2004 Chrysler 300M Review
2004 Chrysler 300M Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+64
Used 300M for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Performance with room for the whole family, low price.
Cons
- Automatic transmission only, lacks key features, low-grade interior materials.
What’s new
Notable upgrades on the 2004 Chrysler 300M come in the form of a six-disc changer and optional Sirius Satellite Radio. Both the 300M and 300M Special now offer a navigation system that offers voice prompts and comes with a 360-watt premium sound system.
Edmunds says
A big, roomy American luxury sedan that can make time on a twisty road.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Chrysler 300M 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.90 per gallon for regular unleaded in Illinois.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$243/mo for 300M Base
300M Base
vs
$234/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
In 1955, the original Chrysler 300 was introduced. It was a large two-door coupe equipped with an equally massive V8. Successive years saw a letter attached to the car's name (300C, 300D and so on), though inexplicably some letters were left out of the sequence. In 1965, the 300 series was dropped. Chrysler revived the series and introduced it in May of 1998 as a 1999 model. Unlike its original introduction, this version has four doors but it is still featuring a powerful engine; a strong 3.5-liter V6 with 253 horsepower. The current version carries on the tradition of classy styling and plenty of room for the whole family.
The 2004 Chrysler 300M still comes in two flavors, a base model and Special version. The Special differentiates itself by having a few more horsepower, a few more pound-feet of torque, a different aerodynamic package, sport suspension, an upgraded ABS system and a choice of a few different colors. The Special version is meant to carry on the tradition of the original Chrysler 300 series, a car that some would consider the original muscle car.
In driving the Special, we found a noticeably harsh ride and the tendency for the giant tires to wander and tramline on grooved pavement. There's also plenty of road rumble evident in the cabin. The trade-off in ride comfort and straight-line stability results in dramatic dividends in handling. The upgraded brakes on this car are fantastic, a point proven with the Special coming to a stop in just 114 feet from 60 mph. This is almost unheard of for a vehicle of this size. Despite the 300M's girth and 3,650-pound curb weight, we found it to be a genuinely fun sedan to drive on a curvy road. Grip is outstanding, and the tightened suspension quells body roll nicely. The Special's stiffened suspension allows the driver to pitch this car hard into a turn without fear.
Chrysler touts its styling as a major selling point over its competitors. It is geared for traditional American automotive tastes, thus this is a traditional American sedan, and that's obvious the moment you enter the cabin. The leather-upholstered seats are wide and softly padded, almost mushy, though they provide acceptable support during relatively short trips. The 300M is undoubtedly a large car and competes against cars like the Chevrolet Impala, Mercury Grand Marquis/Ford Crown Victoria, Lexus ES 300 and Acura TL. Only the equally large Ford Crown Victoria and its twin the Mercury Grand Marquis can offer more luggage room, beating the Chrysler's spacious 16.8-cubic feet.In this market segment, the 300M is for those wanting an American sedan with better than average handling. But compared to Japanese or European entry-level luxury sedans, the 2004 Chrysler 300M is a step behind in refinement and feature content.
Performance & mpg
The base model 300M is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. The 300M Special is equipped with a tweaked version of that engine which produces 255 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 300M is available as an automatic only, though Chrysler does equip it with AutoStick.
Safety
The 2004 Chrysler 300M comes with four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) with low-speed traction control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Side airbags for front occupants are optional. The IIHS gave the 300M an overall "Acceptable" crash rating, while the NHTSA awarded three out of five stars in a front crash test for the driver.
Driving
Though the sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels on the Special can be harsher than the base model's, it offers a surprisingly responsive drive for such a large vehicle. Either version of the V6 engine is powerful enough to get the 300M moving at a reasonable clip, and the strong brakes can bring it to a confidence-inspiring quick stop.
Interior
This is a traditional American sedan, and that's obvious the moment you enter the cabin. The leather-upholstered seats are wide and softly padded, though they provide acceptable support. The seat heaters work quickly and effectively. The rear seat is positively huge, with generous legroom. But entry and exit, to either the front or rear seats, are hampered somewhat by the 300M's arched greenhouse. The trunk is generously sized at 16.8 cubic feet.
2004 Chrysler 300M models
The front-drive 2004 Chrysler 300M is a four-door sedan that comes in two trim levels: base and Special. Both are equipped with an automatic transmission that has "AutoStick," a feature that allows manual control of the gear changes. All 300Ms come loaded with features, the highlights being heated/power front seats; leather seating; and a 240-watt Infinity sound system with CD player and steering wheel-mounted controls. Separating the Special from other 300Ms are dark gray ground effects, twin exhaust pipes and "300 Special" badges. It also includes a stiffer suspension and 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot tires. Silver-toned accents highlight the dash and doors, and a 150-mph speedometer hints at the serious performance nature of the Special. Optional packages for the 300M include a cold weather package, a luxury package and a performance-handling package for the base model.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Chrysler 300M.
5 star(75%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
101 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I found a 300m Special GEM
pitmanoeuvre, 05/21/2011
2004 Chrysler 300M Special 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I just recently bought a 2002 300m Special/dark sapphire blue/black interior , and it passed emissions testing (as like new readings) , with only having replaced the sparkplugs.
The car has 237,000kms on it and is in completely original condition.
Being the second owner , the original owner obviously had it in a garage since new and took good care of it , without needing anything at … all.
Judging by the short time I have had it , it is the best used car I have yet to see.
The car was starting and running fine (no ticking sounds or noises) , even while the sparkplugs were still the originals.
Even the air conditioning outclasses most others I have seen.
It has not needed any service.
5 out of 5 stars
READ THIS!! ITS TRUE!!
dkny, 05/12/2003
2004 Chrysler 300M Special 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
small to big,... fast to sluggish,..
I've owned them all. The
absolute,overall favorite is the
Chrysler 300M. Fast, sexy, comfortable,
nimble, logical, fun, uncommon, and
nearly as beautiful as the perfect
woman. Curves in the right places,
predictable attitude, a dream to be
with, enviable from every angle, fast
and precise with a full throttle voice
to die for. A … perfect specimen,
especially when topless. Soft in the
right places and graciously endowed
with the right equipment. Push the
right buttons and get ready for the
ride of your life.
4.88 out of 5 stars
My Extra Special
Coolrunning, 07/07/2008
2004 Chrysler 300M Special 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
A beautiful car, it always turned heads. The handling was more like a much smaller car, and it had plenty of power to respond to any traffic situation without hesitation.
5 out of 5 stars
Why I'm surprised
Surprised also, 07/17/2003
2004 Chrysler 300M Special 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Back in the mid 80's I had bought a
couple Chryslers and was basically very
disappointed with the reliability, but
boy have these cars come a long way
since then! It has really been a
pleasantry to see my 300M never break
down the 90000 miles I have driven it.
I have very much been impressed.
2004 300M Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $29,185 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $243/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 300M include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
People who viewed this also viewed
4.8 average Rating out of 14 reviews. |
Starting at $31,100 |
4.3 average Rating out of 6 reviews. |
Starting at $36,690 |
5.0 average Rating out of 3 reviews. |
Starting at $38,340 |
Consider these recommendations
Related Used 2004 Chrysler 300M info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Toyota Prius v 2015
- Used Toyota Land Cruiser 2016
- Used Volkswagen GTI 2012
- Used Scion XB 2012
- Used Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2020
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Bentley Bentayga 2023
- Jeep Wagoneer L 2023
- Jaguar XF 2023
- 2023 HUMMER EV
- Nissan Titan 2024
- 2023 Silverado 3500HD
- 2023 Dodge Hornet
- 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe
- 2024 Porsche Boxster
- 2025 BMW 4 Series
Research other models of Chrysler
Research similar vehicles
- 2024 Cadillac CT5
- BMW 535I
- 2023 Acura TLX
- 7 Series Car
- BMW 3 Series 2023
- BMW I4
- Sedan Volvo S90
- Porsche Panamera
- 2024 BMW 3 Series
- Audi RS 4
Other models
- Used Mitsubishi Lancer-Evolution in El Dorado, AR
- New Hyundai Ioniq-5 for Sale in Shippensburg, PA
- Used Mazda Protege5 in Flemington, NJ
- New Mercedes-Benz Eqb for Sale in Lithonia, GA
- New Toyota Camry for Sale in Burbank, IL
- New GMC Hummer-Ev for Sale in Maumee, OH
- Used GMC Sierra-1500-Classic in Conway, AR
- New Polestar 2 for Sale in Cleburne, TX
- Used Fisker Ocean in Charleston, SC
- Used Ford F-150 in West Hollywood, CA