2003 Chrysler 300M 3.5L gasoline

Summary:

Every rose has its thorns

Faults:

I bought an extended warranty, so luckily I haven't had to pay for any of the repairs.

I have this really bad thunking noise in the front end when going over bumps or taking a corner quickly. I believe it to be ball joints, but the dealer is giving me the runaround.

I have also had a lower control arm replaced, but the clunking sound continues.

General Comments:

The driveline of the car is reliable. The 3.5l V6 has plenty of power, and the transmission is smooth enough I guess.

The handling has began to suffer lately, probably because of the front suspension issues.

I just took a trip to Ft. Myers Florida from Cincy Ohio, and it averaged about 24 miles to the gallon with 5 people and luggage. It performed well, but the front suspension was at the back of my mind the whole time, since I did witness the same kind of car 2 weeks earlier that the front wheels completely fell out from under it.

The interior is comfortable, and it is not gloomy at all. I love the analog clock and the autostick.

It was my first time owning a Chrysler, and I would be impressed if the 5 Star Disservice dept would fix my car.

For some reason before the trip, I was averaging a little over 14 miles per gallon in the city, and it's not like I floor it every chance I get.

I guess I would love the car and keep it forever if it was in good mechanical shape.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th July, 2008

22nd Aug 2008, 21:17

I am the original writer of this review. I just wanted to give an update on the front suspension. I guess they got tired of me complaining about it, because they replaced everything. It felt like a brand new car. I never thought I'd like this car so much!! Now that it's fixed, I would now recommend it to anyone.

2003 Chrysler 300M 300m n/a

Summary:

Exoctic

Faults:

The alignment went wrong, but do to me human error. I live in NewYork lots of pot holes LoL.. But on a down note I would have to say that the handling could be a lot sharper than it is..

General Comments:

The 300m 2003 has Vey good acceleration. The interior is exotic. With Plush nice leather seats.. And the Back Seats or almost bigger than my living room as to say very comfortable rear seat. But Also on extended trips the seats can get a little bit uncomfortable.. And the only thing is really the handling Kinda lacking...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd November, 2007

2003 Chrysler 300M Special 3.5

Summary:

An engineering triumph!

Faults:

The harmonic balancer went out (Cost - $700.00) Dealer replaced it and everything works well.

Air conditioning sometimes does not blow cool air (even when coolant level is correct) no action taken as yet.

Overall, it is a pure joy to own and drive!! What a performer!!

General Comments:

This vehicle is quite a departure from the baseline 300M. The integration of the "off the shelf" Mitsubishi 3.5 Liter HO V6 is a great fit, and a formidable power-plant.

The acceleration and handling is better than most "sport sedans" in this class!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th June, 2007

10th Sep 2019, 21:23

The 3.5L is NOT a Mitsubishi engine, it's a Chrysler engine. Nothing on the LH platform Chryslers is Mitsubishi.

2003 Chrysler 300M CTS 3.6L 260 HP

Summary:

Well engineered vehicle slapped together with poor after sales training in adjusting factory defects

Faults:

- Moon roof maladjusted from factory & dealer unable to correct - wind noise.

- "ind noise - from both front doors.

- Molding on both front doors (edge of window trim) kept falling off.

- Hub cover rusted out and fell, dealer charging $45 to replace.

- Transmission not as firm shifting and slower when cold, even though recommended liquid & filter changed at 24000KM.

- Brakes had spongy pedal when traded @ 62500 KM.

General Comments:

Excellent car, handling very well with a good compromise between road feel and smoother ride - Like a snake on sandpaper.

Performance from the V6 is very surprising (top-end) and more than adequate for this type of vehicle (should have this engine option available in the Neon/PT Cruiser).

Large, roomy, spacious and very comfortable for 4 (large) adults.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2004

15th Jan 2005, 18:49

I don't think you know what car you are reviewing. The 300M was never a CTS it also only came with a 3.5L 255HP V6 SOHC engine. I really dislike you people who talk bad about Chrysler vehicles when you have never actually driven one.

11th Jan 2007, 18:55

I do agree, there are many happy people and there are the share of bad ones with any. As far back as I can go, when I got my first car in the 80's, it was a chrysler, today my wife and I both drive Chryslers, I have never had a problem with my 300m and my wife loves her Intrepid with the good engine (3.5 like my 300m). You have to do your research, that's all.

27th Feb 2008, 22:17

I just purchased a 300M Special Edition in December 07, fully loaded... I mean all of the bells and whistles. It only had 24K miles on it.

This car is unbelievable!!! Fast take off. It's a luxury car yet sporty. Very comfortable and actually seats 5 LARGE adults. I love it.

I turn heads EVERYWHERE I go, being that I am a woman in a ride like this...

All I can say is NICE. I am very pleased.

4th Jun 2009, 16:17

To the previous comments @ 27th Feb 2008, 22:17...

Sorry for being slightly confused here... but where exactly is there any head turning quotient with regard to a woman driving a 300M?

That simply doesn't make any sort of sense whatsoever... It's certainly not like the 300M is an overly masculine car, nor was it ever implicitly marketed to one gender or the other.

My wife drove a 300M for several years and there wasn't anything odd about it at all. In fact, afterwards... She drove a Buick Regal GS - arguably a much more masculine car than the M and is now behind the wheel of a Jeep... Again, a much more masculine vehicle.