There's certainly nothing wrong with Chrysler Corp. trucks—its minivans, sport-utility vehicles and pickups. But it's rare when a U.S. automaker comes up with such an outstanding collection of cars.

These sedans are the 1998 Dodge Intrepid and Chrysler Concorde and the Chrysler 300M and LHS, which arrived as early 1999 models. The new entries are more rigidly built and better-engineered than their "LH" sedan predecessors, which were generally quite good but had a reputation for spotty quality that hasn't helped sales of the new sedans.

Long-Term Quality a Question Mark The long-term quality of the new sedans will remain a question mark for some time, but all seem to be much-improved in that area. The only flaw I encountered with the LHS I tested was an occasionally faint rattle from the dashboard area.

Base prices range from $19,685 for the Intrepid to $28,400 for the LHS. These cars have similarly handsome lines and a 113-inch wheelbase. They also share many components, but all have different overall lengths and personalities.

Hot New Engine Only the LHS and 300M get Chrysler's new 3.5-liter, 253-horsepower V6. Top-dog engine on the other models is a 3.2-liter, 225-horsepower V6. The smooth, quiet 3.5 V6 allows quick getaways off the line, fast merges and easy highway passing.

Appropriately, the LHS V6 has the words "High Output" prominently displayed on it in the car's surgically neat engine compartment. But the big chromed dual exhaust pipe outlets look as if they belong on the sportier 300M, not the uptown LHS.

The engine loafs on the open road, doing just 2400 rpm at 75 mph, and works with an ultra-responsive Chrysler 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is pretty good, at an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 27 on highways.

Supple Ride The LHS is said to have a "Touring Suspension," which might lead some to believe it has European-style ride and handling. Not at all. Being the most luxurious new-generation Chrysler sedan, the LHS has a soft, supple ride, which occasionally even becomes a little floaty. That's not something that harder-edged automakers such as BMW or Mercedes-Benz would allow. But the all-independent suspension of the LHS is generally well-controlled and results in nimble handling. And it doesn't isolate a driver from the road.

While precise, the power steering is a bit light at higher speeds. The 4-wheel-disc brakes have an anti-lock system and work well, with a smooth, easily modulated pedal.

The 3.5 V6 gives the LHS nearly the hot-rod performance of the 300M, which is designed to be an international market car and thus is shorter than the other new Chrysler sedans to make it suitable for tighter overseas driving and parking conditions.

Limo-Style Interior The long LHS has Chrysler's "cab-forward" design, which extends the wheels to the far corners of the body and results in a spacious interior. The roominess of the LHS is tremendous, with a decidedly limousine-like rear seat area.

The interior carries five tall adults, and big doors open wide to allow easy entry. The large front seats are especially supportive, but the ribbed design of my test car's upholstery wasn't as comfortable as upholstery with a regular, flat design—and occasionally made me squirm. Some road noise reaches the interior, but it otherwise is blissfully quiet in there.

Visibility is good in all directions, and the strategically located controls work smoothly. The interior has lush leather upholstery and nice touches such as a classy looking analog clock in the center of the dashboard and chromed, easily gripped door handles. The rather ornate gauges are shared with the 300M.

Front cupholders are substantial, but the large, built-in cupholders in the fold-down rear armrest can be annoying for those who don't want to drink in the back seat.

The nicely shaped trunk looks as if it could swallow an old Honda Civic, and the lid has a convenient strap to help close it. But a rather high trunk sill doesn't facilitate loading heavy or bulky cargo.

Equipment-Loaded The LHS is packed with so much standard equipment that its few options include a $795 power sunroof, $600 chrome wheels and $215 deluxe sound system.

Chrysler is well positioned with the LHS and its other new sedans to snap up customers if the demand for its trucks begins to taper off.