posted 06-08-2001 03:49 AM                  

"First off, let me tell you that the Prowler frightens as speed increases. The shaking that is constant at low speeds and idle becomes pronounced at anything above about 50 miles an hour. Both hands must tightly, and I mean white-knuckle tightly, grip the fat steering wheel unless you're on a marble road. So, venturing to 60 miles an hour and feeling the Prowler dance all over the empty back road, I jammed down hard on the brake pedal.

Oooops.

Instantly, all four wheels locked up and blue clouds of rubber-burning smoke from the front tires obscured my view and filled the Prowler, which had begun to turn sideways and drift into the oncoming lane.

I gently released the brake pedal and corrected the direction of travel.

I slowed and checked to be sure all bodily functions were still under my control.

No anti-lock brakes! On a performance roadster? In the year 2001? Are you kidding?

Not kidding. This is almost criminal (and I am not alone in criticizing Chrysler for omitting ABS—it's almost a universal criticism of this car). Get anti-locks on this thing mid-year, Chrysler. Right now. Even careful modulation of the brake pedal produced longish stops, much, much longer than a Corvette or Boxster or Audi TT. The Prowler will be dead last where safety is an important consideration."

posted 06-08-2001 06:07 AM                  

The car handles fine up to 75 mph with the top up or down. Above 75 mph or so WITH THE TOP DOWN its gets a little interesting but its really more wind noise than anything else. With the top up at 75 mph the car is fine. At 90 mph its gets interesting but its ok. One hand on the wheel and one hand holding a Corona. Ooops. How often do you drive 90 mph? If you want to drive 100 mph or more then buy a Viper or Vette. But if you get hurt in an accident over 100 mph be prepared for the worst.

If safety is your #1 concern then don't buy a Prowler. Don't buy an Explorer either. Sell your Firestone tires. Get a carbon monoxide detector in every room of your house including garage and screened gazeebo. Don't smoke cigarettes or drink Jack Daniels. And for sure don't play hockey. Play cards but you might hurt the tendons and ligaments in your wrist. Be careful.

If you're thinking about a Prowler then buy one. The person who wrote the article that you referenced is giving you bad information. Again, bad information. For the third time, bad information. He/She is being melodramatic which a lot of trade rag authors do. I've had a few things published in my area of discipline and I embellish a little. Human nature....

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Have a good time and be a good time.

posted 06-08-2001 07:15 AM                  

First of all, when Chrysler brought this concept car to production, it was not built to be a hot rod. Its intent was to be a fun, cruising car. It already had a "sports car", the Viper.

As always people will take any car (not just Prowler) to its limits and then expect it to perform to their expectations.

I don't find any "shaking" at any speed or idle and never have. Going over bad road conditions, such as "patched" and "pothole roads", it does "dance" somewhat, but then I don't find that to be any different than driving the same road in my Wrangler or PT or my husband's Durango. I have a black 99 and the suspension is a little stiffer, but I don't find it objectionable at all. Starting with the 2000 models, the suspension was changed to provide a smoother ride.

Personally, I don't like ABS. There are a lot of people who don't really understand ABS and don't really know how to use ABS correctly. To me, ABS is more for conditions such a rain or snow. I don't drive my cat in either of those conditions and I don't think you will find too many people who do.

Out of curiousity, who did this review? Go out and enjoy your car. Use common sense (something else that I find lacking in a LOT of people) just as you should driving any vehicle......

posted 06-08-2001 08:21 AM                  

I really don't care what anyone says about the Prowler because 95% of the people that complain about them or pick them apart can't have one so they have nothing better to do than make themselves heard.

All I know is that you have to break the smile on my face with a jack hammer day after I park my Cat for the day, well enough of my rambling for now hope everyone has a great weekend and TGIF.....

posted 06-08-2001 09:09 AM                  

PROWLER Are PRICELESS
Ownership

posted 06-08-2001 09:12 AM                  

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Have a good time and be a good time.

posted 06-08-2001 11:30 AM                  

Joe Powell

posted 06-08-2001 05:12 PM                  

I HATE ABS.

If you know what you are doing as I do I can stop in a shorter distance.

Speeds over 110 the car becomes a hand full as the front fenders create LIFT, at 125 the car is almost floating, the car to me is a blast to drive at any speed. My Beetle at 142 is barely more stable. You need to pay a little more attention that is all.

ABS is totally cool if you drive in slick conditions all the time. Snow! Rain! Not really Prowler weather.

Enjoy

posted 06-09-2001 10:36 AM                  

I'll post the correspondence I sent and received later...