Background: Now finishing off its sophomore season, the 2000 model year, four-door 300M ranks as one of Chrysler's most opulent offerings aimed at stealing a little thunder from European import "sport sedan " rivals from BMW and Mercedes Benz as well as from domestic newcomers including the new Lincoln LS. The front-wheel drive, full-size 300M sedan also harkens back to the 1950s and 1960s when Chrysler utilized the "letter series" to promote such vehicles as the C-300. Several nostalgic cues including the winged Chrysler logo and retro-looking instrument panel contribute to the 300M's1950's feel. But the ride in the 2000 300M is smoother and more responsive than what could ever be delivered a half a century earlier.
Chrysler assembles the 300M in Ontario, Canada at the same facility that churns out the Concorde, LHS and Dodge Intrepid full-sized sedans.
Engine and trim levels: Since the 300M for all intents and purposes is a posh, sports-tuned upgrade of the LHS full-size sedan platform, one well-equipped model is offered with one engine selection. The engine under the hood of 300Ms sold in the United States is one of the most potent V-6 powertrains offered by Chrysler. The high-output, 3.5-liter all aluminum multi-port engine produces 253 horsepower (more output than most competitors in its class) and is identical to what's under the hood of the Plymouth Prowler and LHS sedan. In most non-U.S. markets, the 300M features a smalleroutput, 200 horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 engine.
The V-6 is mated to a floor-mounted automatic transmission with "sport stick." This performs as a four-speed automatic transmission unless the shifter is engaged into the "sport" mode when the system acts as a clutch-less manual transmission where drivers control when gears maneuver up or down through a tap of the gear shift handle.
Safety features: The 300M includes such safety features as: reduced force front air bags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, keyless entry with key fob, security alarm and sentry key theft deterrent system, child-safety rear door locks; front, rear crumple zones and battery run down protection. Head and side air bags are currently not offered.
Standard equipment: The well-equipped 300M includes many standard features including: rear window defroster; intermittent front wipers; adjustable tilt headrests; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; tinted windows; rack and pinion power steering; air conditioning; power windows, locks and sideview mirrors; cruise control; tinted windows; tilt steering column; compact disc and cassette stereo system and heated front seats.
Options: Only a handful of options are available including a power moonroof ($895), full-size spare tire ($365), 17-inch aluminum chrome wheels ($750), up-graded stereo with four disc in-dash compact disc unit with 11 Infinity speakers($515) and a performance handling package ($560).
Price: For only $29,065, you can own a base priced Chrysler 300M. As is the case a majority of the time, our test drive vehicle came loaded with such nuances as multi-unit compact disc player, moonroof, full-size spare tire and performance package. Still the bottom line added up to a respectable $32,795 including a $605 destination charge.
By comparison, a 2000-model year, domestically-built rear-wheel-drive Lincoln LS checks in at $31,415. Lincoln's LS is also available with a V-8 powertrain and well as a six banger. An Infiniti I30 Luxury sedan with V-6 engine and front wheel drive starts at $29,465.
Interior: With wood trim adorning the dashboard and chrome enhancements interspersed throughout, the 300M has an opulent feel when slipping behind the wheel. The instrument panel with four chrome circles (a large speedometer and tachometer surrounded by smaller fuel and temperature circles) and white background adds a nostalgic flair even though a more modern green-lit secondary gear shift indicator is along the bottom of the tachometer and a digital odometer rests at the bottom of the speedometer.
All cruise control functions are on the steering wheel. Headlights activate from a dashboard dial left of the steering column while front windshield wipers activate from a steering column stalk. Small door handles are chrome laden as are power window buttons found on all four doors. Power mirrors are controlled from a circle on the driver's door. Small map pockets adorn the two front doors.
In between the front bucket seats are the floor-mounted transmission and storage bin hinged on the right. Dual beverage holders retract out from the storage bin. Near the rear view mirror atop the ceiling is a digital outside temperature and compass display.
A circular analog clock (the type with hands and a face) resides high atop the middle dashboard. For those digital junkies, a second readout is built into the radio frequency display. Ventilation controls consisting of push buttons and a dial for fan speed are found above the stereo system.
Seating comfort: Subtle leather seating comes standard in the five-seat, full-sized 300M. Both driver and passenger bucket seats includes 8-way power adjustments. The back seat, with a 60/40 fold-down option, is large enough to accommodate three full-sized adults. Head and leg room is average throughout. A new 2000 model year feature is center rest cup holders for back seat travelers.
Exterior: The sleek-looking exterior is enhanced by a long, slopping front hood leading to a small front grille with the retro-looking winged Chrysler logo. The 45-degree slopping back windshield leads into the high trunk lid with large vertical tail lights and secondary brake light. The radio antenna is molded into the back window.
Unfortunately, the black sideview mirrors are permanently fixed, not the fold-in variety that give a little when brushed against objects. Oval-shaped door handles are flush mounted and body colored. While the 300M shares the same automotive platform with the LHS sedan, it measures a few inches shorter.
Fuel economy: The 253 horsepower, V-6 engine includes fuel estimates of 18 miles per gallon in city travel and 27 highway. The fuel tanks holds 17 gallons of regular, 87-octane fuel. Mid-grade 89-octane is recommended for improved performance.
By comparison an Infiniti I30 (with automatic transmission) produces 20 miles-per-gallon in the city and 28 m.p.g. along the highway while a V-6-powered Lincoln LS with automatic transmission generates 18 m.p.g. and 25 m.p.g. respectively.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 113 inches
Overall length: 197.8 inches
Overall width: 74.4 inches
Overall height: 56 inches
Curb weight: 3,585 pounds
Trunk: A temporary spare is standard but standard-sized rubber is an option. Both store beneath the flat-floored trunk. Cargo volume measures in at an impressive 16.8 cubic feet which bests the Lincoln LS (13.7 cubic feet), BMW 740iA (13.0 cubic feet) and the Mercedes S500 (15.4 cubic feet). Shock-absorber type hinges outside the cargo area prevent boxes or other items from being scrunched by interior metal hinges; a nice touch.
Final thoughts: The steeply angled back window along with smallish side windows promotes a bigger blind-spot area than what' s found in many full-sized sedan competitors. Otherwise, the 300M provided a comfortable ride and decent handling. With a price hovering around $30,000, it merits a serious look for those seeking a front-wheel-drive, full-sized sport sedan. |