Dad's view: There is more noise and the ride is far more cumbersome with the all wheel drive 300 C. On the other hand, this Chrysler is priced quite right for what you get. Obviously, the new Ford Five Hundred with all wheel drive is a much better deal, but you only get one engine, a 203 six cylinder. The Volvo S80 costs more, is roomier, but is down on power with a five-cylinder producing 208 horsepower. The Infiniti costs slightly less, but is much smaller. We find the Ford Five Hundred an exceptionally buy in this segment, but the lack of a significant engine makes it less of a rival to the Chrysler and more to the compact SUV set.

The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, creates 340 horsepower and can run on four or eight cylinders as the computer sees fit. (photo: The Car Family)

Statistics are almost overwhelming when you discuss the 300 C. The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, creates 340 horsepower, can run on four or eight cylinders as the computer sees fit, and is mated to a Mercedes sourced five-speed automatic that is truly exceptional. The reported difference in gas mileage between the standard rear wheel drive and optional all wheel drive is insignificant because of the technology Chrysler has imbued in this sedan. Mind you, it isn't very good, but for the horsepower you are getting and the weight of the vehicle it isn't bad. You can get to 60 mph in about seven seconds in case a thunderstorm or snow squall is chasing you. Regardless don't bother trying to turn off the traction control because it doesn't give up its assistance that easily. The redline is 5700 rpm and Chrysler offers a seven year/70,000 mile warranty on the drivetrain. The 19-gallon fuel tank offers the potential for 400-mile trips. Size wise, the 300 is even longer than our favorite sedan, the Toyota Avalon, and it is definitely going to fill up your garage with its 120-inch wheelbase. To give you an idea, it is nearly 8 inches longer than a Mercedes E Class.

Keeping with statistics, the optional all-wheel drive uses a planetary-gear differential with a 32/68 front-to-rear torque split. It reacts pretty much like a rear wheel drive vehicle in most situations, although you can feel more heft though the rack-and-pinion steering. The 18 inch tires are designed more for off road duties than those on the regular models and the result is more tire noise, lean on corners, and a taller ride characterized by the 300 C's tippy-toe look from the side as the tires don't fill the wheel wells due to the elevated stance required by the all wheel drive motif.

I think the Chrysler 300 is a bargain and a triumph for the car buyer looking for value. However, the all wheel drive version left me in a quandary. I didn't like the handling and felt that the need for such an option and its value outside areas of significant rain and snowfall were dubious at best and yet freely admit that this type of mechanical assistance is undoubtedly needed to harvest the full potential of the Hemi engine in such conditions.

Perhaps if I had not tested the rear wheel drive version that so swayed my soul I would not be so hardened about the all wheel drive version.

Working woman's view: There is something of a scoundrel in this Chrysler. I don't know if it is the chopped top, the in your face grill, or the Hemi engine under the bonnet, but whatever it is there is no doubt that you simply cannot ignore this sedan. Of course there are negatives, too. The large C pillars and high trunk mean that visibility is something that needs to be improved and the low roof also means that streetlights are difficult to see if you pull up too close to the intersection. Other concerns were with headrests that did not have forward of back adjustment, although this Chrysler has excellent crash test ratings. I would have also recommend you look at the other engines if you are interested in fuel economy. I doubt you are going to get much above 15 mpg in town driving and on the highway I would expect 20 to be reasonable. Even the base six cylinder engine is quite strong. However, I believe that the Hemi will retain its value better. To check go to http://www.nada.com

The list of options is quite tempting outside of the all wheel drive and Hemi add-ons. Chrysler is offers front and rear curtain airbags, an upgraded stereo, a very much needed ultrasonic rear object detection system, self-sealing tires, a hands free cell phone, adjustable pedals, xenon headlights, a sunroof, satellite radio, and a GPS navigation system as major options on the 300.