David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/1/18 1:48 p.m.
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Chrysler’s current lineup consists of two (2) vehicles: the new Pacifica minivan (available with gas or hybrid power) and the 300 sedan, which is pretty much a carryover from the brand’s DaimlerChrysler days.

I just checked the brand’s sales report for this past May: Down 18 percent compared to the same month a year go.

More less-than-stellar news: Yesterday’s rumors …

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MadScientistMatt
MadScientistMatt PowerDork
6/1/18 2:42 p.m.

The traditional gauges were a welcome sight, but blue on black isn’t the easier to read.

If the gauges were blue on black, did the climate control have a cold on ice setting?

The0retical
The0retical UltraDork
6/1/18 2:56 p.m.

The idea of a 300, or 300 sized car, has grown on me as of late. I must be getting old.

At $50k that's a tough spot to be in because the 300 has been neglected for quite some time while its rivals moved on. Even in the high spec trim it would be hard to say it's a better place to be than an entry level 5 series, TLX, Q70, XTS, or Continental.

It probably makes more sense in the $35k area as it's primary competition is the Avalon, Lacrosse, Impala, Maxima, and Cadenza.

Not sure I'd buy one over an Avalon, especially since the Avalon has a hybrid version at the $36k mark, but the 300 is a nice car in that price range.

barefootskater
barefootskater Reader
6/1/18 3:03 p.m.

I am no fan of mopar. But DAMN! That 300 looks good. It really accentuates how bad the Charger looks too, given that it is basically the same thing.

 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/1/18 3:58 p.m.

It does look good. Totally looks mean. And with that color and those wheels.

But is it worth $48k?

Fueled by Caffeine
Fueled by Caffeine MegaDork
6/1/18 4:02 p.m.
David S. Wallens said:

It does look good. Totally looks mean. And with that color and those wheels.

But is it worth $48k?

Agreed it looks amazing. No it’s not worth $48k. But they depreciate like rocks on fire. 

racerdave600
racerdave600 UltraDork
6/1/18 4:24 p.m.

I remember back in I think 2005 or so, driving a 300 based SRT8 around Barber, and it wasn't that bad.  It had great brakes, good grip and plenty of power.  I also had the AC on the entire time and was lapping in luxury.  It's a shame they haven't spent much money to keep it fresh and updated, but I did enjoy the experience. 

The gray does look good, but that is a lot of money for a 300.

Tom_Spangler
Tom_Spangler GRM+ Memberand UberDork
6/1/18 4:55 p.m.

They have always been a little ridiculous, but I dig them. Anyone who pays nearly $50k for a new one is a fool, though.

Snrub
Snrub HalfDork
6/1/18 6:03 p.m.

I hadn't heard the Chrysler brand might go away. If Dodge is being minimized down to enthusiast vehicles (aging and losing sales), Fiat isn't terribly viable in North America, they are left with jeep and Ram (if that can be considered a brand).

Initially the 300 wasn't very reliable, I wonder if it's improved any after 13-14 years on the market...

Vigo
Vigo UltimaDork
6/2/18 7:07 p.m.

It's a shame they haven't spent much money to keep it fresh and updated, but I did enjoy the experience. 

Well, these days being what they are, they updated infotainment and upped horsepower. Top spec SRT LX cars went from ~420 to ~810 hp. Welcome to peak 'Murika. What lies on the downslope? Probably not steering wheels, so maybe it's best to go out on this note. 

Cotton
Cotton PowerDork
6/2/18 7:53 p.m.

Had one as a rental and loved it.  It was just the 6 cylinder,  so I’d like to try the v8.

z31maniac
z31maniac MegaDork
6/4/18 8:31 a.m.
Fueled by Caffeine said:
David S. Wallens said:

It does look good. Totally looks mean. And with that color and those wheels.

But is it worth $48k?

Agreed it looks amazing. No it’s not worth $48k. But they depreciate like rocks on fire. 

Agreed. Agreed. 

There is a very specific buyer for that car. I'm not that person, but I like that craziness like this exists. 

If I had $50k for a car, I'd drop another $10k and go to my local BMW dealer and order a new M2 Competition.

 

But again, I'm not exactly the buyer for that car. 

edizzle89
edizzle89 Dork
6/4/18 8:55 a.m.

I had a 300S as a rental car that i drove from soulth-central Indiana to Baltimore and back. I took hwy 50 for a section of the trip through WV as it has some decent twisty hilly roads. It was a very well rounded driver and comfortable, if i were a more rich man i would have no problem having one for a DD (but probably would have to have the hemi).

 

pinchvalve
pinchvalve GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
6/4/18 9:29 a.m.

If the Chrysler name is to die, send it off with a limited run of 300 Hellcats, maybe the same number as the age of Chrysler or something. THAT would be interesting.  

chandler
chandler PowerDork
6/5/18 9:06 p.m.
racerdave600 said:

I remember back in I think 2005 or so, driving a 300 based SRT8 around Barber, and it wasn't that bad.  It had great brakes, good grip and plenty of power.  I also had the AC on the entire time and was lapping in luxury.  It's a shame they haven't spent much money to keep it fresh and updated, but I did enjoy the experience. 

The gray does look good, but that is a lot of money for a 300.

That’s my ride this week while I await all the parts to repair my car. It’s a beast.

dean1484
dean1484 GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
6/5/18 9:19 p.m.

I was reading today that it looks like Chrysler is not getting chopped. 

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