2004 Chrysler 300M

Standard safety equipment includes "next-generation" front air bags, a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat anchor system, child-protection rear door locks, a theft deterrent system with Sentry Key engine immobilizer and an emergency release inside the trunk. In addition, a tire-pressure monitoring system, optional on 300M, is standard on the 300M Special, and supplemental front side air bags are available on both models.

Special Effects
For driving enthusiasts, the 300M Special begins with Chrysler's latest high output 3.5-liter V-6 generating 255 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque coupled to a performance-tuned AutoStick transaxle with a 3.89:1 final-drive ratio. Its suspension is sport-tuned for crisper handling and lowered a half-inch to enhance both appearance and aerodynamics. A 17:1 ratio steering gear contributes quicker response and a firmer performance feel. Front fog lamps, large dual-exhausts and aerodynamic "ground effects" around the lower body complete the 300M Special's aggressive look, while Michelin P225/55R17 Pilot HX MXM4s 17-inch all-season performance tires further enhance its handling. Meaty higher-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Unidirectional 245/45R18 tires on 18-inch wheels are available (surprisingly, at no extra cost) for the ultimate in style, stance and grip.


The 300M Special boasts unique interior trim with supportive leather seats in a special "waterfall" design. Its instrument panel and door accents have a patterned carbon fiber look, and its door-sill plates are brushed aluminum. Also standard are high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and the 360-watt 9-speaker Infinity II sound system with 6-disc CD changer. A new navigation system is available for '04 in both standard 300M and 300M Special. Although its 4.2-in. (diagonal) screen, shared with the premium 360-watt sound system, is small and mounted too low in the vertical console for easy viewing, its controls are easy to use and neatly integrated into the audio system.


In general, we loved the smooth, sexy and entertaining 300M Special in nearly every way. "Evocative styling and brilliant engineering set the Chrysler 300M apart from the crowd," says Marketing vice president Tom Marinelli. "The 300M continues to be a strong competitor in the sport sedan market because it has the right combination of performance and style that makes the driving experience a true pleasure."


Our test 300M Special stickered at $35,920, including the $1,455 premium audio/navigation system/SIRIUS satellite radio package, an $895 power moonroof, $390 side supplemental air bags and a $40 cold-weather group with engine block and battery heaters. Base price was $32,615, and the SIRIUS satellite radio came with a $155 discount. EPA fuel economy is 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway. (www.chrysler.com)