2005 Chrysler 300

Ultimately, all 300s feel like cut-rate luxury cars rather than overpriced family sedans, buyers will congratulate themselves for making the right value decision, while remaining cognizant of certain refinement and technology compromises. The space, power, and road presence is more than enough to compensate for any showroom envy specification-watchers may have. Many luxury-car makers offer a better warranty than Chrysler's 3-year/36,000-mile deal, but at least all 300s come with the Chrysler Premium Care Warranty, which gives you a free loaner car for non-body shop maintenance and repairs. Most 300s can tow 2,000 pounds, but we suspect that the majority of their owners will prefer to leave the trailer behind, as the car's looks are greatly diminished with a Coleman camper in tow. The 2005 Chrysler 300 earned the IntelliChoice Best Overall Value of the Year award in the Large Car category, proving that its object value proposition is as appealing as its distinctive styling.

Chrysler once again has built the great American sedan, and it's a really great one.

What's HOT:

+ Drives superbly

+ Looks like a million dollars

+ Rear- and all-wheel drive

What's NOT:

- Sluggish base engine

- Slightly inferior interior materials

- Limited snow traction without AWD

Introduced for the 2005 model year, the 300 has proved such a roaring success that there are only minor changes for the 2006 model line.

Avoid the base 300 and move up to a Touring or Limited. All-wheel drive is good for drivers in the Snow Belt. If you crave performance, however, go straight for the 300C, or even splurge for the smokin' SRT8. If the base car is all that's in your budget, go for the optional ESP stability control.