Chrysler 300M

The Chrysler 300M was introduced in mid-1998 as an early 1999 model along with the nearly-identical LHS. As to where the "M" suffix originated, it picked up where the 300-L left off after it was discontinued in 1966 (prior to that, Chrysler had the 300-K in 1965, the 300-J in 1964, and so on). The 300M was naturally based on the lesser Concorde model, even sharing its 113" platform, and was not only more upscale but had a much sportier character than the Concorde and LHS. It differed externally from the LHS with a different grille and taillights, and less chrome and glitz.

Standard and only engine choice was the 253 hp 3.5L (215 cid) V6 with a 4-speed "autostick" transmission, which permitted manually-selected gear changes using a separate shift gate. Antilock all-disc brakes and traction control were standard. All 300Ms had front bucket seats, and the 300M had a sportier-tuned suspension that wasn't shared with the LHS or Concorde. A performance handling package was optional, and oddly came with 16" performance tires, a size smaller than the standard 17" tires with the standard suspension. 2000 300Ms got a 4-disc CD-changer added to the options list, along with chrome wheels for the performance handling package. 2001s could now have side-impact airbags.

To be continued...