REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Let ’ s bury the past

The 300M ’ s traction, V-6 engine and 4-door passenger compartment make it radically different from the original 300 series introduced in 1955. That version was a coupe, with rear-wheel drive V-8 power. Devotees of the original design will be disappointed, but not for long, since the 300M will become a RWD once more in 2004. For now, they should put their nostalgia aside and focus on the strengths of this robust, roomy, moderately priced and all-round American sedan.Chrysler ’ s stylists have pulled it off again, with the right combination of lines and colors for the 300M. At first glance, its impressive size and definite presence distract the buyer from its shape.

The 300M is Chrysler ’ s attempt at imitating today ’ s high- profile, hence fashionable, sedans. It ’ s not particularly successful, although (and this is quite true) they keep on reminding us that the 300M takes a much smaller dint out of your pocketbook than some of its rivals would. However, some of the materials used for the dashboard have neither the look nor the feel you get in the competition ’ s vehicles. It takes more than a wide piece of wood trim (faux wood, of course) to create a tasteful, classy interior. The instruments, gauges and clock (all on a plain white background) use the old-fashioned needles and analog read- out method. One more minor irritation: the emergency brake is located on the floor! The spacious interior is the only point on which the 300M beats the competition hands down. This vehicle can seat 5 adults comfortably, with enough elbowroom for everyone.The 300M has undergone several improvements since it was introduced in May, 1998, particularly as regards the NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) factor. However, under the hood we still find the same overhead camshaft 3.5-liter V-6. To differentiate them in terms of pure performance, Chrysler is counting on the driver ’ s shifting ability, and on the 4-speed, semi- automatic transmission (with AutoStick) that increases engine speed to 300 rpm for each gear, but it ’ s still not enough. In fact, this transmission which even the designers admit is already seriously outdated, represents yet another crack in the 300M ’ s sporting image. Since the gearshift isn ’ t located on the steering column, jerking it from left to right (a movement most drivers aren ’ t used to) gets tiresome in the long run, and the lever ends up permanently parked in Drive.

We ’ re inclined to take the claims made by DaimlerChrysler ’ s advertising execs (that the 300M can stand up to the more expensive European models) with a grain of salt, but they aren ’ t a complete fabrication: its performance really depends on the kind of options you choose. Rather than clearly positioning itself as a sports sedan, the 300M has no definite profile. On the one hand, there ’ s the base version that skids and squeals as soon as you increase the rpm, so you feel you ’ re driving a much bigger sedan; on the other hand, there ’ s the sportier version of the 300M, with all the hardware car-buyers love: firmer suspension, low- profile, 17" wheels, and faster, more precise steering that makes a better connection between the road and the wheel. The traction control only works at low speeds, but the brake- action is a pleasant surprise, giving the car an acceptable braking distance.

On a long, monotonous stretch of highway, the 300M ’ s multiple personalities finally make peace, and its road grip and ability to effortlessly swallow up the miles come through. Final assessment: the 300M can ’ t compare with the category ’ s finest in terms of sophistication, suppleness or temperament, but it ’ s more comfortable to drive and to sit in, more economical (both to buy and maintain) and is, in many respects, on of the best American sedans currently on the market. And that ’ s saying something!

PROS
Roomy passenger compartment
Good road stability
Improved safety features

CONS
Disappointing semi-automatic transmission
Interior lacks sophistication

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * *
Passenger: no data