2011 Chrysler 300 Limited RWD (887)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2011 Chrysler 300 Limited Rear Wheel Drive,made in the USA … and Canada. This is a Large Car and in today’s world large has not been our favorite PC word. President Obama says we should drive ‘green’ fuel efficient small cars and pump up your tires to get even more miles per gallon. Well if he understood economics and had to tighten his belt as we the common folk do, he’d know that the ‘free market’ does a better job than ‘dictating’ how we should live. People’s wallets when empty have more to do with what we buy and what we can afford in most cases.

Opinion:

Oil and natural gas are in some minds non-replenishing commodities while others argue they ARE constantly replenishing natural resources. Grandma says, “Doesn’t matter”. I agree with granny because I believe in the great innovative mind of my fellow man. History has shown us that we are a creative people and if we can put a man on the moon inside of a ten year window we can surely invent a new energy source for travel in 50 years. And if our experts are correct or even close, we have 200 years of oil right here in America.

Some have said that Moses turned left into the promised land of Israel when he should have turned right into the oil rich nations. But as it turns out Israel is sitting on perhaps the largest natural gas reserves in the world. Father knows best and God know better.

So I agree we should drill here at home and let the creative juices flow with a challenge to American industry to come up with alternative sources of energy to fuel our transportation. And while we’re at it we should put the current administration and all of congress starting with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid on the moon and elect some of the good folks to volunteer their time to serve in congress. Maybe some common sense will help right the ship we call America – the light on the hill where the rest of the world seeks to live. Grandpa and grandma thought this was the place to live and I’m glad they did.

Handling & Performance:

Large cars are great on the road but around town they are less friendly. So where do you spend most of your time and who you must carry will determine what is the best performer for your family.

Styling:

Chrysler has been one of the most daring and creative design car companies on the planet. You gotta love their guts.

Fit and Finish:

Very good workmanship and for the money – it is excellent.

Cost:

A lot of car for the money.

Conveniences and comfort:

Spacious and comfortable which makes it a great road car. Those long trips get even longer when your butt gets sore and your back tenses up. So this is a great choice for lots of reasons.

Consumer Recommendation:

This is a very large class to choose from. Write down which are most interesting in your price range and then test drive until you can’t take it any longer. But you are likely to never reach that level of pain as you will find your dream car well before that. Price alone would limit my search greatly and then brand may carve out several others. BMW and Mercedes and other luxury badges are terribly expensive to maintain on top of a high purchase price. Some of my favorites include this Chrysler, Cadillac CTS, Dodge Charger, Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Maxima and VW Passat using the price and test driving guideline.

Recognized Competition:

Chrysler 300 $31,000, Acura RL $47,000, Acura TL $36,000, Audi A6 $42,000, BMW 5 Series $45,000, BMW M5 $86,000, Buick LaCrosse $30,000, Buick Lucerne $30,000, Cadillac CTS $36,000, Cadillac DTS $47,000, Cadillac STS $47,000, Chevrolet Impala $24,000, Dodge Charger $25,000, Ford Taurus $26,000, Hyundai Azera $26,000, Hyundai Genesis $34,000, Infiniti M $48,000, Lexus GS $46,000, Lincoln MKS $42,000, Lincoln MKZ $35,000, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid $36,000, Lincoln Town Car $47,000, Mercedes Benz E-Class $49,000, Nissan Maxima $32,000, Saab 9-5 $39,000, Toyota Avalon $33,000, Volkswagen Passat $28,000, Volvo S60 $31,000, Volvo S80 $37,000.

Good News:

Priced right, good road large car, nice styling, Daimler / Mercedes-Benz influence in design and decent fuel economy.

Bad News:

None noted.

Standard Equipment:

3.6 liter V6 engine, 5-speed auto trans, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, traction and stability controls, brake and hill start assist, front & rear air bags, side curtain and driver knee air bags, tire pressure monitor, keyless entry & remote start, cruise control, leather, 8-way power & heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering column, power windows.

Gas Stats:

$3.69/ Gal avg. November 8, 2011

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

18 City and 27 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $31,170.