I doubt looking like an ridiculous asshole to everyone you know is worth impressing the random person who notices that B, knows what the B means, AND doesn’t figure out its a hoax.

Overall the Chrysler is the best car I have owned. The feeling of solidity is amazing. The engine is not as refined as the Nissan or Acura, but it has sufficient power. In contrast to the Nissan and Acura, which actually make their best power in the low-mid range, the Chrysler V6 makes its best power at the mid-high range. The auto-stick is extremely useful since it does not first have to be slotted into a “sport” gate; it’s instantly available for a downshift. However, it does not force upshifts, so you have to modulate the throttle if you want an early upshift to save on gas.

The suspension is FAR AND AWAY superior to all of those front drive cars. It is the PERFECT highway cruiser, which is where I do most of my driving. I am amazed at the serenity and stability cruising along at decent speeds. The Maxima really beat me up on long hauls. The Chrysler is the opposite: it coddles. Just to be clear, though, the overall impression is not soft but, rather, solid and quiet.

In terms of interior fit and finish, my early reaction to this car when it came out was that the interior was somewhat cheap. This judgment was made from pictures, only. Living with the car is a different story. My perception is that the interior fit and finish is as good, or better, than any of my previous cars, including the Acura. The materials are very nice visually, and feel good to the touch. I like the fact that it is simple, and not overly contoured and swooped.

I am very happy with this car so far. Long term reliability is still a question for me, but I’ll soon see since I put on about 30K miles per year. Part of what made me take a risk on the reliability was coming from the Acura two cars ago. My assumption when I bought that car (new) was that it was bulletproof because it was Japanese. Unfortunately, the transmission in that particular model run was not designed well and is notorious for failures. That event changed my perspective on the definition of reliability. We’ll see if the Chrysler changes that perception again!

All those cars are way more expensive than a $24,000 (or less) Chrysler 300. They are so not in the same class. And I bet America buys more of those premium sedans than the $32,000-ish 300C HEMI.

Fact is, the 300 had the buzz to get people excited, but Honda and Toyota laughed all the way to the bank.

What exactly are those sales numbers? How do they compare to the likes of the Camry, Accord, Altima and even the Impala and Taurus?

Much like the high volume Dodge Ram, the 300 is a great success by Chrysler standards. But up against GM, Honda, Toyota, etc. it is less of a home run and more of a double.

Despite the criticisms, I’d say it’s a good car for dragging ones butt to and from work Monday to Friday, which is what most people do. It could be much better though with some continuous improvement. Hopefully Chrysler won’t rest on their laurels.

On another note, saw my first Compass on the road today. What an awful looking car. I’d take a Jeep Wrangler anyday over that.

Everyone did when I tried. There’s plenty of space for tall folks, but the cushions have no support. Compared to other cars in its class, I started to feel tired in my hips after 20 mins on them. The worst was that the backseat (mostly vinyl I might add) was slippery: people complained I needed to slow down (I was going the speed limit or less) in the turns because they had to brace themselves for anything.

The only thing good about those seats is their impact on Chrysler’s bottom line.

So basically, if they spent an extra $500 on better materials, and $500 on progressive rate springs (thought the initial 1/2″ of suspension travel was stiffer than it needed to be) and a rear anti-roll bar for the non Hemi models, the Touring would be about the best $27K car one could buy.

I doubt $500 would cut it. That’s enough for real leather on the wheel and the seating surfaces but not enough for Honda-grade plastics all around.

Whoever said the Grand Marquis has a big back seat must be below 5′10″ tall as my 5′11″ friend doesn’t even fit in the back of one of those (knees hit – maybe equal headroom).

So basically, if they spent an extra $500 on better materials, and $500 on progressive rate springs (thought the initial 1/2″ of suspension travel was stiffer than it needed to be) and a rear anti-roll bar for the non Hemi models, the Touring would be about the best $27K car one could buy.

For $24G list and a very generous trade in, what is a better value for a 250hp full size car?

I love the soft ride and it’s tomb like silence (ever ride in Mustang GT?).

I’ll agree about the high beltline. After my wife scratched it parking for the third time, she now refuses to drive it.

The car is ’stylish’ especially for the price, although there are better looking cars. I find things I don’t like about the styling – hood seems unnecessarily short. In some ways I like the longer hood look of the Vic/Marquis. If they had a 250hp V8 for $24G (and standard CD and power seat which the standard model, amazingly, doesn’t have) I’d have bought the Ford, but if wishes were horses beggars would ride.

One correction: My Charger might be lighter than the 300, but the V6 model is listed at 3700lbs – remember, the Hemi is ‘merican iron – literally, and the V6 is smaller and aluminum – plus you have less luxury equipment and smaller wheels and tires.

One thing I hate: electronic throttle/trans. It takes about two (potentially life threatening) seconds for the trans to agree to go after you put it in gear and nail the throttle (I’m the jerk who does the three point 180 turnaround to get a space on the other side ‘o the street – consider how slowly time seems to travel as you watch angry drivers approach on both sides, your foot on the throttle and mother Mopar’s German tranny (sounds dirty!) hemming and ‘a hawing).

Also, the ‘bump stick’ thing is totally useless – again at least a one second delay before anything happens. Also, why does the car stay in a lower gear (to the point of engine braking effect) once you let up off the throttle after a kickdown sequence?

Verdict: LX chassis still doesn’t have real competition and “zeta” won’t be here for three years.

Chrysler owns about 40% of the minivan segment these days with the Caravan and T&C; Toyota and Honda combined are nipping at their heels. Nothing is safe/sacred for a manufacturer these days.

DCX has a great opportunity: recycle MB designs in cheaper CX guise. Great way to amortize R&D. The 300/Magnum was a step in that direction.

I’ve never been in a 300 so I can’t coment on it. I spent time in the back seat of a Magnum and thought it weas pretty good. Of course, I didn’t have to watch out for traffic.

The auto biz is looking more and more like survival of the fittest: Chrysler needs to step up and make a Home Run soon.

No, the Taurus is an American Icon. Check its sales figures. The 300C is a German/American Hybrid with a lousy interior, truck like style and a distinct lack of influence on Camry and Accord buyers.

A car that has sales equal to last year when the rest of DCX is down 9%. Wake up from your Japanese dream and look at cold hard facts.

Just because it sells great for a Chrysler doesn’t mean its a car worthy of the Patriotism angle. We’ll talk when the Camry gets de-throned.

I also think anyone that intends to carry people or cargo in a sedan should ALWAYS opt for rear air… I can’t stand drag ass, and it’s a handling and safety issue as well. Even if I do have to replace a bag or two at 100k miles, it was worth it.

Oh well, give it time. The only good thing about trendiness is that the current fad always passes.