The 300M's lusty 3.5 liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 is a soul-stirring machine. Putting out 253hp, it is more than adequate to launch the full size car up to highway speeds quickly with only a touch of torque-steer to mar the otherwise exhilarating experience. Passing is effortless, with the smooth 4-speed automatic shifting down without hesitation while in automatic mode, and while in AutoStick mode, acting every bit like a manual transmission - giving you the control needed to hold the chosen gear right through a curve. The AutoStick is wonderful, especially while driving enthusiastically. A little slap to the left or the right will run the tranny either up or down its gears respectively. Incidentally, this powertrain is the same as used in the Prowler.
Both my wife and I enjoyed our time with the 300M. When it was time to go back home and take it back to Chrysler, it was difficult to say goodbye. It's not that the 300M doesn't have its faults... it does have a few. That said, these faults don't detract from it enough to leave anything but a good taste in my mouth. The car has character! This is a great deal more than can be said for many other cars in this class, many of which are more determined to create the smoothest, most reliable and best built luxury/sport sedan. In so doing, these brands usually forget about style, grace and this important, yet difficult to define criteria - character.
I am looking forward to Chrysler's next generation letter car, the 300M. With rumors of an even more powerful engine mated to a new rear wheel drive platform the imports had better be taking notice. After all, I haven't even mentioned the best part. You can own all of this luxury, and every bit of its sport, for well under $40,000.
Both my wife and I enjoyed our time with the 300M. When it was time to go back home and take it back to Chrysler, it was difficult to say goodbye. It's not that the 300M doesn't have its faults... it does have a few. That said, these faults don't detract from it enough to leave anything but a good taste in my mouth. The car has character! This is a great deal more than can be said for many other cars in this class, many of which are more determined to create the smoothest, most reliable and best built luxury/sport sedan. In so doing, these brands usually forget about style, grace and this important, yet difficult to define criteria - character.
I am looking forward to Chrysler's next generation letter car, the 300M. With rumors of an even more powerful engine mated to a new rear wheel drive platform the imports had better be taking notice. After all, I haven't even mentioned the best part. You can own all of this luxury, and every bit of its sport, for well under $40,000.