I checked out the trunk space on the 300 I looked at on Saturday, and it didn't seem too bad. You could definitely tell a difference though, between it and cars like the Intrepid, Impala, and Taurus.
Just by eyeballing it, I'd say it's about the same size as my '89 Gran Fury would've been with a compact spare. It was a police pursuit though, and came with a huge, full-sized spare mounted on a 15x7 rim, that took a lot of space. The 300's trunk is shaped better, though, as the floor is flatter. Also, I like the fact that the 300 uses struts to hold up the trunk, that stay out of the way and don't take up any trunk space, although Chrysler's old RWD cars at least had the gooseneck hinges boxed off, so they couldn't damage cargo. Most cars today with gooseneck hinges aren't so considerate!
Overall though, I'd say its trunk is about on par with the typical older RWD cars that were in this rough size class. I like the fact that the seats fold down, though, to give you extra luggage space. And I also like the fact that they put the fuel tank ahead of the rear axle, so it's not hung out the back, like most older RWD cars. Or between the rear axle and trunk well, like on Ford's big cars, where it gets pinched if you rear-end it hard enough!
no reason in particular, that I'd want to deactivate the variable cylinder thingie. Except that I tend to look at things long-term, like when these cars are old used cars. Y'know, like when it comes time to bypass the Lean Burn, swap the fuel injection for a 4-bbl carb, deactivate the V-8-6-4, or swap your Olds Diesel 350 for a gasoline unit! ;-)
I doubt that the Ford 500 really has 25 cubic feet of trunk space, unless there's a hatchback model or something. A Crown Vic only has about 21 cubic feet of trunk space, and as far as non-hatchback sedans go, that's massive, by any standard. Even the biggest battlecruisers of the 60's and 70's only had trunks around 20-22 cubic feet, so I have a hard time believing that a new midsized RWD Ford would have 25!
B4Z makes a good point about Car and Driver. Another test I remember was the Buick Regal Grand National they tested, which did 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. C & D noted that it was on a frigid day (15 above zero), which provided a denser charge of air. Reasonable explanation, but 4.9 seconds? Hmmmm...
Another explanation, though, could be that Car and Driver practices more to get the fastest launch and best shift points (more important with manual transmissions). If you've ever watched Motorweek on PBS, those guys can't drive a car to save their lives -- my grandmother could get better acceleration times!
I think C & D may put a lot more effort into finding the ideal launch and making repeat attempts to get the lowest possible elapsed time. Just a thought...
I just checked fords website, and it's stated at 21 cubic feet. I think I misread it as being 25% bigger than car x.
C&D always mentions how hard they are on the vehicles that they test. Although they tend to score high marks on 0-60 and 1/4mi times, they are pushing the vehicles way beyond the limits of what a normal (responsible) driver would ever do to their car. I think I remember one editor commenting that he kinda felt bad about destroying a cars tranny after a test, and that the manufacturer wasn't going to be happy that they totalled *another* demo.
also lists a 5-60 "street start" that gives a better estimate of what the typical driver might expect. I rememember that 0-60 in 4.9 second time for the Grand National! I was back in high school then, and wanted one of those things sooooo bad!
Another infamous test was a '65 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 that did 0-60 in 3.9 seconds! I forget if that was MT or C&D, though.
I think the 300C trunk is a pinch smaller than the trunk in the 300M. I have found the M trunk to be more than ample for almost anything especially with the fold down back seat. Could sleep in it fairly comfortably at a rest stop if necessary.
While reading the numerous posts on this board about the traction capabilities of today's RWD cars, I don't see the need for an AWD system. It adds weight and sucks energy. Then again, I live in Minnesota where the road conditions can be terrible and I might really enjoy the security.
Is there anyone else on this board that has similar environmental circumstances? What conclusion did you come to and why?
I hear you about C&D. They do seem to happily report some weird performance numbers although their results with the 300C are not that far off of what others are getting - especially the 1/4. But anything can happen.
With C&D you have to love how a car that is later tested as part of a comparison with others often isn't quite as quick as the "first drive". My favorite was the new Accord V6 being faster than the cars of a comparison test (separate article - same issue) that included the G35, 330i, CTS, W8..... They got called on it and blamed it on "bad gas". Yikes.
Then again, they supposedly adjust their results for atmospheric conditions where others do not. I'm not sure the times they list were actual or not. They do state that they make adjustments. The 5 to 60 is very nice though and certainly does give you an idea of how responsive the car really is in most conditions - not just a stop light launch.
What is cool is that there will likely be some aftermarket stuff for this car too. For instance, I'm sure the exhaust is pretty bottled up for a fairly quiet ride. Corsa or somebody else will likely have a system for it that will certainly release some more power to the wheels.
well, I just got back from laying down my deposit at Skyland Chrysler in Asheville NC... dealer expects car to be delivered any day now.. ETA from Canada was 4/1. Magnesium 300C, Sound II, Protection II, wood, power peddles, moonroof.. paid sticker of $35,800. I traded my 2002 BMW 745i.
try installing an electronic exhaust bypass valve.... flip a switch and suddenly you've ported and bypassed the entire exhaust system right off of the header. muhahahaha
I was thinking it may have been a ringer also. However the acceleration numbers between all three rags is fairly even.... 0-60mph in 5.3, 5.6, 5.8. Regardless, I'm just happy the car has decent acceleration. Nothing worse than a big boat that can't get out of its own way, especially with a couple of occupants going up hill! With the amount of torque it has I doubt neither will be a factor.
"decent"?? Man, the C5 Corvette is a 5.0 second car - give or take depending on whether you are looking at a 97 or an 03. This beast is pretty close to that.
You make a good point about the security of AWD in your climate. I live in Buffalo, where I drive a Dodge Avenger ES, with 17" wheels and 50-series tires.
I actually enjoy sliding the car sideways (often with the help of the hand brake, since it's hard to get a natural slide with FWD). The one thing I hate about two wheel drive is that it takes forever to accelerate from a stop when the snow is piling up. Then again, the 300C has traction control, which should probably help.
Before my Avenger, I had a couple of full-sized Ford wagons, which were brilliant in the snow. If you're a cautious driver, you might be happier you waited for AWD. If you're a goofball like me, you can put up with RWD and have fun with it.
I've owned a few cars, Lightning with over 400hp, Saleen Mustang supercharged with over 400hp, and my parents with a pair of C5's and a Z06. Guess my standards are a little higher than average. Don't get me wrong the power on the C is impressive.
One thing I don't understand about the Car and Driver review is why the rolling 5 mph start to 60 mph was slower than the standing start. That makes no sense to me.
I live in Northern Michigan, and I wouldn't take the AWD version of this or any other car even if it was free. Taxes pay for snow removal equipment that not only cleans the roads down to the bare pavement, but the shoulders as well.
If NASCAR cars don't need AWD in the corners at 160 mph, why would I need it?
The 0-60 times Car and Driver achieves usually involves revving the engine to high rpms prior to dropping the clutch (or putting the gear in drive). This allows the car to accelerate in first gear much faster than if the car was already travelling at 5 mph. C&D introduced the 5-60 times to reflect more "real world" accelaration of a car.
Mnmatches asked: Is there anyone else on this board that has similar environmental circumstances?
Hi Mnmatches, Grand Forks here, My main concern has been with not having a conventional spare in the 300's trunk. As for AWD, I have no need of it, simply because if it's that bad out, I'll stay put. The 300C with all the goodies should be as good or better than my FWD in moderate snowstorms.
PS: Are you aware that Chrysler has a winter testing facility in Bemidji??
Car and Driver DOES NOT rev up a car with an automatic transmission and drop into drive. That's a silly idea. They PROBABLY apply the gas while it's in gear and let off the brake (so called "brake torquing"), but they would not do a neutral slam.
Incidentally, Stephen, that's why the 5-60 time is slower -- it's more like the way we drive in traffic. Most of us don't rev the car against the brake and spin the tires; Usually, I would let the car roll forward and shove it to the floor.
The second reason 5-60 is better is that it shows how much low-end torque a car has. Cars like the Subaru WRX have great 0-60 times because the magazines rev them to 5,000 rpm and slip the clutch out. When you actually get the car going from 5 mph (idle speed) and THEN stomp it, the car takes about two seconds longer to reach sixty (because it's a little engine that needs its turbo to spool up). Same thing with a Honda S2000.
A 300C on the other hand, has monstrous low-end torque, so in the real world, the car will still be nice and fast without having to beat on the car.
An Ohio dealer has a 300c on ebay.. reading the text it says that winner cannot take delivery before 4/23.. hmmm.. now I am wondering if my dealer does in-fact already have my 300c but is forbid from letting me have it before 4/23??? something smells fishy
is more indicative of real-world driving, because it closer approximates what normally happens when you take off from a traffic light. Lift your foot off the brake and the car starts to idle forward, then mash your foot on the accelerator, and you take off.
To get those quicker 0-60 times, they most likely do what's called "power breaking", among other things. Put one foot on the brake and one on the gas, and rev it to the point that the tires are just about to break loose, and then take your foot off the brake. I've done it myself, mainly with older cars that are acting like they're about to stall out at a traffic light. Also done it in my younger days, just to show off ;-)
I dunno if you can even do a neutral slam on most newer cars. I found out on my '00 Intrepid, that if you shift it into gear too quickly right after starting it, before the rpms settle back down, it won't engage. I think there's some kind of safety feature to keep you from screwing up the tranny.
crispiegee, I agree with you that tossing the back end around a turn is always fun. I've lost that ability now that I own an explorer with awd. Although I do have a jeep wrangler thats possibly the most fun you can have in the snow. In 2wd you can have all the spinning/sliding fun you want, but when you need it you've got an awesome 4wd system where you never get slowed down.
soozpk, I live in minneapolis, and even when hell freezes over, I'm still required to be at work. But on those days I think I'll leave the 300 at home, and take the jeep to work! (I'll be trading it in for an AEV Brute conversion. Think old jeep scrambler but much cooler.)
I had no idea the winter testing facility was in bamidji! Where in town is it?
Was on a road trip. Driving through GA on I75 back to FL. Saw a blue 300. It wasn't a C. Looked nice in this blue color. Had a dealer plate. Guy was realy moving. I was doing 90 he passed me & was at about 100. The guy driving was in a suite Maybe a dealer trade to someone or a "test car"
last Saturday, the salesman said that there was a $1000 rebate for current Mopar owners. I wonder if that's the same rebate?
mnmatches...what did u guys in Minnesota do back in the dark ages, when big RWD monstrosities ruled the planet? It snowed back then too, didn't it? ;-) I live in the DC area, and I can tell you that around here it doesn't matter if it's RWD, FWD, or AWD, people are still going to find ways to wreck 'em and get 'em stuck. But then again, I'm sure you guys up there know how to drive in the stuff!
The first 300c was delivered to showroom today in nyc. Has hemi, real spare, and battery is in trunk. Same kind of guages as the durango. Looks unlike any chrysler I've seen. Sticker was 35k.
You would think that after years of practice us minnesotians would learn. But every year during the first few snows its pure pandemonium. FWD RWD AWD it don't matter, people still find a way to run into each other or into the ditches. After that though it gets better and then its just the people with AWD or 4WD that try to break the laws of physics. The get up and go is there... but after that its all up to fate.
This winter I actually saw someone loading sand bags into the back of their acura.....
Mnmatches asked: I had no idea the winter testing facility was in bamidji! Where in town is it?
I've never been to the facility, but they have donated a few vehicles to our School of Engineering over the years. We aren't allowed to keep or use them. We can only tear them down for educational benefit. They even donated their older emissions testing equipment to us. Chrysler's been very generous to us in that regard.
putter5 wrote: Edmunds shows $ 1000 cash back Well, maybe it will be worth waiting for the 22's wing-ding, after all. A thousand bucks off would pay for half the extended warranty......not bad. Now, how about 0% financing to top it off??
brian211 wrote: Has hemi, real spare, A "REAL SPARE" ??? You certain?? If it was a conventional spare, it must have been mounted on a Alumininum Chrome clad rim, and NOT on a plain steel rim. You certain???
While driving past my local Chrysler Dealer I notice a 300C on the lot so I decided to go for a test drive. The Dealer had four in stock one was sold and they were using one for Test Drives. The Hemi has plenty of power down low but a little to much engine noise for me. The automobile is beautiful in person but the ride is a little jittery over bumps. Overall I would say it's a really nice car. I asked the salesman about pricing he said they were selling at list and all Chrysler employee discounts would apply. The dealer is Cueter in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Disclaimer: I don't work for Chrysler or Cueter and my everyday driver is an Jaguar XJ8
Looked real enough to me. Maybe not the same rims. Didn't lift it out. Its in a compartment under the trunk, a false bottom. The salesman thinks they're gonna sell real well. Don't look for a big discount off sticker. I'm undecided about this car. I asked him whether their mechanics could handle this engine. He didn't know. This dealer is across the street from me. I will be watching.
While driving past my local Chrysler Dealer I notice a 300C on the lot so I decided to go for a test drive. The Dealer had four in stock one was sold and they were using one for Test Drives. The Hemi has plenty of power down low but a little to much engine noise for me. The automobile is beautiful in person but the ride is a little jittery over bumps. Overall I would say it's a really nice car. I asked the salesman about pricing he said they were selling at list and all Chrysler employee discounts would apply. The dealer is Cueter in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Disclaimer: I don't work for Chrysler or Cueter and my everyday driver is an Jaguar XJ8
I'm on Long Island. Always had RWD. Was looking at an suv with 4x4 or AWD. With gas here over 2bucks a gallon, I might have to reconsider. I've been told that most of chrysler,jeep,dodge and mitsubishi are not real well made cars. Are you all happy with your vehicles and would buy a new model like the 300 with little track record behind it? Especially with this complicated engine?
You Long Islanders don't know the meaning of snow! Over here in Western New York, we can get a lake-effect snow that will test your driving skills. Personally, I have learned a lot about performance driving by using snowy days to put my car into a slide and recovering again. I used to be able to take my old Ford Country Squire and do things that would terrify most people. LOL
On the subject of RWD, I think you'll be just fine, Brian. Honestly, I think people have been so brainwashed by the automakers that they even want AWD for RAINY days. Ugh.
With regard to Chrysler quality, I will say this: Up until this year, I was convinced that I would purchase a foreign car, unless I could wait for a 2005 Mustang. However, the new American cars, such as the Malibu, the 300, the GTO (imported, I know!) and certain other cars have renewed my faith that we CAN compete against the world.
(Note: When my friend Joe was looking for a car a few months ago, the only good ones I could come up with were Japanese and European. He bought an Acura TL sedan, which I believe was a great choice at that time.)
I've wanted a two-door V8 coupe with a manual transmission, and for the last two months have been waiting anxiously for the 6.0 liter engine to be announced in the GTO (for 2005). But I'm really caught up in the excitement of the 300C. The GTO is a great car, but the 300C is more revolutionary - a bold statement that we are unapologetically taking on the Europeans and Japanese by building cars on par with them.
Will a Camry be more reliable? I'm inclined to say 'yes,' but it's purely conjecture to project at this point. Anyway, selecting a new car is so much more personal than that. Could I be happy with a Camry? Nahhhh... just couldn't do it. I need something with heart and soul, and this 300C appears to be the genuine article.
Well in new york city, not only did we get a lot of snow this year, but we had freezing rain that froze on the roads causing hazardous conditions. My thinking a AWD or 4x4 would offer maximum safety. But price of gas here is making me reconsider. Was looking at new hybrid ford escape. But with technology changing so fast the car might be outdated by improved versions in a year or two. So who knows which new technology will perservere?
Salesman says they've already sold one today on order in a titanium color. No rebate that he is aware of. Does anyone know if the awl version will be full time or as needed. Remember awl full time can be easily damaged if say you have a blowout and all tires are not exactly the same or are towed improperly. If its part time and can be disengaged, it would be less susceptable to damage.
It's not a truck....it won't be 100% full-time. I'm almost certain that the AWD models will be RWD in most cases and then just send power to the front wheels if slippage occurs.
By the way, you did mean "AWD" when you put "awl" right???
andre and crispiegee are right on with an explanation of 0-60 and 5-60. Good 5-60 times are indeed indicative of how well the car responds to most driving situations which are from a roll of some sort. With a normally aspirated hemi - it's going to fly no matter the situation. The turbo blown pocket rockets are quite slower from any sort of roll. Unless you launch them - forget it.
In days LONG gone, when the 300M topic in TH was #1 week after week and month after month, the loyal 300M owners here went to the Detroit Dream Cruise as a group and then went up to the plant in Brampton for a guided tour. However, I believe that is not going to happen this year for whatever reasons. Maybe part of DC's cutbacks?
If you put your e-mail in your profile or e-mail me, I could find out if that's going to happen this year. Just can't talk about it here or I'll get reprimanded again!
Comments
Just by eyeballing it, I'd say it's about the same size as my '89 Gran Fury would've been with a compact spare. It was a police pursuit though, and came with a huge, full-sized spare mounted on a 15x7 rim, that took a lot of space. The 300's trunk is shaped better, though, as the floor is flatter. Also, I like the fact that the 300 uses struts to hold up the trunk, that stay out of the way and don't take up any trunk space, although Chrysler's old RWD cars at least had the gooseneck hinges boxed off, so they couldn't damage cargo. Most cars today with gooseneck hinges aren't so considerate!
Overall though, I'd say its trunk is about on par with the typical older RWD cars that were in this rough size class. I like the fact that the seats fold down, though, to give you extra luggage space. And I also like the fact that they put the fuel tank ahead of the rear axle, so it's not hung out the back, like most older RWD cars. Or between the rear axle and trunk well, like on Ford's big cars, where it gets pinched if you rear-end it hard enough!
Another explanation, though, could be that Car and Driver practices more to get the fastest launch and best shift points (more important with manual transmissions). If you've ever watched Motorweek on PBS, those guys can't drive a car to save their lives -- my grandmother could get better acceleration times!
I think C & D may put a lot more effort into finding the ideal launch and making repeat attempts to get the lowest possible elapsed time. Just a thought...
C&D always mentions how hard they are on the vehicles that they test. Although they tend to score high marks on 0-60 and 1/4mi times, they are pushing the vehicles way beyond the limits of what a normal (responsible) driver would ever do to their car. I think I remember one editor commenting that he kinda felt bad about destroying a cars tranny after a test, and that the manufacturer wasn't going to be happy that they totalled *another* demo.
Another infamous test was a '65 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 that did 0-60 in 3.9 seconds! I forget if that was MT or C&D, though.
Exterior
Length 200.7/ 5,099
Width 73.7 / 1,873
Height 60.1 / 1,527
Wheelbase 112.9/ 2,867
Track width, front 64.6 / 1,640
Track width, rear 65.0 / 1,650
Ground clearance 5.1 / 130
300:
Length [in]=196.8
Width [in]=74.1
Height=58.4
Wheelbase [in]=120.0
Front Track [in]=63.0
Rear Track [in]=63.1
Ground Clearance (at curb weight) [in]=5.6
o-curb) - Turning Left [ft]=38.9
o-curb) - Turning Right [ft]=38.9
Is there anyone else on this board that has similar environmental circumstances? What conclusion did you come to and why?
With C&D you have to love how a car that is later tested as part of a comparison with others often isn't quite as quick as the "first drive". My favorite was the new Accord V6 being faster than the cars of a comparison test (separate article - same issue) that included the G35, 330i, CTS, W8..... They got called on it and blamed it on "bad gas". Yikes.
Then again, they supposedly adjust their results for atmospheric conditions where others do not. I'm not sure the times they list were actual or not. They do state that they make adjustments. The 5 to 60 is very nice though and certainly does give you an idea of how responsive the car really is in most conditions - not just a stop light launch.
What is cool is that there will likely be some aftermarket stuff for this car too. For instance, I'm sure the exhaust is pretty bottled up for a fairly quiet ride. Corsa or somebody else will likely have a system for it that will certainly release some more power to the wheels.
I guess excellent is in the 4's. LOL.
You make a good point about the security of AWD in your climate. I live in Buffalo, where I drive a Dodge Avenger ES, with 17" wheels and 50-series tires.
I actually enjoy sliding the car sideways (often with the help of the hand brake, since it's hard to get a natural slide with FWD). The one thing I hate about two wheel drive is that it takes forever to accelerate from a stop when the snow is piling up. Then again, the 300C has traction control, which should probably help.
Before my Avenger, I had a couple of full-sized Ford wagons, which were brilliant in the snow. If you're a cautious driver, you might be happier you waited for AWD. If you're a goofball like me, you can put up with RWD and have fun with it.
stephen
If NASCAR cars don't need AWD in the corners at 160 mph, why would I need it?
stephen
Hi Mnmatches, Grand Forks here,
My main concern has been with not having a conventional spare in the 300's trunk. As for AWD, I have no need of it, simply because if it's that bad out, I'll stay put. The 300C with all the
goodies should be as good or better than my FWD in moderate snowstorms.
PS: Are you aware that Chrysler has a winter testing facility in Bemidji??
Car and Driver DOES NOT rev up a car with an automatic transmission and drop into drive. That's a silly idea. They PROBABLY apply the gas while it's in gear and let off the brake (so called "brake torquing"), but they would not do a neutral slam.
Incidentally, Stephen, that's why the 5-60 time is slower -- it's more like the way we drive in traffic. Most of us don't rev the car against the brake and spin the tires; Usually, I would let the car roll forward and shove it to the floor.
The second reason 5-60 is better is that it shows how much low-end torque a car has. Cars like the Subaru WRX have great 0-60 times because the magazines rev them to 5,000 rpm and slip the clutch out. When you actually get the car going from 5 mph (idle speed) and THEN stomp it, the car takes about two seconds longer to reach sixty (because it's a little engine that needs its turbo to spool up). Same thing with a Honda S2000.
A 300C on the other hand, has monstrous low-end torque, so in the real world, the car will still be nice and fast without having to beat on the car.
To get those quicker 0-60 times, they most likely do what's called "power breaking", among other things. Put one foot on the brake and one on the gas, and rev it to the point that the tires are just about to break loose, and then take your foot off the brake. I've done it myself, mainly with older cars that are acting like they're about to stall out at a traffic light. Also done it in my younger days, just to show off ;-)
I dunno if you can even do a neutral slam on most newer cars. I found out on my '00 Intrepid, that if you shift it into gear too quickly right after starting it, before the rpms settle back down, it won't engage. I think there's some kind of safety feature to keep you from screwing up the tranny.
I agree with you that tossing the back end around a turn is always fun. I've lost that ability now that I own an explorer with awd. Although I do have a jeep wrangler thats possibly the most fun you can have in the snow. In 2wd you can have all the spinning/sliding fun you want, but when you need it you've got an awesome 4wd system where you never get slowed down.
soozpk,
I live in minneapolis, and even when hell freezes over, I'm still required to be at work.
I had no idea the winter testing facility was in bamidji! Where in town is it?
mnmatches...what did u guys in Minnesota do back in the dark ages, when big RWD monstrosities ruled the planet? It snowed back then too, didn't it? ;-) I live in the DC area, and I can tell you that around here it doesn't matter if it's RWD, FWD, or AWD, people are still going to find ways to wreck 'em and get 'em stuck. But then again, I'm sure you guys up there know how to drive in the stuff!
This winter I actually saw someone loading sand bags into the back of their acura.....
I've never been to the facility, but they have donated a few vehicles to our School of Engineering over the years. We aren't allowed to keep or use them. We can only tear them down for educational benefit. They even donated their older emissions testing equipment to us. Chrysler's been very generous to us in that regard.
putter5 wrote: Edmunds shows $ 1000 cash back
Well, maybe it will be worth waiting for the 22's wing-ding, after all. A thousand bucks off would pay for half the extended warranty......not bad. Now, how about 0% financing to top it off??
brian211 wrote: Has hemi, real spare,
A "REAL SPARE" ??? You certain?? If it was a conventional spare, it must have been mounted on a Alumininum Chrome clad rim, and NOT on a plain steel rim. You certain???
sold and they were using one for Test Drives. The Hemi has plenty of power down low but a little to much engine noise for me. The automobile is beautiful in person but the ride is a little jittery over bumps. Overall I would say it's a really nice car. I asked the salesman about pricing
he said they were selling at list and all Chrysler
employee discounts would apply. The dealer is
Cueter in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Disclaimer: I don't work for Chrysler or Cueter
and my everyday driver is an Jaguar XJ8
1. When will AWD be "for sale?"
2. How much will AWD add to the price?
3. Does DC offer, in the 300C, anthing that is similar to On*star?
sold and they were using one for Test Drives. The Hemi has plenty of power down low but a little to much engine noise for me. The automobile is beautiful in person but the ride is a little jittery over bumps. Overall I would say it's a really nice car. I asked the salesman about pricing
he said they were selling at list and all Chrysler
employee discounts would apply. The dealer is
Cueter in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Disclaimer: I don't work for Chrysler or Cueter
and my everyday driver is an Jaguar XJ8
"The 300/Magnum LX cars are the first with real Mercedes influence. May end up in long run being better then previous LH cars."
That's not much of an endorsement considering Mercedes quality decline as of late.
fastdriver
On the subject of RWD, I think you'll be just fine, Brian. Honestly, I think people have been so brainwashed by the automakers that they even want AWD for RAINY days. Ugh.
With regard to Chrysler quality, I will say this: Up until this year, I was convinced that I would purchase a foreign car, unless I could wait for a 2005 Mustang. However, the new American cars, such as the Malibu, the 300, the GTO (imported, I know!) and certain other cars have renewed my faith that we CAN compete against the world.
(Note: When my friend Joe was looking for a car a few months ago, the only good ones I could come up with were Japanese and European. He bought an Acura TL sedan, which I believe was a great choice at that time.)
I've wanted a two-door V8 coupe with a manual transmission, and for the last two months have been waiting anxiously for the 6.0 liter engine to be announced in the GTO (for 2005). But I'm really caught up in the excitement of the 300C. The GTO is a great car, but the 300C is more revolutionary - a bold statement that we are unapologetically taking on the Europeans and Japanese by building cars on par with them.
Will a Camry be more reliable? I'm inclined to say 'yes,' but it's purely conjecture to project at this point. Anyway, selecting a new car is so much more personal than that. Could I be happy with a Camry? Nahhhh... just couldn't do it. I need something with heart and soul, and this 300C appears to be the genuine article.
By the way, you did mean "AWD" when you put "awl" right???
In days LONG gone, when the 300M topic in TH was #1 week after week and month after month, the loyal 300M owners here went to the Detroit Dream Cruise as a group and then went up to the plant in Brampton for a guided tour. However, I believe that is not going to happen this year for whatever reasons. Maybe part of DC's cutbacks?
If you put your e-mail in your profile or e-mail me, I could find out if that's going to happen this year. Just can't talk about it here or I'll get reprimanded again!
fastdriver