2002 Chrysler 300M Review

The big Chrysler 300 is a fast, sporty, upscale model like the automaker's classic 1955-65 300-series models. But even the new 300M Special version of the 2002 model doesn't radiate the charisma of the original 300 models, which ended with the 360-horsepower 300L. The 1955 300 was America's first mass-produced 300-horsepower car and came as an expensive rear-drive coupe with Chrysler's awesome "Hemi'' V-8, luxurious leather interior and race-style suspension. It was aimed at older luxury car buyers who could afford it--and thus came only with an automatic transmission.

Young, affluent motorists who liked sporty cars were scarce in 1955. Manual transmissions later were offered for 300 models, but few were ordered. Chrysler built the 1955 300 because it couldn't afford to develop a sporty two-seater like the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Thunderbird. In fact, the 300 was just a nicely modified version of a higher-volume Chrysler coupe with the Hemi V-8. Later 300 models came as coupes and convertibles with V-8s generating up to 405 horsepower.

The 300M arrived as an early 1999 model with only an automatic transmission and has remained virtually the same. Following the formula used for the 1955 model, it's derived from Chrysler's big, upscale Concorde V-6 sedan. Compared to that car, the 300M's styling is more chiseled, and it's shorter, although the interior is exceptionally roomy and the trunk is large.

The 300M is above average, but it dismays fans of the old 300 models because it's a front-drive sedan that lacks the inherent balance of a rear-drive car. It also has a V-6 that falls short of 300 horsepower. Those fans want a sportier rear-drive coupe and/or convertible with a V-8--one with a new version of the old Hemi V-8, which got its name from its hemispherical combustion chambers. Since the 300M arrived, Chrysler has stressed its 1950s NASCAR race-winning 300 models in advertising to illustrate the new model's colorful heritage. But they've only emphasized the big differences between the 300M and sexier, thundering old 300 models.

Chrysler thus hopes the new $32,065 300M Special version of the standard $28,540 300M will make some fans of the classic 300 happy--although the Special lacks the new Chrysler Hemi V-8, which initially will power Dodge trucks. Rather, the limited-volume 300M Special gets a 255-horsepower version of the standard 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower 300M overhead-camshaft V-6, thanks to lower back pressure from its dual exhaust. The final-drive ratio has been changed to 3.89 from 3.66 for slightly faster acceleration. The 300M Special also has modified steering, stiffer suspension, higher-performance brakes and huge 18-inch wheels for better handling.

There's "300 Special M'' badging, and the special model looks a bit sleeker because it's an inch lower and has "ground effects'' front/rear fascias and skirts surrounding the lower body. There's a new grille, brighter headlights, special paint and interior silver tone laminates for a "sporty feel.'' Bottom line on the 300M Special? It's worth the extra money if you're a 300M fan who wants something a little special.

The 300M Special handles slightly better than the standard 300M, which is nimble for a big car. But the 300M Special doesn't feel faster because it's heavier than the 300M, which is no lightweight. Like the regular model, it's slow off the line and only gets fast when under way. That's because the fairly small V-6 needs lots of revs to develop substantial power and torque.

The 0-60 run takes 8.1 seconds. That means any driver of a compact pickup truck with about a 200-horsepower V-6 and stick shift can beat you all day long in drag races from a stoplights. The responsive automatic transmission has a manual shift feature, but it doesn't enhance acceleration. However, the big, heavy 1955 300 also was slow off the line.

Like that original model, the 300M and 300M Special are fast, comfortable highway cruisers, with a supple ride and good brakes. I had few anxious moments quickly driving a 300M through intermittent, heavy snowstorms from Chicago to Detroit a few years ago. You'll need to turn on the radio to mask bothersome road noise generated mostly by the 300M Special's big performance tires, but the interior otherwise is quiet. Even the standard 300M is loaded with equipment and has leather seats, like the original 300 model. But we're still hoping for a Hemi V-8.

CHRYSLER 300M

Price
$28,540-$32,065
Likes
Sporty. Fast at higher speeds. Good handling. Roomy. New "Special" version.
Dislikes
Slow off the line. Road noise. Where's the Hemi V-8?