2007 Chrysler 300 Limited AWD - Is Everything but Limited
What's it like to spend nearly 2000 miles, over five days in a Chrysler 300 Limited? In one word, fabulous, that is, un-limitlessly fabulous.
By Tim Hartge
What's it like to spend nearly 2000 miles, over five days in a Chrysler 300 Limited? In one word, fabulous, that is, un-limitlessly fabulous. It's an odd decision for Chrysler to hang a Limited label on a car that does just about everything right; as a highway cruiser should. This car is anything but limited in its form, and function.
Let's look at the unlimited nature of this Chrysler 300 Limited AWD. First the design, although older, is still striking. The neighbors had to come over and comment and look at the car finished its Steel Blue Metallic color, the exterior color was complemented by the Dark Khaki seats which are extremely comfortable on long trips. These seats are designed with oodles of support, covered in a very high quality grade of leather and have unlimited adjustments. The interior cab space is enough to haul Buffy the pet, four adults or all of your small antiques and your books on tape with ease with the driver's seat is full-on back (I'm 6' 2" tall). And the trunk, wow, it's the size of the bedroom I grew up in. Its cargo capacity easily holds the overstuffed American suitcases of the four adult occupants, plus some of those "rare find deals" from the antique store. I've always wanted a Goodyear rubber tire ringed, glass ashtray you'd see in service repair shops, and I found one! It rode in the back seat.
The way our test car was equipped, was ideal for the 2000 mile trip. It had the Customer Preferred Package 27K with heated seats, Dual Zone Auto Temp Control, for the too hot man or woman and their too hot, too cold spouse. It really is a modern miracle to keep husband and wife in their comfort zone, literally during long trips. SIRIUS Satellite Radio, way too cool, all of your favorites tunes anywhere in the United States at anytime...how fashionably American. Great, easy to read dials and gauges and the mini-trip computer, all contained and controlled at your fingertips with your hands firmly wrapped around the steering wheel. And a must have DVD based, GPS, navigational system with 6 CD changer and a rear seat video entertainment system.
I can't remember what I did before navigational systems? These are so useful and a time saver, to do without is unthinkable. One nick on Chrysler however is the old dial the address in navigation system, as we had in this car, rather than the touch screen system. Its maddening when you know the technology is there, and other manufacturers have it, why doesn't Chrysler on this great highway cruiser? I suppose some bean- counter somewhere nixed the more modern system to save a few pennies. That's a problem for car makers trying to keep up with Jones' the other car companies, who are one or two steps ahead balancing cost and features.
But what makes the Limited, un-limiting is the Luxury Group. Those little things that make the car experience special, power moon roof, rain-sensitive wipers, a kick-a - - sound system. Boston Acoustics, with six CD's, hands free communications, power adjustable pedals and for the kids in the crowd, the Rear Seat Video Entertainment System. That powered up the back seat for our youngster.
The engine power was one of the limiting factors, but fixable with the HEMI option. Our factory car came ready and equipped with the somewhat less willing; however capable 3.5 liter High-Output 24-Valve six-cylinder motor and five speed automatic. The good news was this car at one point in the trip, cruising at 70 mph, delivered an astonishing 26.3 mpg! On average for the whole trip, more like the 24 - 25 mpg range. Another limiting factor on the fuel economy is the optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system. However, I'd recommend AWD in harsher climates. In the more standard trim this car is a rear-wheel drive platform and AWD traction on icy, snow-covered roads is a highly favored option.
This was a car built in the tradition of great highway cruisers. A joy to drive 2000 miles and with a car wash and interior clean-up, I'm ready to hit the road again.
Posted - August 17, 2007
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