300 in the Market

Full-size sedans occupy an interesting spot in the market. If you can take a big hit in cabin and trunk room, similar money buys an entry-level luxury car. It may not be lavishly optioned, but you'll get a car cut from nicer cloth: better interior finishes, heavier-seeming doors, firmer controls. Or so the perception goes.

The reality, though, is that today's full-size cars blur the lines astoundingly well. The Genesis and Avalon boast interiors worthy of any $35,000 luxury nameplate. So, too, does the 300, and that's something I couldn't say of its predecessor. Chrysler expects the flagship to be shopped against conventional full-size cars as well as entry-luxury models. If you're considering either group, it deserves to be on your list. And that's all good news for an automaker trying to claw its way back into the mainstream.

    See also:

    Headlights
    Turn the headlight switch knob to the second detent to turn the headlights and parking lights on. This also turns on all instrument panel lighting. To change the brightness of the instrument ...

    Cooling System
    WARNING! • When working near the radiator cooling fan, disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position. The fan is temperature controlled and can start at anyti ...

    Tread Wear Indicators
    Tread wear indicators are in the original-equipment tires to help you in determining when your tires should be replaced. 1 — Worn Tire 2 — New Tire These indicators are molded into the ...