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Although
it shares a platform with the more plebian Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid,
the intentions of the luxurious 300M are much more performance-oriented. In addition
to being very differently styled than its brethren, it features a number of enhancements
under the skin that warrant its inclusion in this group of elite near-luxury sedans. Leading
the 300M down the road are four bold headlamps flanking a grille that has been
slightly revised for 2002. And its styling is all curves until aft of the rear
doors, when a long back window, an angular rear decklid and clear-lens taillamps
add some unexpected flair to the big American sedan. The overall look is fresh
and modern, yet steeped in Chrysler heritage. Unlike
most cars in this group, the 300M is EPA-certified as a large car, boasting an
interior as cavernous as luxury cars costing twice its $30K-ish price. Soft leather
seats and tons of gadgets furnish all that space with opulence, while a 240-watt
stereo system furnishes it with sound. An upgrade package we strongly recommend
is the luxury group option, which replaces the awful fake wood on the base model's
dashboard with genuine wood trim, and adds a wood/leather steering wheel as well.
New
this year is the 300M "Special," which wears enormous 18-inch wheels,
dual chrome exhaust tips and sporty lower bodyside moldings. Its V-6 is massaged
to 255 horsepower (vs 250 for other 300s), and the car sits one inch lower on
stiffer springs, which takes some of the float out of the ride.
As a large,
well-equipped sedan that is nonetheless sporty and attractively priced, Chrysler's
flagship 300M represents a different approach to entry-level luxury.
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