Chrysler 300M reviews

1999 Chrysler 300M Walkaround

300M is shorter than LHS. Part of the reason for this is that Chrysler plans to export it to 30 international markets, including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and Brazil. Keeping the length under 5 meters makes it more attractive to the European countries, allowing it to fit into garages and parking spaces.

While 300M shares the doors and roof with the LHS, you'd never know to look at it. Designed to appeal to different buyers, they look completely different. Short overhangs, a high rear deck and big taillamps make 300M more appealing to a European eye. An aggressive front end says, "get out of my way" when seen in a rearview mirror.

A new 3.5-liter all-aluminum V6 unique to 300M and LHS delivers 253 horsepower and 255 foot-pounds of torque. Designed to emulate torque characteristics of classic American V8s, it features 24 valves and single overhead cams. It delivers an 18-percent increase in power over the cast-iron engine it replaces. Mid-grade 89-octane gasoline delivers the best performance, but it will run fine on 87 octane.

300M comes standard with Chrysler's AutoStick transmission, which gives the driver a choice of conventional automatic operation or a more performance-oriented manual control.

The suspension is shared with Chrysler's LHS, but the 300M is tuned more aggressively. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard. A new brake system provides better pedal feel, improved stopping performance with less noise and vibration from the ABS. Electronic traction control is also standard for improved control when accelerating on slippery surfaces. All-season Goodyear Eagle LS touring tires, size P225/55R17, are standard and provide good handling characteristics on wet or dry roads with low tread noise and good snow traction.

An optional $255 handling package, standard on European 300M models, includes firmer strut damping, taller rear jounce bumpers, a firmer feeling steering gear, 225/60VR16 Michelin XGTV4 all-season V-rated performance tires, high-performance brake linings, stiffer front brake calipers and externally vented brake rotors. The suspension tuning is designed for a more controlled ride, sharper steering response, improved stability in transient maneuvers and increased cornering grip. The Michelins should provide better cornering traction on dry and wet roads, but would not likely perform quite as well on snow and ice. The brakes are designed to increase stopping ability, enhance pedal feel and resist brake fade in hard use.

Only one model is available, which retails for $28,895; it is essentially a fully equipped car. The only options are items that Chrysler knew some 300M customers would not want: a $795 moonroof, $600 chrome wheels with full-size spare, premium audio systems, and the handling package.