I think also that only one model is crashed. As any scientist knows, you always want replicates since one measurement can have faulty data in it. I realize cars are too expensive for NHTSA or IIHS to crash more than one of each model, but still this kind of variation seems to indicate the data from just one crash may not be too reliable.
Hi folks,
I'm considering a pre-owned Chrysler 300M/LHS and would like some info. I'm looking at the safety numbers and see the 2001 is vastly superior in the crash tests to the 2000. Could someone please explain to me what's different between the 2000 and 2001+ models that would make such a difference?
Also, can anyone compare a 2000+ 300M to a 2000+ Bonneville in terms of ride quality/handling and comfort? Thanks.
Paul Nixon
Were side air bags added in 2001? Also sometimes a minor change can make all the difference in the world safety wise.
Thanks for the input Art.
I'm not sure. I saw a reference where SAB's were added as an option, but all of the cars crash-tested with side air bags had that noted. I thought perhaps that was what made the big difference when comparing the 300M/LHS against the Bonneville.
I also came across a note that the airbags were modified in some way between
2000 and 2001 to affect their deployment.I'm concerned about structural integrity. I've got three young children who would ride in the back in car seats and if that's the only thing taken into account then the Buick LeSabre is the vehicle of choice though I'd prefer something a little different.
The Bonneville also ranks quite high but it's expensive when getting an SLE (don't want an SSEi) and I'm not sure I care for the interior. The 300M seems to fit the bill exactly as far as bells/whistles/performance/size/etc., but I want to try to be sure it's a good idea.
Paul Nixon
I am not sure. I saw some mention of the airbags being modified between 2000 and 2001, and I have seen some mention of SAB's as an option at least. However, the tests typically indicate when SAB's are equipped.
The 300M just looks like it would fit my needs to a "t", but since I have young children that would be riding in back I want to be sure. There's quite a difference in price between the 2000's and 2001's which if fine if it makes that much difference in real terms as far as safety is concerned.
Paul
By the way, check the tires. The later model may have Michelins. The earlier the original Goodyears which are terrible after 1 year of use based on my experience with 2 sets. I'm talking of the standard model with 17 inch wheels. Make sure your purchase comes with Michelins or figure on replacements soon after the purchase unless Goodyear has fixed their 17 inch tire problem.
As I remember it the insurance institute also tested a 300M or one of its cousins when it first came out and it did not do well because the airbag launched later than it should have. Chrysler faulted the test which used an initial block of foam in front of the brick wall to simulate a collapsing frontend. Chrysler said it was too soft and stated that when they tested in a more realistic manner the car did very well (crashing into another car).
thought
children who
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