300M performance/handling

[nhstiger75]

Just out of curiosity and the fact that my grandmother is due a new car and we were talking about it how does the 300M perform? I mean handling, gas mileage, acceleration, how many people does it 'actually' comfortably fit? Anything specific that would make it a good or bad buy for someone older who can still see and react perfectly? She likes the style but she can't find anyone that knows much and I'd kind of like to know myself. Thanks to anyone who can help at all.

[Explorerfl]

My friend has one. In fact, I rode in it today. It is roomy and can easily fit 5 without a problem. Six passengers would make it too, though they would rub hips a bit. Leg room in the rear, suspension is comfortable on the soft side of a firm ride.

We did take it in for service of a shake in the engine. It wasn't constant and the dealership found nothing. They said they found no codes and a test drive did not show up the problem. My guess is that there is a sensor that is marginal.

Otherwise, the car looks impressive and is quick off the line. I'm not a Chrysler fan though. I never was impressed with their quality control. Built in Mexico, I believe. Paint jobs are not as nice as Toyota. They seem to skimp on the clear coat. At least that's what it looks like to me.

[firebird69racer]

I have a 2002 300M speical
it runs good , is pretty quick, the ride is harsh but the speical has the sport suspension with 18" wheels, fits only 4 comfortably, the rear seat as a hump in the middle so its uncomfortable for long trips. gas milage is not what I would like, havent checked it in awhile but think its about 15 17 highway.

mine is for sale if anyone is intrested

Wade

[op012503]

I have a 300m in the family that I used to drive all the time and now my mom drives it. The mirrors on the car are hard to trust when making lane changes, especially on the highway and the rear visibility is poor at best. The car has an enourmous amount of quality problems and it would be best to avoid buying one.

I have a 99 with 17 inch wheels and the ride isnt to stiff. The acceleration is good although i always thought the car could use another gear. ITs a very spacious car and can comfortably seat 5 adults.
oh and what Explorerfl said about the paint job being crappy is true--i have so many chips on my hood and i dont tailgate.
Fuel economy sux chrysler says its 17 or 18 city 21 highway when its more like 15 and with any spirited driving its lower.

[AWP9521]

Hmm, I always thought the 3.5 V6 was a fairly thrifty engine. I know this is comparing apples and oranges but I owned a 95 Concorde with a 3.5 and have consistantly gotten 28-30 mpg from it on the highway at speeds between 70-80 MPH on cruise with the A/C running, I own a 94 LHS now and still get 25-27 out of it at the same speed range. I realise that there is a difference especially in HP ratings between my 3.5 and the 3.5's that are in the 300M, it seems weird that a 300M would get mileage that low on the road unless the gearing is different.

[op012503]

other 300m owners on af are reporting simmilar gas milages

[white300m]

I own a 99 300m and I am very pleased with the car, nice ride, My gas milage is pretty good, I avg 25 with a mix of highwy/city driving with a little lead foot from time to time. The one thing I wish chry did in the 99s is add the cup holder to the back seat arm rest!! they added it from 2000 on!!

[plancor]

dunno if its the car for a grandma but depends on how old a grandma. i think its a car for all ages, it will give you whatever you want . 18 mpg for a combo of city and highway driving is what i get. tracks real well on highway and small enough to maneuver in city. yes it has issues but don't they all , cant imagine life without a 300M, go granny go

[tinmanwpk]

I have had two 300M's for over 10 years now. I will tell you that I do like my M. I average over 23 mpg in city/highway driving from home to work. Handling is crisp, brakes are good (70-0 in about 180 feet), acceleration is good. As far as paint goes, all cars will have stone chips after 5-10 years. The weak link is the transmission. The 3.5 engine is strong with not lots of problems. The timing belt MUST be changed out along with the water pump around 100,000 miles. Creature comfort is good with a huge back seat. Room for three back there, but only two for a long trip. Someone mentioned the 300M Special, but I wouldn't recommend that for Granny. The Special is a half-inch lower with ground effects that would get in her way. It has a stiffer suspension and stronger gearing. I would like one, but that's a different story. The M is a good car. I am active in 5 different 300M online forums and pay strong attention to the vehicle. Car and Driver's Top Ten in 1999.

[sandrav0312]

I have a 1999 and it's very classy, roomy and my mom feels very safe in it. However, I've had lots of electrical issues stemming from the inside lights, outside lights and power windows. it is gas guzzler but it has never broken down on me. Now i'm having an issue with the steering wheel shaking and stuff.

Hope I as helpful

[sandrav0312]

Hi, I also have a 99\300M. Have you ever had a shaking steering wheel that pulls right whikle in drive.
Thanks

[sub006]

I'm thinking the 300M delivers lower mileage because of a lower (higher numerical) gear ratio to boost performance, and/or wider and stickier performance tires with higher rolling resistance than the more sedate models.

If you want to maximize mpg, I'd try at least an extra 5 lbs over factory spec in the stock tires, then replace 'em with no higher than H-rated rubber when the time comes. Also suggest going to a lighter grade of synthetic oil, and putting in a K & N air filter, perhaps with a cold air intake kit if one is available. Also try to find the most efficient cat-back performance exhaust, now or when the tail pipe and muffler go.

[tinmanwpk]

Originally Posted by sub006

I'm thinking the 300M delivers lower mileage because of a lower (higher numerical) gear ratio to boost performance, and/or wider and stickier performance tires with higher rolling resistance than the more sedate models.

If you want to maximize mpg, I'd try at least an extra 5 lbs over factory spec in the stock tires, then replace 'em with no higher than H-rated rubber when the time comes. Also suggest going to a lighter grade of synthetic oil, and putting in a K & N air filter, perhaps with a cold air intake kit if one is available. Also try to find the most efficient cat-back performance exhaust, now or when the tail pipe and muffler go.

Personally, I would not go to a lower weight engine oil, especially as our cars age. Nothing less than 30 weight.

Definitely I agree with the rest of your comments.