It comes down to styling. Chrysler's 300 is a winner because it looks like a winner, and makes those who drive it feel like
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| The difference between the 300 and the Five Hundred comes down to styling, and the Chrysler has a serious edge in this department. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
winners. The Five Hundred might be the wiser choice, if fuel economy, interior packaging and reliability are issues - Ford rates a nominal two positions out of 37 higher on J. D. Power and Associates 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which rates 2001 model year cars, although its 2004 Initial Quality Study rating, which surveyed 2004 model year owners 90 days after taking delivery, places the blue oval brand six places behind Chrysler; scratch the reliability point off the list of Ford assets - but the 300 gets the adrenalin glands working before even stepping inside.
The 300 is also alone in the entry-level luxury market, being the only full-size rear-wheel drive sedan priced under $30,000 - the 300 is also available with all-wheel drive. While the Five Hundred offers a slightly lower price than the 300, or any of its other full-size front- or all-wheel drive competitors, the problem lies in that it has competitors. Toyota, while only selling 178 Avalons last year,
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| While the Five Hundred offers a slightly lower price than the 300, or any of its other full-size front- or all-wheel drive competitors, the problem lies in that it has direct competitors while the rear-drive 300 doesn't. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
expects better things from its all-new 2005 model, while Hyundai is coming to market with its new XG 350 replacement, dubbed Azera. Kia is enjoying accolades from the automotive press for its nicely appointed Amanti, and Buick's upcoming V8-powered Lucerne is conservatively attractive and equal to the task of taking on the Five Hundred. To make matters worse, Chrysler Group's Dodge division is about to unleash its third LX derivative after the Magnum sport wagon, the Charger. Another bold styling statement, the Charger and its Dodge nameplate targets Ford directly, while Mercury's Montego, not available in Canada, is a more direct competitor to the Chrysler 300.
