2009 Chrysler 300
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: DE <---> NY
2009 Chrysler 300
I rented a 300M recently and to this day the only thing I like about it is how the front of it looks. I had the base model which seemed to hesitate and struggle when I accelerated. And when I did accelerate, the engine was pretty noisy. I mean this was a brand new car with less than 5,000 miles on it. My last American car was a 01 Dodge Intrepid that seemed to shift and accelerate better that this 300. But wait, I didn't have the base model. I don't plan on getting a 300 or any other American car for that matter but it was interesting to test drive it myself.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,521
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I think you have a typo......did you mean a new 300C? The 300M was the old front-drive 300, based on the Dodge Intrepid you had.
You mentioned you liked the front end. Although mostly just a cheap plastic imitation of a Bentley grille, it does have distinctive looks, and that is what draws a lot of people to this car.....that, and the Hemi and SRT options, of course.
Don't want to sound rude here, but neither the 300C or the older 300M really impresses me much with its build quality. Like many Chrysler/Dodge products, it is done with second-rate materials inside and out, with a surface coat of glitter on top of those cheap materials to try and make it look flashy.....where it succeeds.
You mentioned you liked the front end. Although mostly just a cheap plastic imitation of a Bentley grille, it does have distinctive looks, and that is what draws a lot of people to this car.....that, and the Hemi and SRT options, of course.
Don't want to sound rude here, but neither the 300C or the older 300M really impresses me much with its build quality. Like many Chrysler/Dodge products, it is done with second-rate materials inside and out, with a surface coat of glitter on top of those cheap materials to try and make it look flashy.....where it succeeds.
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,335
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From: California
I agree with mmarshall. Last night I was at the L.A. autoshow and I couldn't believe the Ford Explorer's dashboard as well. I was sitting in the front on the passenger side and I was toucing the top of the dashboard and it felt like cheap plastic. This I pushed down on it and it was so flimsy. I must have pushed down on top of the dash at least 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch depending on hard you push down on it. It was crazy...
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The 300C is more for people interested in "flash" and "looking" the part, not being the part (unless its a SRT8). While I am no fan of knock-off styling, the 300C is a good looking vehicle still and has aged pretty well. I still prefer its RWD and engine choices to say the Ford 500/Taurus, which screams witness protection program. I think it is actually a pretty decent vehicle and I understand its popularity.
I don't think many Lexus owners will appreciate its dash and interior materials but understand this car starts around 24k so even a loaded car, is still based on a 24k one.
In Atlanta, there are more of them on chrome wheels than I can count, so maybe I'm just more used to it
I don't think many Lexus owners will appreciate its dash and interior materials but understand this car starts around 24k so even a loaded car, is still based on a 24k one.
In Atlanta, there are more of them on chrome wheels than I can count, so maybe I'm just more used to it
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,031
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From: US: Northeast
I rented an impala this week and really liked it (as a business car). I loved the remote start, it was comfortable, plenty of room and the power always seemed adaquate (which was a problem in the past).
I thought to myself that GM did a nice job with that car and if I were in the market for a car in this class I might own one.
I thought to myself that GM did a nice job with that car and if I were in the market for a car in this class I might own one.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,485
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From: Park Ridge IL
I think you have a typo......did you mean a new 300C? The 300M was the old front-drive 300, based on the Dodge Intrepid you had.
You mentioned you liked the front end. Although mostly just a cheap plastic imitation of a Bentley grille, it does have distinctive looks, and that is what draws a lot of people to this car.....that, and the Hemi and SRT options, of course.
Don't want to sound rude here, but neither the 300C or the older 300M really impresses me much with its build quality. Like many Chrysler/Dodge products, it is done with second-rate materials inside and out, with a surface coat of glitter on top of those cheap materials to try and make it look flashy.....where it succeeds.
You mentioned you liked the front end. Although mostly just a cheap plastic imitation of a Bentley grille, it does have distinctive looks, and that is what draws a lot of people to this car.....that, and the Hemi and SRT options, of course.
Don't want to sound rude here, but neither the 300C or the older 300M really impresses me much with its build quality. Like many Chrysler/Dodge products, it is done with second-rate materials inside and out, with a surface coat of glitter on top of those cheap materials to try and make it look flashy.....where it succeeds.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,521
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
The 300C is more for people interested in "flash" and "looking" the part, not being the part (unless its a SRT8). While I am no fan of knock-off styling, the 300C is a good looking vehicle still and has aged pretty well. I still prefer its RWD and engine choices to say the Ford 500/Taurus, which screams witness protection program. I think it is actually a pretty decent vehicle and I understand its popularity.
And, however, I'm far more impressed with the 500/Taurus build quality than the 300.
I don't think many Lexus owners will appreciate its dash and interior materials but understand this car starts around 24k so even a loaded car, is still based on a 24k one.
In Atlanta, there are more of them on chrome wheels than I can count, so maybe I'm just more used to it
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,521
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I rented an impala this week and really liked it (as a business car). I loved the remote start, it was comfortable, plenty of room and the power always seemed adaquate (which was a problem in the past).
I thought to myself that GM did a nice job with that car and if I were in the market for a car in this class I might own one.
I thought to myself that GM did a nice job with that car and if I were in the market for a car in this class I might own one.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,521
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Yes, technically, you are correct. The "C" designation for the new 300 refers generally to the Hemi versions, not those with V6s. I was using the 300C reference in this thread, however, to differentiate this present-generation car from the older 300M, which was a FWD V6 spinoff from the Intrepid/Concorde.
I had a buddy from Chrysler called me into his dealership because the SRT-8 models just arrived from the factory. Being spoiled with Lexus interior quality, I absolutely hated the 300C's interior. The brute power was nice, but I can't see myself living day to do with that subpar interior. Our family has owned many american vehicles in the past and they're all the same. Eventually buttons/switches stop working beause they break. The cheap plastic dash eventually leaves a hairline crack. I just dont see the 300C being any different than the prevous vehicles we've owned.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,031
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From: US: Northeast
You are right, it is on many of their cars. The cool thing about it is that you still need to put the key in the ignition to drive it. Thus you can start it in a parking lot and not worry about someone driving it away since they don't have the key. Great design and I love it!!!
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
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From: Waiting for next track day
I
Don't want to sound rude here, but neither the 300C or the older 300M really impresses me much with its build quality. Like many Chrysler/Dodge products, it is done with second-rate materials inside and out, with a surface coat of glitter on top of those cheap materials to try and make it look flashy.....where it succeeds.
Don't want to sound rude here, but neither the 300C or the older 300M really impresses me much with its build quality. Like many Chrysler/Dodge products, it is done with second-rate materials inside and out, with a surface coat of glitter on top of those cheap materials to try and make it look flashy.....where it succeeds.
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: ontario
300c
Well in my opinion I'd say the new 2008 cadillac CTS 's interior sort of makes the lexus IS- interior look and feel "cheap" . I've been in both cars several times and some of the american cars have come a long way in terms of quality materials and fit and finish - not all mind you. The 300c refers purely to the 5.7 litre Hemi motor . The 2008 300c I sat in the Toronto car show last year had a much better interior quality feel then the toyota camry , and both were priced fairly closely . I'm not boasting about american cars because I've leased one (300c AWD) until next june , I am being objective on both sides regardless of manufacturer . I've not decide what I'll buy next june and I've test driven just about everything under the sun.
B D HEMI
B D HEMI
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,521
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
The last CTS was awful with the plain-Jane interior. The new CTS, I agree, though a few flimsy interior parts remain, is light-years ahead of the last one. As you note, it is clearly an exception to the general rule of El Cheapo Detroit interiors, and outdoes some Lexus products. Also exceptions, to some extent, are the Chevy new Malibu and (for 2009) an upgraded Saturn Aura. But the average American car is just that........still the average American car, at least what passes for "American" in this global auto market.
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 73
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From: ontario
Cts
mmarshal , I'd go one step further and say the 2007 cts cadillac's interior was downright "GARBAGE" ! 2008 brought about a revelation to cadillac in their thinking . The 2008 malibu was another BIG surprise as you noted , and the chrysler challenger is a much improved interior quality but not to the cadillac's quality . Unfortunately chrysler probably won't be around to improve themselves , which is why I won't purchase any of their vehicles when I hand mine back in. Too bad really as the HEMI engine is one tough engine and performs very well .
B D HEMI
B D HEMI