Waiting to be accepted into university male's view: Okay, I am on the waiting list, but when you drive this beast there is no waiting. It is very fast, perhaps too fast for some, because you are touting around 4000 pounds and even with the Bosch-built brakes with13.6-inch vented rotors and dual-piston calipers in front and 12.6 inch vented discs in back that is a lot of inertia to control. No wonder that Chrysler provides ABS and electronic brake distribution as your constant pals with this 300C.

2005 Chrysler 300C AWD (photo: The Car Family)

What is especially alarming is that this is an all wheel vehicle fully intended to occupy roadways when the weather has slickened the surfaces. Putting so much horsepower, traction control or not, and 390 pound-feet of torque, to the wheels in times of such weather duress requires a tepid driver who is extremely cautious before applying force to the accelerator.

Other notes I made, see I am getting ready for college, is that the trunk simply did not open enough to get your hands under and closing it was awkward as there is nothing to grab. In addition, cupholders were average, radio reception wasn't up to par, the cruise control can easily be confused with the other controls, there isn't a lumbar control, and the turning radius is very large at nearly 40 feet.

So what did I like about the Chrysler? Basically, its pricing with the base package, the exterior appearance, and the interior look. There is no doubt in my mind that this car has Mercedes fingerprints all over it from the super smooth shifting transmission to the modern interior design and I don't mind that at all. I also like the fact you sit higher in the all wheel drive model giving you a feeling of control and yet, thanks to the high sides of the 300, you feel safe.

Family conference: We were looking forward to yet another great ride in the Chrysler 300, but the all wheel drive option left us cold. But we live where it doesn't snow that much and rain is consistent, but not rainforestish. If you live in areas of inclement weather the 300 is a good choice and a value leader and if you don't, try the rear wheel drive machine that is quite good. For a list of all manufacture websites go to
http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/auto/index.html