1999-2004 Chrysler 300M/LHS: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2004 Chrysler 300M
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
1999-2004 Chrysler 300M/LHS ▼
- Price Range: $3,200 - $9,700
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Chrysler LHS and 300M
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M/LHS and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Acceleration
- Ride/handling
Cons
- Rear visibility
- Trunk liftover
Vehicle Highlights
Chrysler launched two offshoots of its Concorde sedan as early 1999 models: the LHS, which had been available in the prior generation, and the completely new, sport-oriented 300M. Both the LHS and 300M used the same front-drive chassis as the Concorde/Intrepid, but had distinct styling and shorter bodies. They shared a 253-horsepower V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission, though the 300M was fitted with Chrysler's AutoStick automatic, which permits manually-selected gear changes using a separate shift gate. Antilock all-disc brakes and traction control were standard. Side airbags were not available. Running changes during their first season included removal of the 118-mph speed limiter. Both models also gained a trunk cargo net, plus Chrysler's Sentry Key theft-deterrent system, which disabled the ignition unless the proper key was used. The 300M had a sportier suspension and steering settings, but the same 17-inch tires as the LHS. The Performance Handling option gave the 300M more aggressive 16-inch rubber. The LHS and 300M were strictly 5-passenger sedans. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard, and the 300M added a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chrysler 300M Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M/LHS. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M/LHS.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Chrysler LHS and 300M:
Both models got minor trim and option changes for 2000, including an available 4-disc in-dash CD changer and revised instrument lighting, designed to improve readability. The Performance Handling option now was available with chrome wheels.
2001 Chrysler LHS and 300M:
Side airbags for front seats became optional this year. A new Luxury Group option featured genuine walnut wood interior trim, along with automatic tilt-down outside mirrors for improved visibility when backing up. New standard features included steering-wheel audio controls and 3-point safety belt for the center rear position. Both models got newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels, which were available with chrome finish on the 300M. Extra-cost bright wheels on the LHS retained the previous style. The Performance Handling option for the 300M switched from 16-inch to 17-inch wheels and tires.
2002 Chrysler LHS and 300M:
Chrysler dropped the LHS trim and added an even-sportier edition called the 300M Special. The new version bowed midyear with unique trim, lowered and stiffer suspension, 18-inch wheels vs. 17s, and brighter Xenon headlights.
2003 Chrysler LHS and 300M:
A satellite-radio receiver was added midyear.
2004 Chrysler LHS and 300M:
New changes for '04 include an available satellite radio and a new navigation system. Also new this year are standard 17-inch wheels on both the base and Special models. The Special's previously standard 18-inch wheels are now part of an option package.
Our road test for the 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M/LHS includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M/LHS and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M/LHS is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Because LHS and 300M sedans have more horsepower than any 6-cylinder near-luxury rivals, acceleration and throttle response are a match for any direct competitor--and a clear step ahead of a Concorde or Intrepid. In overall refinement, however, both fall short of such import-brand models as the Lexus GS 300 and Acura TL. Chrysler's engine isn't quite as smooth. Road and wind noise, while not objectionable, aren't as well-isolated. Fuel economy is no bargain, either. A test LHS averaged 17.7 mpg when new and 21.6 mpg in long-term testing, whereas a 300M averaged 18.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Road manners are impressive. The LHS offers competent handling and a well-controlled ride. A 300M steers and turns with genuine assertiveness, yet the base suspension absorbs bumps well. Brakes on both are strong, with fine pedal feel. On rough pavement, the ride can get jarring in a 300M with the Performance Handling Group. The 300M Special's stiffer suspension and 18-inch tires make for an unforgiving ride on flawed pavement. No near-luxury rival equals their generous interior volume, though the 300M's slight rear leg-room deficiency, compared to the LHS, is apparent. Rear-seat entry on both is hampered by elongated doors. Instruments are tastefully designed and imaginatively illuminated, but nighttime readability could be better. Controls are well-positioned and have good tactile feel. The driving position is easily tailored. Models with light-colored dashboard tops suffer annoying reflections in the windshield, and narrow back windows mean poor rearward visibility. The trunk is large on the LHS, with a wide opening. Cargo volume and opening are both smaller on the 300M.
Value for the Money
Although these two give up a measure of refinement to their top competitors, and cabin decor is less sophisticated, they deliver more interior space and comparable performance at hard-to-match prices. Neither has established a track record for reliability and customer service. Still, Chrysler's flagships show promise.
Although these two give up a measure of refinement to their top competitors, and cabin decor is less sophisticated, they deliver more interior space and comparable performance at hard-to-match prices. Neither has established a track record for reliability and customer service. Still, Chrysler's flagships show promise.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chrysler 300M Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chrysler LHS and 300M includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chrysler LHS and 300M .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Electrical problem:
The interior lights may not work (or may stay on) and/or the overhead courtesy lights may flicker due to damaged wiring near the trunk light or bad terminal in the courtesy-light connector. (1999)
Keyless entry:
The range of the optional automatic garage door opener is poor. A replacement antenna is available. (2000)
Steering noise:
Pinhole leaks in the rubber bellows of the steering gear may cause a rattle from the front end. (1999-2000)
Steering problems:
Loose or sloppy steering feel may be due to bad inner tie-rod bushings. (1999-2001)
Vehicle noise:
Front end makes a squeaking noise when going over speed bumps, etc. due to problem with MacPherson struts' striker caps.
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $530 |
| Alternator | $425 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,670 |
| Brakes | $360 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $950 |
| Exhaust System | $480 |
| Radiator | $555 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,390 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $250 |
Our price chart for this generation Chrysler LHS and 300M details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2004 | |||
| 300M | $9,700-10,800 | $8,700-9,700 | $5,000-5,600 |
| 2003 | |||
| 300M | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| 2002 | |||
| 300M | $6,700-7,500 | $5,900-6,600 | $3,100-3,500 |
| 2001 | |||
| 300M | $5,800-6,500 | $5,000-5,700 | $2,400-2,700 |
| LHS | $4,900-5,600 | $4,200-4,800 | $1,900-2,200 |
| 2000 | |||
| 300M | $5,100-5,800 | $4,300-4,900 | $2,000-2,300 |
| LHS | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 1999 | |||
| 300M | $4,500-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,600-1,900 |
| LHS | $3,900-4,600 | $3,200-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chrysler LHS and 300M include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 300M 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 197.8 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3567 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.1 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain was available: a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 253 horsepower, driving a four-speed automatic transmission. The 300M Special, introduced in 2002, used the same standard V6 engine but had 255 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.5 / 215 | 250-255 | 255-258 | 4-speed automatic: 18/27 | 4-speed automatic: 17.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chrysler LHS and 300M include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 LHS |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M/LHS directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1998-02 300M/LHS:
Some vehicles may have faulty seat recliner bolts, allowing the seat to unexpectedly recline. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1999 LHS:
Front seatbelt retractor on certain vehicles does not work properly.
1999-00:
Inadequately manufactured seatbelt shoulder height-adjustable turning loop top mounting bolt may not withstand sufficient force to function properly in certain impacts.
2000 300M:
Passenger-airbag inflator assembly in small number of cars contains incorrect inflator charge amount, which could increase risk of passenger injury under certain crash conditions.
2000:
Manufacturing molding error can prevent operation of G-lock and tilt lock functions on some driver-side seatbelt retractors.
2000-01:
In the event of a crash, there is a potential for injury if the occupant's head were to contact the B-pillar. Owners will be sent a storage-bin accessory unit that can be attached to the B-pillar along with installation instructions.
2000-01:
Some owner's manuals are missing full instructions for properly attaching a child-restraint system's tether strap.
2003:
An inadequately manufactured hood latch component may cause hood to open without warning. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
