As a parent, I get nervous whenever my kids' progress reports come out. I have to believe Chrysler knows how I feel, because the 300C hasn't seen an update since 2004. The automaker will be happy to know I was impressed with the 2011 Chrysler 300C's progress.

The foundation starts with a solid full-size sedan with no squeaks, rattles and little road noise; add all-wheel drive and a ton of features, and the 2011 300C is easily at grade level.

I enjoyed the way the 300C drove. It was a large, long car, but it didn't feel that way. I'm not saying it was nimble, but it was easy to drive and park. The acceleration from its standard Hemi V-8 was amazing, but even more impressive was the braking. It was tight and smooth without being herky-jerky.

The interior looks sophisticated, and the fit and finish is well-executed, with no exposed pieces of hardware or seams that didn't match up. Seeing as my test car, a 300C with all-wheel drive, rang up at $45,235 that's terrific progress. The 2011 300C has a starting MSRP of $38,170. I found only a couple areas of improvement for the 300C and then this student can own a valedictorian status.

• EXTERIOR
• INTERIOR
• SAFETY