Description

Chrysler has sporadically marketed automobiles under the "300" designation for half a century. In its 1999 to 2004 iteration, the Chrysler 300M was a front-wheel-drive sedan with V-6 power. A completely different 300 sedan that takes the place of both the 300M and Concorde has joined Chrysler's lineup for the 2005 model year. Instead of front-wheel drive, with which all Chrysler passenger cars since 1990 have been equipped, the new 300 has rear-wheel drive. To counteract concerns that the rear-drive 300 won't handle properly on snow and ice, Chrysler installs an Electronic Stability Program in upper-end models. It's an option for the base sedan. Dodge introduced a closely related Magnum series with the same three engine choices, but the Magnum is a wagon rather than a four-door sedan. All-wheel-drive versions of the 300 and Magnum will be available.