2005 Chrysler 300

Chrysler revived the 300 badge with the 300M in '99. Then in 2005, they redesigned it with help from their new partner Mercedes. Sounds great doesn't it? An American icon, complete with rear-wheel drive and HEMI power. Plus, it's based on the Mercedes E-Class, so it should be as solid as a slab of granite. But it isn't.

What they've done is take the terrific E-Class chassis, replace the suspension with one from a medieval ox-cart, put a HEMI under the hood and called it a car. What you get is a nice looking car that neither rides or handles well. The ride is bone-jarring and uncomfortable. I drove one on a 4-hr trip and it was like driving a big Chevy Cavalier. It was completely dumbfounded by every bump and crease in the road. And it doesn't redeem itself with good handling either. It leans way too much and the steering feels too vague.

The Mercedes that this car is based on handles and drives wonderfully. Bumps and curves are dispatched with ease. It's hard to believe that the 300 and Magnum are related to the Mercedes.

But the car looks nice at least.

Engine choices are the trouble-prone 2.7L V6, the 3.5L V6 and the 5.7L HEMI. The later makes 340 horsepower and a 425 hp 6.1 liter HEMI is available in the 300 SRT8. All this power is wildly entertaining...in a straight line. The 300 is just like every American muscle car, completely useless in a curve.

The base 300 comes with the pointless, 2.7-liter double-overhead-cam V6 and gets a cloth interior with an eight-way power driver's seat. A 'Great American Package' adds antilock brakes, emergency brake assist, electronic stability program and traction control, front and rear side-curtain airbags, and heated mirrors; plus comfort, convenience, and appearance features including a 6-CD changer with MP3 capability, carbon-trimmed instrument panel, and 17-inch machined-face wheels.

The 300 Touring gets the 3.5-liter V6 which makes a respectable 250 horsepower and gets 27mpg on the highway. Touring models gets leather, 17-inch wheels, and fog lamps. All-wheel drive with a five-speed automatic and AutoStick is also available. A Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series gets two-tone leather with special interior trim, Sirius Satellite Radio, GPS, and a 276-watt Boston Acoustics stereo with 6-CD/MP3 player.

The 300 Limited adds chrome wheels, heated front seats, power passenger seat, automatic headlights, automatic temperature control, Sirius Satellite Radio and a vehicle information center.

For more power, the 300C has the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and a five-speed automatic with AutoStick. AWD is also available. A 300C Heritage Edition is also available with SmartBeam intelligent headlamps, which automatically adjust brightness for driving conditions, a bigger stereo, and additional exterior chrome.

The SRT8 is top-of the line and features loads of performance tweaks, unique design features and most of the luxury gear.

Stand-alone options include front and rear curtain airbags, Boston Acoustics premium sound system, air filtration, ultrasonic rear object detection, self-sealing tires, hands-free cellphone capability, power adjustable pedals, premium sound system, GPS Navigation system, SIRIUS satellite radio, sunroof, walnut interior accents and Xenon high-intensity headlamps. Higher-level models can be ordered with a DVD entertainment system integrated into the center console.

You can get a lot of car for the money, if you can stand the way it drives.

Model Year to year changes

2007: A long-wheelbase body style was added along with the W.P. Chrysler Executive Series package. Other new features included heated rear seats and adaptive cruise control.

Model Year Things to Look For 2005-2007 2.7L motor $2,500-4,000 - Due to the famous oil sludging problems, the 2.7L motor has a lifespan of about 80,000 miles

2005 Power steering pump $225 - Power steering fluid containing Teflon can clog the filter in the reservoir