2003 Chrysler 300M Special - One of the Best Sport Sedan Values
If size has anything to do with it the 300M is the best sport sedan value pound for pound, bar none. But that's not all. Chrysler's flagship model garners a lot of attention when you drive around town as well, due mostly to its handsome upscale styling and a certain level of respect.
Respect? A lot of premium sedan buyer's know that this domestic isn't all show and no go - previously the case for many of its North American made competitors. The 300M was one of the first on this side of the Atlantic to behave like a European, i.e. accelerate with purpose, corner with aplomb and demonstrate superb straight-line stability. What's more its combination of shortened exterior dimensions and cavernous interior and cargo volumes are rare in this segment.
Last year new Xenon high-intensity headlamps were added, surrounding a revised grille and improved front fascia. The new look freshens what is effectively a 5-year old design, yet it still looks stunning from every angle. What's more the wind-cheating design results in a 0.313 coefficient of drag, impressive for its size. A new 'Special' model, the subject of this review, was also created upping output from the base 250-hp 3.5-L 24-valve SOHC V6 to 255 and torque from 250 to 258 lb-ft. It also added a firmer suspension and distinct 17" chrome-plated alloy rims standard.
If size has anything to do with it the 300M is the best sport sedan value pound for pound, bar none. But that's not all. Chrysler's flagship model garners a lot of attention when you drive around town as well, due mostly to its handsome upscale styling and a certain level of respect. Respect? A lot of premium sedan buyer's know that this domestic isn't all show and no go - previously the case for many of its North American made competitors. The 300M was one of the first on this side of the Atlantic to behave like a European, i.e. accelerate with purpose, corner with aplomb and demonstrate superb straight-line stability. What's more its combination of shortened exterior dimensions and cavernous interior and cargo volumes are rare in this segment.
Last year new Xenon high-intensity headlamps were added, surrounding a revised grille and improved front fascia. The new look freshens what is effectively a 5-year old design, yet it still looks stunning from every angle. What's more the wind-cheating design results in a 0.313 coefficient of drag, impressive for its size. A new 'Special' model, the subject of this review, was also created upping output from the base 250-hp 3.5-L 24-valve SOHC V6 to 255 and torque from 250 to 258 lb-ft. It also added a firmer suspension and distinct 17" chrome-plated alloy rims standard.