Evaluation of Consumer Reports 300C review
I just got my Consumer Reports today and I found I agreed with most of their positive and negative assessments of the 300C. IMO, they did a thorough review and caught many of the issues discussed in numerous threads on this forum. Even though I love my C, the one big gripe (and which I agree with CR) is the stiff/bouncy ride, which I described in this thread.
http://www.300cforums.com/showthread.php?t=1306
I am still hoping a solution will be found for the rough ride, either by getting rid of the self-sealing Conti's, or overhauling the suspension and replace it with the SRT-8 suspension.
One thing CR seems to totally miss is the 300C "enjoyment" factor. They seemed to be enamored with the Ford 500, even though the Ford 500's 203-hp V6 "delivers just adequate performance", and "is slow from a standing start". While I value CR, they have their biases and priorities which effects their view of the world. I can safely say that even with all the negatives, I have never in a moment regretted buying my C after 3.5 months of ownership.
Below are the CR assessments I copied from the magazine.
For the heck of it, I grouped them by how I agreed/disagreed with them.
CR Negative or mediocre assessments that I agree with
Poor gas mileage
Handles soundly but not exceptionally
300C is stiff and transmits impacts to the cabin with pronounced jolts
There is less isolation from bumps in the 300C, and the body has short, quick movements
The 300 handles competently but isn't very sporty
Halogen headlights were unimpressive because low beams sharp upper cut-off between
light and dark meant that the lights distance was shortened when driving over undulations
The horn is difficult to find and doesn't work with ignition turned off.
Trunk lacks external and internal handgrips.
The rear center seat has no head restraint and the seat back is too low to protect against whiplash.
The thick roof pillars block visibility while parking and backing up.
CR Positive assessment that I agree with
Interior materials have good fit and finish
Rear seat room is good
Road and wind noise are well isolated
Body lean is well contained
The 300C delivers effortless performance
The 5 speed transmission shifts smoothly
Braking was very good overall, with short straight stops
The Xenon lowbean headlights reached a good distance with good intensity - n/a I don't have HID
Halogen high beams had good intensity and distance
300's feel roomy behind the steering wheel.
Adjustable pedals in 300C help make it easy to find a good driving position - n/a - I don't have this option
The front power seats are very comfortable with plenty of back and thigh support (I disagree with good thigh support)
The rear seats are low and provide adequate thigh support.
300 has easy-to-use controls and clear displays.
Most controls are lighted at night and easy to use.
Very good automatic, dual zone climate control system.
Interior storage space is adequate.
The 300C has a nicely finished trunk and lid/lining.
CR Negative assessments that I disagree with
The claustrophobic cabin and limited outward visibility are distractions.
Trunk is somewhat small.
The ride is marred by suspension noise when traveling over rough surfaces
and body shudder over ruts and transverse ridges.
The steering has a vague feeling in the 300C.
The dash and doorsills are very high and the roof low, limiting the glass area in the car.
It is difficult to see overhead traffic lights and signs.
The front door openings are wide, but the low roof and tall sills make access more difficult than it should be.
The slope of the rear roof pillar impedes rear cabin access.
Cruise control and wipers are cumbersome to use.
