Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan (300M), Full-size sedan (Concorde, Intrepid)
Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, Buick LeSabre, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima
Distinctive Attributes:
Chrysler 300M: European-influenced styling, powerful V6 engine, luxury appointments. Concorde/Intrepid: Spacious interiors, comfortable ride, strong V6 engine options.
Demographic:
Families, executive drivers, those seeking comfortable and powerful American sedans.
Powertrain:
Engine systems, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, ignition control, emissions control, transaxle
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes, driveline, tires/wheels, frame & bumpers
Electrical Body:
Audio/Video, chime/buzzer, clock, electronic control modules (ECMs), heated systems, horn, instrument cluster, lamps, message systems, power systems, restraints (airbags, seatbelts), speed control, vehicle theft security, wipers/washers, wiring
Maintenance:
Lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacement, scheduled inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul procedures
Calibration:
Electronic control module (ECM) programming and relearn procedures, sensor calibration
Depth:
Detailed workshop procedures, step-by-step instructions with diagrams, torque specifications, electrical schematics, diagnostic strategies
Engine 300M:
3.5L High Output V6 (EGD)
Engine Concorde Intrepid:
2.7L V6 (EER), 3.2L V6 (EHE), 3.5L V6 (EGW, EGD)
Horsepower 300M 3.5Ho:
250 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque 300M 3.5Ho:
255 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Horsepower Concorde Intrepid 3.5:
234-235 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque Concorde Intrepid 3.5:
241-242 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Coil-near-Plug (CNP)
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Wheelbase:
Approximately 113.0 inches (2870 mm)
Length 300M:
Approximately 199.9 inches (5078 mm)
Length Concorde Intrepid:
Approximately 203.7 inches (5174 mm)
Width:
Approximately 74.4 inches (1890 mm)
Height:
Approximately 57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Curb Weight Approx:
3400-3700 lbs (1542-1678 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:
4600-4900 lbs (2087-2223 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger - specific year may vary slightly)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star (Front and Rear Passenger - specific year may vary slightly)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side curtain airbags (availability varies by model and trim)
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Optional Infinity audio systems, AM/FM CD/Cassette players, available premium sound systems
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control, optional dual-zone climate control
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control (Speed Control)
Security:
Vehicle theft security system, remote keyless entry
Gauges:
Illuminated instrument cluster with tachometer and trip computer
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or as per severe service recommendations
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years, using appropriate Mopar OAT coolant
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, meets MS-6395 specification)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) OAT coolant, color typically orange or pink
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler MS-5901 or equivalent
Head Gaskets:
Some earlier 2.7L V6 engines (EER) were prone to head gasket failures. Later models and the 3.2L/3.5L engines generally have better reliability.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
The 42LE transaxle can sometimes develop hard shifting or delayed engagement, often related to solenoid issues or fluid degradation.
Suspension Components:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can lead to steering looseness and premature tire wear.
Radiator Leaks:
Plastic end tanks on radiators can develop leaks over time.
Manufacturer:
Chrysler (division of DaimlerChrysler at the time)
Lh Platform:
These models are part of Chrysler's LH platform, introduced in the early 1990s, known for its cab-forward design and transverse engine layout.
300M Development:
The 300M was a more premium and performance-oriented variant, evolving from the LHS model, with a focus on European driving dynamics and styling.
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Production Years Lh Cars:
1993-2004 (Concorde and Intrepid), 1999-2004 (300M)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Chrysler 300M was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 2000, recognizing its blend of performance, luxury, and value.
Consumer Reports:
Reviews from consumer reporting agencies often highlighted comfort and ride quality, but noted potential reliability concerns with certain powertrain components in earlier years.