Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2006 Chrysler 300 C Hemi and if you’ve ever wondered why these are so popular you need only test drive one to be impressed. Friend Mark and I exchanged cars for a short drive to the office – I took his Mercedes S500 and he drove the Chrysler 300. He was very surprised at how similar the two cars are – his and this 300 C. You’re going to love how you look in this car – I guarantee it.
Public Service: Ok, get the melody fixed in your mind of Simon and Garfunkel’s hit song with lyrics that went, “Slow down, you move too fast, gotta make the morning last, just kicking down the cobblestones. Looking for fun and feeling groovy…” Can you hear it?
The point? You won’t get there any faster by impersonating Mario Andretti and you’ll be a hazard to everyone on the highway including yourself if you think you’re on a race track. I don’t mind mentioning I’m not as concerned about you as I am about me and my kids. Secondly you will have more fun by getting into the groove. Oh, by the way, this doesn’t mean you should drive slower than the flow of traffic in your lane. I thank you, your mother will thank you and virtually every other driver on the road will thank you for being a better driver.
Handling & Performance:
Well a Hemi, what can I say… It is very powerful and that comes basically from the unique Hemispherical combustion chamber. If you want the complete story on the Hemi engine design there is a great article at http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hemi.htm
Styling:
It’s like Daimler / Chrysler know what they’re doing – don’t you think? This 300 is all alone in design and quite unmistakable on the road. I was speaking with auto engineer friend Merkel at Car Night about how different cars were during the 1950’s through the 1970’s. You could look at cars passing and quickly tell what make and model they were. Today too many cars are cookie cutter designs and for the most part really boring. But Chrysler breaks the mold in the area of design. Consider the unique styling of the PT Cruiser, Prowler, Viper, Charger and this 300. Kudos’ to Chrysler and partner Mercedes Benz.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Outstanding, because this is a large sedan with lots of room and so Mercedes-like it is a marvelous buy. Think of it this way – the great pricing will offset rising fuel prices for a couple of years. By then you can buy a bicycle so you can buy food instead of gas.
Conveniences:
I really like the “Rain Sensing” windshield wipers because you don’t have to keep fut-sing with the wiper control in a fickle rain.
Consumer Recommendation:
I agree with so many who think this is simply one of the coolest cars on the road today. Brisk sales speak volumes about how people feel about the car and the growing number on the road is a clear indication this will be a great success for Chrysler that has been on a roll for the past several years. Their unique products even attract a kind-of cult following.
Recognized Competition:
Chrysler 300 C $24-40,000, Infiniti M $41-50,000, Lexus GS $43-51,000, Dodge Charger $23-35,000, Cadillac CTS $29-51,000, Lincoln LS $39,285, Ford 500 $22-28,000, Mercury Montego $24-29,000, Toyota Avalon $27-34,000, Nissan Maxima $28-30,000, Acura TL $33-36,000.
Priced very well, great design, powerful driving experience.
Bad News:
Poor side visibility and not the greatest fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
5.7 liter 340 horsepower hemi multi-displacement V8 engine, auto/stick shift 5-speed auto transmission, child upper tether anchors, front multistage airbags, ESP Electronic Stability Program, all speed traction control, anti-lock 4-wheel power assist disc brake system, power steering, 4 wheel independent suspension, front and rear solar glass, rear window defogger, rear door child protection locks, rain sensor windshield wipers, dual zone climate control, power tilt telescope steering column, outside temperature and compass, cell phone storage, power windows with one touch up and down features, control memory system, speed sensitive power door locks, theft deterrent system, cruise control, security alarm, radio and CD changer with steering wheel controls, remote keyless entry, power heated front seats, solar glass, fog lights, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto rear adjust power mirrors.
Gas Stats:
17 City and 25 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $33,525.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2005 – An Automotive Love Affair
