1996 Eagle Vision Fullsize Car Review & Performance

The design of the Concorde, Intrepid and Vision has proven to have excellent

staying power. Although a number of new designs have come along since this trio was

introduced, most notably Ford's flashy Taurus and Mercury Sable, the Chrysler models

still look contemporary and, more important, distinctive.

Like the other basic LH cars, the Vision is available in two models--the

well-equipped ESi and the even better furnished--and more powerful--TSi. Dodge offers

base and ES Intrepids, while the Corcorde is available in LX and LXi trim levels.

The main distinction between ESi and TSi is in the engine compartment, something

that's also true of standard and uplevel versions of Intrepid and Concorde. The ESi

comes with a 3.3-liter overhead valve V6 that provides adequate horsepower and

better-than-adequate torque. The TSi gets a 214-hp 3.5-liter dual overhead cam

24-valve V6, the top engine in Chrysler's passenger car powertrain inventory.

All LH cars are equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Autostick is

limited to the Vision TSi, where it's standard equipment.

Both Visions come with standard air conditioning, an AM/FM/cassette sound system,

and power windows/mirrors and locks. Much of the optional equipment on the ESi, such

as antilock brakes, remote keyless entry and 8-way power seats, are standard on the

TSi.

In addition to the higher standard equipment list, some options, including leather

seats and the performance handling package (upgraded tires and firmer suspension) are

available only on the TSi.

While the exterior design has withstood the test of time well, the interior

functionality remains a benchmark for the industry. Every time we test drive one of

the LH cars we're impressed with how roomy and airy the interior is. The cars are

ideal for families as well as for business people who have to carry around clients.

The Vision is available with 5- or 6-passenger seating in ESi editions, available

with a bench front seat. The TSi comes with twin bucket seats up front. The rear seat

area is large, with room enough for three tall people to comfortably stretch their

legs out. Available for the rear seat is an optional integrated child seat built into

the rear armrest. When not in use, the child seat can be stowed and the armrest forms

a seatback for the middle passenger.

All seats are extremely comfortable. Outboard seats have seatbelts with

height-adjustable upper anchors so drivers and passengers of any size can easily find

a comfortable seatbelt position. The belts also can secure a child safety seat without

a separate locking slip.

Large, wide-opening doors make entry and exit easy.

The trunk also is roomy, easily capable of holding several suitcases or golf bags.

However, unlike some of its competitors, including the Taurus/Sable and Chevrolet

Lumina, the Vision does not have a rear seatback that can fold down to expand trunk

capacity for long items.

In general, the controls are well laid out and easy to operate. Power window

switches and seatbelt buckles are illuminated to see better in the dark. The climate

controls, located at the base of the dashboard, may require a bit of a stretch to

reach. The steering wheel has buttons for the horn, rather than a depressable switch

in the center of the airbag, and the buttons are smallish.

There's no question that the Autostick makes the Vision TSi more fun to drive than

its LH counterparts with a regular automatic transmission. Set the shift lever in

Autostick mode and you just waggle the shifter to the left for upshifts, right for

downshifts.

It's easy to get used to, and there's no clutch pedal hassle. If you want to let

the car shift for itself, you simply switch back to full automatic mode.

Good steering and handling have been LH strong suits from the beginning. The

Vision is very agile, particularly for a sedan of its size, and it attacks tight

corners with very little body roll.

Though firm, the ride is comfortable, even on bumpy road surfaces. Original LH

models, particularly those with stiffer suspension packages, could be a trifle harsh

on nasty pavement, but Chrysler has softened the hard edges.

Our Eagle TSi tester was also relatively quiet at most speeds. Here too Chrysler

has made improvements over the years, though some noise is still noticeable over rough

pavement, transmitted to the interior through the suspension.

We liked the performance of our TSi's 3.5-liter V6, made more enjoyable by the

Autostick transmission. Though the basic 3.3-liter V6 is adequate for getting around

town, it won't knock your socks off, by any stretch. The 3.5-liter V6 lends a lot more

verve and much better punch for passing on rural highways.

There is a minor penalty in fuel economy for the TSi engine. The base engine is

rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the more potent engine gets 18 miles

per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway, though these numbers

are still respectable for a large car.