear-wheel-drive platform and V8 engine. Within the Chrysler LH platform family, the LHS and 300M are positioned as the higher-performance flagships compared to the base models.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available to recommend specific configurations, trims, or options. One owner mentions the 3.5L V6 engine positively.
General recommendations
Suitable for enthusiasts seeking a unique, comfortable, and affordable 1990s luxury sedan, with the understanding that significant mechanical risk is involved. NOT recommended as a primary, reliable daily driver without a thorough maintenance history and pre-purchase inspection, specifically of the transmission. Essential to verify service records for transmission fluid changes. Strongly suggested to have a dedicated repair budget or mechanical aptitude. Potential buyers should be prepared for difficulty sourcing bespoke parts, as the manufacturer discontinued support years ago and aftermarket availability is poor. Best considered as a second car or project.
Remarks
The transmission reliability appears to be heavily generation-dependent. Owner feedback indicates severe, recurrent failures in early LH-platform cars (e.g., 1995 Concorde, 1994-1996 LHS), with significant improvements in later iterations (e.g., 2001 LHS). The platform is identified as being based on a 1980s Renault front-wheel-drive design. Parts availability is a major concern for long-term ownership, with the manufacturer having discontinued support and aftermarket suppliers carrying limited inventory, making some repairs challenging or impossible. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions spanning model years 1994-2001.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices16 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2001 · child seatcampaign 00V366000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
2001 · seats:front assembly:reclinercampaign 03V035000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
2001 · structure:frame and memberscampaign 01V273000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES (NON-SUNROOF ONLY) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
2000 · seat belts:front:retractorcampaign 00V033000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE MOLDING FLASH ON THE PRIMARY LEVER MAY PREVENT THE OPERATION OF THE G-LOCK AND TILT LOCK FUNCTIONS ON SOME OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE RETRACTORS.
2000 · child seatcampaign 00V366000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
2000 · seat beltscampaign 00V034000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE TURNING LOOP (ATL) TOP MOUNTING BOLT WAS INADEQUATELY MANUFACTURED.
2000 · seats:front assembly:reclinercampaign 03V035000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
2000 · structure:frame and memberscampaign 01V273000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES (NON-SUNROOF ONLY) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
1999 · seat belts:front:retractorcampaign 01V119000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
1999 · seat beltscampaign 00V034000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE TURNING LOOP (ATL) TOP MOUNTING BOLT WAS INADEQUATELY MANUFACTURED.
1999 · seats:front assembly:reclinercampaign 03V035000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
1999 · power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shiftcampaign 04V021000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
1997 · power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shiftcampaign 04V021000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
1997 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 98V184000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJECTION RAIL.
1996 · power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shiftcampaign 04V021000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
1 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.5 i V6 24V
3.5L 6-cylinder · 257 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 1999–2001