2002 Chrysler 300M

While some high-powered sedans stumble when you ask for mixed cornering and braking or cornering and accelerating, the 300M takes that challenge in stride. There's not a hint of torque steer or tail wag when you place extreme demands on the chassis. At the limit of adhesion, the H-speed-rated front Michelins slide wide but only after providing ample warning. For most situations, the traction-control lamp serves as a polite reminder that the laws of physics are inviolable.

Amenities include leather upholstery and heated, eight-way power front seats with driver's side memory. The three leather color choices are Sandstone, Taupe and Dark Slate Gray.

The comfort side of this car's personality is equally in synch. Damper struts at each corner are well located and calibrated for supple leg action over broken pavement and expansion joints. The steering quickly and accurately tells you what's going on at the road without needling your fingertips with incessant kicks and jabs. Two must-have features contained within an optional luxury group are a real-wood steering wheel and an overhead vehicle information center. In addition to trip and gas mileage info, this handy window on the 300M's soul reports four-corner tire-pressure information in real time.


Real-seat accommodations rival a stretched limousine. Unless you count the Jolly Green Giant within your circle of friends, the leg and elbowroom is sure to draw oohs and aahs. For Saturday errands to Home Depot, the rear seatbacks split and fold to fulfill your fondest building-material and plumbing-supply fantasies. At 16.8 cubic feet, the trunk is large enough to pack a college freshman off to school with room to spare.


In the end, the ultimate luxury is versatility. Being all things to a wide variety of customers is where Chrysler's 300M really shines. One part packhorse, limousine, sport sedan, and family mover, it's clearly the car world's consummate chameleon. Assuming you've got about $30,000 burning a hole in your pocket and you take pride in making the shrewdest possible purchase, waste no time in moving the Chrysler 300M to the top of your shopping list. (www.chrysler.com)