I will own this car...
- Thread starter imported_turbomangt
- Start date
"It's like a Caprice Classic replacement."
I'll bet some of us do not remember those times when the american makers were really designing cars. In the early to mid seventies, the Caprice Classic was the embodiment of chevrolet style. It seems that since 1977 the american automakers lost most of their senses when it came to style. Sure enough, the cars improved mechanically, but for the most part, most of the american cars, as I see it, lost every bit of sense of good looks and a sense of lust appeal.
That is why I admire this 300C. It is such a refreshing break away from the generic aero think or the recently adopted japanese "angular" look that even the corvette borrowed in some areas on their c6. In terms of styling, it is far more interesting than any GM or Ford product (my opinion), and if the hemi is everything its calling itself, will outgun any gm sedan except for the ls6 caddy (which costs maybe 20 g more......not counting depreciation).
So I say "lets hear it for the 300c and Daimler Chrysler." At least they're not afraid of showing some imagination, that has been absent from the domestic scene, IMO, since the day of the "Caprice Classic."
I'll bet some of us do not remember those times when the american makers were really designing cars. In the early to mid seventies, the Caprice Classic was the embodiment of chevrolet style. It seems that since 1977 the american automakers lost most of their senses when it came to style. Sure enough, the cars improved mechanically, but for the most part, most of the american cars, as I see it, lost every bit of sense of good looks and a sense of lust appeal.
That is why I admire this 300C. It is such a refreshing break away from the generic aero think or the recently adopted japanese "angular" look that even the corvette borrowed in some areas on their c6. In terms of styling, it is far more interesting than any GM or Ford product (my opinion), and if the hemi is everything its calling itself, will outgun any gm sedan except for the ls6 caddy (which costs maybe 20 g more......not counting depreciation).
So I say "lets hear it for the 300c and Daimler Chrysler." At least they're not afraid of showing some imagination, that has been absent from the domestic scene, IMO, since the day of the "Caprice Classic."
jaybs02
New member
I had a '76 caprice classic. White with a red velour? interior.
What a great car that was.
That was the last year before they changed the body style.
It was big, powerfull and floated down the highway.
Thats for reminding me of it, it brings back some fond memories
What a great car that was.
That was the last year before they changed the body style.
It was big, powerfull and floated down the highway.
Thats for reminding me of it, it brings back some fond memories
Accumulator
Well-known member
Corey Bit Spank said:
Heh heh, you'd be surprised :cool Remember, I have some "good" cars like my S8 to compare the Caprices to and, more importantly, a fair bit of 10/10ths track experience in the Chevies; I know whereof I speak
Not trying to rag on you, but you just happened to pick a less-than-swell example of crappy domestic cars. The '94-'96 Caprice 9C1s (9C1=police package) just happen to be seriously good automobiles.
C. Charles Hahn
CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
jaybs95 said:I had a '76 caprice classic. White with a red velour? interior.
What a great car that was.
That was the last year before they changed the body style.
It was big, powerfull and floated down the highway.
Thats for reminding me of it, it brings back some fond memories
Honestly though, I don't think "that era" really died until 1996. I consider any of the b-body cars (caprices, impalas, caddy fleetwoods, buick roadmasters) as part of the "american embodiment." -- RWD, land-yacht sized, big powerful V8, just excellent.
I learned how to drive in a '96 Impala SS with the LT1 in it; I still envy the car to this day and would love to own one for cruising around in -- the feel of that car is quite something; I've never found another vehicle that can duplicate it.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Cool :xyxthumbs *GREAT* learning tool. Nice to see I'm not the only guy here who appreciates the things.
FWIW, I had a '94 Impala SS when they first came out and even with the (factory) skinnier police 15" tires, the 9C1s actually drive better, sorta surprised me. Stiffer/heftier suspension parts, less weight, and no missing body mount bushings like on the civilian cars (even the Impalas :eek ). You can still find nice ones cheap and they never seem to wear out. I just can't get them out of my system, even with the "good" cars my wife and I usually drive
Corey Bit Spank
Active member
Accumulator said:Heh heh, you'd be surprised :cool Remember, I have some "good" cars like my S8 to compare the Caprices to and, more importantly, a fair bit of 10/10ths track experience in the Chevies; I know whereof I speak
My dad had one and I had issues with it.
It just wasn't very inspiring. But then again, they weren't meant to be 5 series fighters I guess. Solid car though.Ed Hartman
New member
Well, my latest consumer reports mag says some interesting things about the Chrysler 300.
#1 "The bold styling of the Chrysler 300 draws a lot of attention, but in most ways neither the V8 nor the V6 was a standout in our testing."
#2 "The claustraphobic cabin and limited outward visibilty are destractions"
#3 "The ride of both models is marred by suspension noise when travelling over rough surfaces and body shudder over ruts."
Cars in the large sedan class they like much better are:
Totota Avalon, Buick Park Ave, Nissan Maxima, Ford Five Hundred
#1 "The bold styling of the Chrysler 300 draws a lot of attention, but in most ways neither the V8 nor the V6 was a standout in our testing."
#2 "The claustraphobic cabin and limited outward visibilty are destractions"
#3 "The ride of both models is marred by suspension noise when travelling over rough surfaces and body shudder over ruts."
Cars in the large sedan class they like much better are:
Totota Avalon, Buick Park Ave, Nissan Maxima, Ford Five Hundred
Accumulator
Well-known member
Corey- Heh heh as I said, I know from good cars and on-track, 10/10ths driving, and I've tracked Bimmers too
I do get you on the "not inspiring" bit. I seem to be the only person I know who's absolutely nutty about the things, so maybe I'm just nutty
My wife probably thinks so, I'm not sure she's wild about the Caprices
Anyhow, I'm just being all
about busting you on the Caprice put-downs so don't take any of my [stuff] the wrong way, I'm not trying to be a [jerk].
I do get you on the "not inspiring" bit. I seem to be the only person I know who's absolutely nutty about the things, so maybe I'm just nutty
My wife probably thinks so, I'm not sure she's wild about the Caprices Anyhow, I'm just being all
about busting you on the Caprice put-downs so don't take any of my [stuff] the wrong way, I'm not trying to be a [jerk].The '94-'96 Impala SS's were great cars, don't get me wrong (these should be in another topic of a different thread). I was referring to inspirational styling, which was found in gm's cars, and in particular, the example of the caprices from '71-'76. That generation of Caprice (how did this ever find its way in a 300c topic?) catered to the luxury on a budget crowd, but yet managed to define its own style and statement apart from its glittery corporate cousins in the cadillac, buick and olds divisions. After '76, the gm big cars took on a whole different look and feel with the downsized bodies. Those cars still looked good, thanks to nice fabrics, trim and paint schemes, but the long bodied styling, with the streamlined notions and well rounded curves, were forever lost after gm and the big three(two) went to aerodynamics and anonymous, cost cutting design think.
I long to see such inspiration and design excellence in american (or most other) cars again. I feel that at least one auto maker has lunged toward the right direction.
I long to see such inspiration and design excellence in american (or most other) cars again. I feel that at least one auto maker has lunged toward the right direction.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Yeah, back on topic (Corey got me going with a swipe at Caprices )-
When the SRT-8 comes out it might really be something. I go hot and cold on the styling, and I have some real issues with Chrysler (and Benz) build-quality. But at least it's not something slow and boring with crappy handling like a ..uh-oh, that's how I got started on my Caprice rant..like a crappy car.
And just wait until the aftermarket gets them all sorted out!
I always try to withold judgement on how a car handles until I actually *drive* the thing. All too often the magazine tests just don't seem to correlate to real-world experience. I dunno if it's the testing grounds or the test cars, but I take everything I read (good and bad) with a grain of salt.
But whenever we see a 300 driving around with its parking lights and foglights on, but its headlights *off*, my wife and I just
about how stupid we think it looks! So unless it's foggy out, keep the lower-bumper lights off please
)-When the SRT-8 comes out it might really be something. I go hot and cold on the styling, and I have some real issues with Chrysler (and Benz) build-quality. But at least it's not something slow and boring with crappy handling like a ..uh-oh, that's how I got started on my Caprice rant
..like a crappy car.And just wait until the aftermarket gets them all sorted out!
I always try to withold judgement on how a car handles until I actually *drive* the thing. All too often the magazine tests just don't seem to correlate to real-world experience. I dunno if it's the testing grounds or the test cars, but I take everything I read (good and bad) with a grain of salt.
But whenever we see a 300 driving around with its parking lights and foglights on, but its headlights *off*, my wife and I just
about how stupid we think it looks! So unless it's foggy out, keep the lower-bumper lights off please turbomangt said:
I've seen a few '05 Mustangs out on the road now. I really like it. Great retro styling going back to when Mustangs were sex on wheels.
I like the 300C but I wouldn't buy the first year model of any car. The SRT-8 holds a lot of promise if the car is reliable. My ex-wife's brother has owned several Intrepids. Lots of problems with the first one but the other 4 or 5 have been trouble free. Of course, he buys a new one every 18 months or so since he travels a lot and puts 40,000 miles or so a year on them.
MongooseGA
New member
Ed Hartman said:
They actually like the Ford Five Hundred? I wasn't expecting much out of the car. Good for Ford
I'm sorry Chrysler is JUNK! Everybody I know has had nothing but problems with them (I know 2 owners). They put all there money in there looks and put crap in it. Look the gov't pushed them to a major recall. Engineers tell me that they make the worst transmissions, drive train in the business.
imported_turbomangt
New member
Audipower. I respectfully disagree. Just because you know of two people in the total population of Chryslers on the road, means nothing on the reliability of the cars. In my detail business, I drive all kinds of cars because I offer free pick up in my area, so I'm always evaluating cars. Bottom line. I LOVE MY CRUISER, and have no regretes after owning one for 2 years. In fact I was so motivated with owning the car, I started a club in my area and found the same excitement and enthusiasm with other owners. You can pick any segment of any car maker and find someone that will find fault with something. I can't wait till the auto show comes up next Feb, some exciting things going on in the industry.
I am a proud owner of a 300C. I have 5200 miles on it and have a on my face every time I get behind the wheel. Not sure where the soft ride comments come from, but I feel the suspension is just right. I hope you have driven the car hard before making these comments. It's not a vette, but for the size and weight, I have no complaints. Where else can a 4000+ lb car go 0-60 in 6 seconds for this price. The combination of performance and luxury can not be matched for the money.
I am a little leary of the long term reliablility, but I feel that cars nowdays are built much better than even 10 years ago. The transmission in the C is the old Mercedes E-class design, along with the suspension. As far as consumer reports, PLEASE, that's like having Car and Driver reviewing toasters. The car mags love the car, as noted by the many awards it has won. But of course, I am biased.
on my face every time I get behind the wheel. Not sure where the soft ride comments come from, but I feel the suspension is just right. I hope you have driven the car hard before making these comments. It's not a vette, but for the size and weight, I have no complaints. Where else can a 4000+ lb car go 0-60 in 6 seconds for this price. The combination of performance and luxury can not be matched for the money. I am a little leary of the long term reliablility, but I feel that cars nowdays are built much better than even 10 years ago. The transmission in the C is the old Mercedes E-class design, along with the suspension. As far as consumer reports, PLEASE, that's like having Car and Driver reviewing toasters. The car mags love the car, as noted by the many awards it has won. But of course, I am biased.
safetyman2010
New member
Antonio Wright said:
Motor Trend "Car of the Year". Need I say more.......
imported_turbomangt
New member
Amen to that.
Accumulator said:Heh heh, I'm sure you didn't intend that to imply that my 9C1 Caprices are "wallowing fat pigs". A few minutes on a track would change such an opinion
Just a knee-jerk response to somebody possibly calling a few of my babies ugly
.......or my avatar.
As far as the new 300s are concerned, I am seeing them a dime a dozen around here. Would I buy one? No. Why? Let's just say I have had many unfavorable experiences with Chrysler products and their horrific depreciation value.
I also agree that Japanese cars are not immune from quality issues. The person who traded his 2000 Maxima for a Durango would agree with me about the rattles and things of that nature. Even my '02 had issues (e.g. vibrating hood at highway speeds, rotors that would warp easily, wind noise) but Nissan was pretty nice in that they tried to address many of the issues.
With that said, would I avoid buying a Maxima if $$ permitted? No. Despite the little nits, my Maxes were practically bulletproof and the depreciation value was markedly less than a Chrysler with the same mileage.