Exterior:
With its new 300, Chrysler has essentially created the impossible -- a reasonably priced car that looks like a million bucks. So many people have compared it to the ultra-pricey Bentley that that's almost a literal statement. The 300's real standout is its front end: Its blunt nose sports an aggressive-yet-regal mesh grill that radiates sophistication, money and class. The 300's distinctive windows look oddly short, but instead of giving the car an awkward, squat appearance they create an air of don't-get-too-close exclusivity.

Interior:
On the inside those windows have a different impact. Although there's a lot of headroom, they give the cabin a cramped feel. That's a purely psychological sensation, though, so while your mind helps your head adjust to those height issues, your body can relax in relatively upscale surroundings. The leather seats are large and firm, the retro dials and analog clock are smooth touches, the auto-adjusting steering wheel is awesome and, coolest of all, the door lock pop-up buttons look like mini art deco sculptures. The only let-downs are the cheap-looking plastic tortoise-shell handles and steering wheel.

Performance:
Chrysler offers the 300 with two basic power plants -- a 2.7 liter, 200-horse V6 and a 3.5 liter, 250-horse V6. Our tester was the souped-up "C" model, which is strapped onto a bold 340-horse, 5.7 liter V8 Hemi. On the open road it's a powerful and confident performer, but in cramped situations it drives like a bloated tank, and it's sluggish and spongy in stop-and-go traffic. The manufacturer lists its zero-to-60 speed as just over 6 seconds, which is great, but this is not the kind of car you'll want to be tearing off the line in.

Chick factor:
Any fashionable woman who loves to look amazing on the cheap will appreciate this very classy and cost-conscious car.

-- John D. Thomas