1999 Chrysler 300M

1999 {{{{{{Chevrolet Silverado}}}}}} LS
Our collection of '99 of the Year winners has offered the staff the opportunity to live with these significant vehicles for 12 months. The Silverado's combination of power, refinement, and versatility was especially appreciated during a recent SoCal-to-Florida journey. For moving chores (this truck's main hobby), we would appreciate it more had the bedliner protected the top edges of the bed to permit easy side loading. The spacious interior provides generous front-seat comfort with abundant storage compartments. All the little nooks for sunglasses, CDs, and garage door opener certainly enhance long-term owner satisfaction. Three adults can fit on the rear bench in a pinch, but we've found this the perfect spot for the family dog, with the leather seat folded neatly out of the way. Accessible only via the passenger-side third door, the extended cab area accommodates an impressive amount of cargo. The digital message center in the gauge cluster has been helpful for suggesting service visits and monitoring oil consumption, though we wish it had trip-computing functions, as well.

1999 {{{{{{Chrysler 300M}}}}}}
Black as night, rippling with 'tude, the Chrysler 300M is our kind of car: high stealth factor, polished road manners, strong 3.5-liter/253-horsepower SOHC V-6, and air of exclusivity without a prohibitive price, it's a true standout American sedan. The 300M adds excitement and style without typical sporty car compromises. Numerous overconfident coupe drivers around Los Angeles have been surprised by the on-ramp devouring acumen of our Car of the Year. Boasting 121.9 cubic feet of volume, this leather-trimmed rolling boardroom provides comfortable quarters for four, an intimate five when needed. Further benefits are most obvious in the back seat, where passengers repeatedly praise the legroom. Automatic climate control has contributed to comfort in the warmer summer months. The classic, almost nautical, gauge faces garnered mixed opinions, however they receive a classy glow at night. The AutoStick adds to driving pleasure, allowing manually controlled, clutchless shifting. Although looking like a bobbed-tail Intrepid in the rear, the 300M trunk is generous enough to hold a sizeable luggage pile.