300C Test Drive Impressions from Ford Guy - SRT Forums

GMLind · 04-17-2004, 08:52 AM

When I say Ford guy, all I mean is I have owned more Ford products than any other Make. I like to consider myself open minded enough to buy the best vehicle for the money, regardless of who made it. With that said, I have owned cars from Japan, Germany and Italy, GM and Ford. Never Chrysler.

First I must say as a new guy to take interest in Chrysler...Good Job! I keep a close watch on most all manufactureres new products (foreign and domestic), and love to see new innovation that includes, power, efficiency, handling, and style, all come togather in an affordable package. The 300C is such a package.

When I saw some of the early "chop top", "lead sled" style pictures of this 4 door sedan with mention of the Hemi V8 being an option, I thought, "Now we're talking, I'll have to keep my eye on that!" So, when I started searching for a replacement for the 2002 Lincoln LS V8, and found out that the Hemi 300C was just released, I started building my portfolio of info on it.

Went to a dealership over on the KS side of KC and found one with a Hemi to test drive. Unfortunately, the sales guys don't know anything about the car unless it is in the brochure, and even then...not really. But that's OK, I've done my reasearch and have already decided it's a great concept and looks good, just need to see how well it has been executed.

Finally, Test Drive:

They had a magnesium pearl 300C with Sound Group II, and Protection Package with about 350 demo miles on it. I thought the ride and handling was very good and comparable to German Luxury car quality. In other words, sporty for a big car. The steering was responsive with the right amount of feedback, without having to feel all the potholes, through the steering wheel. Cornering was nice and flat as you would expect from a sport tourer. Reminded me a lot of how an Audi A8 rode and handled.

Power was good, obviously. Barked the tires a few times at stop lights, without even trying to, (ESP turned off, ). Ride was nice and quiet the whole time. The 300C certainly seems to be put togather well. I hope it is still as tight after 60,000 miles. That will be the real quality test, if it is still as quiet, squeek and rattle free, a year or two from now, as the miles add up.

I thought the Stareo was just OK. I only listened to a couple of FM stations, and didn't get the chance to play with it much. but the front seat sound staging seemed bias more for the back seat. The Bose sounded better from my experience. Caviot is, the Boston Acoustic package will be easier to tweek and modify than Bose.

Interior layout looks good to me. I thought the quality of the interior was fine for the price of the 300C and domestic/german mixed upbringing. the center console view from the rear seat is a bit cheap and plastic looking. Aftermarket dress up pieces will be popular, I think.

Finally, really love the looks of the 300c. The aggessive sculpted muscular shape with short windows, was exactly what I was looking for in a 4 door sport sedan. Through in the Hemi (with multi-displacement 8 to 4 cylender) power and economy, and it's a "No Brainer" for me, and easy to sell my wife. "Honey, it's got the power I like, and turns into a 4 banger for fuel economy, we both get what we want!" She agrees! The 300C designers are geniuses without a doubt.

So, I did some haggling on my trade in, and placed an order for a Black 300C that day. Now I'm scanning the internet for 300C forums, discussions, reviews, road test's and aftermarket ideas. Any suggestions?

ebbtide · 04-17-2004, 11:08 AM

Well, hopefully we can keep the 300 forum here updated. I'm not sure who else has been paying attention to the car (as far as a forum), but i'd expect it to pick up as more people buy them.

MySRTfriesrice · 04-17-2004, 12:08 PM

Congratulations on your new car, I got to check one out up close the other day, and I was definitly awed by it!

socalsrt4 · 04-17-2004, 11:24 PM

The local dealer where I got my SRT-4 has a silver 300C Hemi and a black 300C V6. Those cars remind me of a 3/4 scale Bentley, if you take the badges off and look at the car from the rear. I didn't sit in them or anything, but they seem like it'd be a "robust" car. By that I mean solid, quiet, roomy, and definitely a contender in its class (what exactly that is I'm not sure).

I asked them when they were going to get some Magnum RTs in, and they said they should have some in a couple of weeks. I'd be willing to trade in my SRT-4 on a Magnum, but I'd have to get up close and personal with a Hemi Magnum before I give that idea any more consideration.

I'm going to try and get my drilled/slotted rotors installed on Monday, and who knows? Just putting those things on might put me over the edge and keep the SRT-4. On a side note, when I install the new rotors, should I install new brake pads as well, or will the stockers be okay? I've only got 9K miles on the car, and the brakes seem to be working just fine (by that I mean no squealing, pulsing, shaking, etc).

LWOOD · 05-27-2004, 09:12 AM

After 500 miles on my 300C I have to say I love it. It seems to keep getting faster, although I haven't really let it out too much...Gas prices you know.
I have always owned Fords, this is my first Chrysler. They've addressed my concerns with this car. Good interior bits, solid body structure, good paint quality, compliant but sporty suspension, etc. My very early production car has a couple panel gaps that are iffy, and some interior trim (over back passenger door) is ill fitting. Having owned mostly American cars, I'm used to all that.
Crazy about ride, comfort, quiet and features. Eats Marauders for lunch and then orders Acura TLs and infinity G35's for dessert. Anyone shopping in this class should drive one. They'll be surprised. I was surprised enough to sign on the dotted line! I am just praying to the gods of longevity, I've seen some pretty ratty Chryslers on the road.

hemidakota · 06-17-2004, 08:50 AM

Great write up.

91na · 06-17-2004, 09:15 AM

I am also a Ford guy and have been VERY interested in the 300c. My parents own a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis and as soon as there was a 300c on the lot, I made them go test drive. Absolutely awesome car

Too bad they didn't buy it.

drizze99 · 06-17-2004, 09:47 AM

The 300C is a fabulous car. I probably should have waited for one instead of buying the Pacifica for my wife. She loves the car as well, so it would have been an easy sell. Chrysler hit the nail on the head with this one. I'm not a fan of the Magnum (mainly because of styling), but can't wait until this platform turns into the Dodge Charger.

GMLind, congrats on the new car purchase! I think you made a great descision.

MYxOCTOBERx10 · 06-17-2004, 09:56 AM

i also seen this car inside and out!! WOW... looks really good!! i just got my SRT-4 but this could be a car i could i could also get after i get out of school! should be some really nice 300C's in about 3 years....