2016 Chrysler 300 S (1129)

Overview:

This is the 2016 Chrysler 300 S. Right off the bat I have to tell you the brand has not always been a favorite of mine. We all have favorites and that changes over time. But old timers will remember the advertisements for GM’s Pontiac line where an American Indian says, “Ugh Pontiac Heap good car”. Well the memory makes older folks smile because we young kids changed it just a bit. We’d parrot the words in Indian inflection “Uggh, Pontiac Heap”! What an advertising blunder. Ugh is an Indian word of assent or approval or to say “Yes”, or “That’s so”. In the English vernacular Uggh is a word of disgust, hatred or disappointment.

But I digress. My point would be that my opinion has changed in recent years about Chrysler products because today you have to be impressed. Unfortunately it was mom’s old Plymouth that drove me away from Chrysler for many years. The company and cars have changed all for the good thanks to Daimler Mercedes-Benz.

Opinion:

I have a question: Why is it that CalTrans waits until rush hour to block lanes on the Freeway. What is that all about? What is your opinion? Share with me and all your fellow readers.

I’d be interested in your comments and so will others. Really. joe@atthewheel.com

General Information: It is assembled in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Parts – US/Canadian 65%, Mexico 22%; Engine Mexico and transmission – USA;Classification is Large Cars. Cars from Chrysler: 200, 300 and Town and Country.

Handling & Performance:

It is reminiscent of the Muscle Cars of yesteryear. It is solid and fast and that makes it fun to drive. If you are into speed and super performance you may want to opt for the 5.7 liter HEMI V8 for an added $3,000 to the price shown.

Styling:

New-Voe (Nuevo) Classic. Ya gotta love Chrysler for bringing back a bit of the past in new clothes.

Fit and Finish:

Mercedes-Benz inspired improvement lives on and the influence made a big difference in the “Old” Chrysler company.

Cost:

Fairly priced but the abundant features available can make it pricey.

Conveniences and comfort:

Other options could be added with the exception of one of my favorite features – Blind spot and cross path detection I could live without all the rest that added $10,000 to my test vehicle price noted here. What wasn’t included was Smart Cruise and that is highly recommended.

Consumer Recommendations:

Not a lot in this field but I like them all equally and with very comparable price points it’s a tossup.

Recognized Competition:

Chrysler 300 S $36,000, Buick La Crosse $39,000, Chevrolet Impala $38,000, Ford Taurus $35,000, Toyota Avalon $38,000.

Good News:

Solid performer, roomy, fun to drive 5 passenger sedan with many safety features.

Bad News:

Not the best fuel economy.

Standard Equipment:

3.6 liter V6, (add $3,000 if you want the V8 HEMI) 8-speed automatic transmission, leather trimmed sport bucket seats, front, side  and side curtain and driver knee airbags, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, rear back up parkview, stability control, roll mitigation, tire pressur monitor, traction control, Keyless go, remote start, security alarm, cruise control, dual zone climate control, Uconnect 8.4, Beats audio 10 speaker 552 watt amp., Bluetooth with voice command, Media hub for SD, USB and Auxiliary, leather wrapped steering wheel and leather trimmed seats, heated front seats, power front seats, 60/40 rear folding seat, Rotary Shifter, power windows, auto headlights, LED fog lights and power heated mirrors with manual fold away.

Gas Stats:

$2.30 / Gal avg. March 1, 2016

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

16 City and 25 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $35,470

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