I think I just heard Hell freeze over. I almost never agree with the mainstream automotive media's buzz about particular cars, so I can't believe I actually agree with Motor Trend's choice of the Chrysler 300 as the 2005 Car of the Year.

But, now I can get back to disagreeing with the auto media. First, I only put the 300 C in the category of best car. Second, Motor Trend describes the 300 as an example of "bold, expressive and confidently America styling." Actually, there is almost nothing American about the 300 C's styling. In fact, its design is so distinctly European that it practically has Mercedes fingerprints all over it — sporting that same stubby look of the last decade of Mercedes sedans.

The Chrysler 300 C is a solid, yet easy handling, vehicle that feels like butter when you slip in to the driver's seat. Gone is the overly gadgetized dash panel American cars are fond of sporting. Replacing that button-happy look is a retro-designed dash that incorporates European sparseness with the real amenities a luxury vehicle has to offer.

Its snub-nosed front end is saved from being pug-faced by a grill reminiscent of Jeep and well set headlights that compliment its appearance. The rear is the least impressive part of the vehicle reminding me too much of the back of the 300 M. The rear is anti-climactic and the tailgate is bland without the elegance of eye-drawing lines.

Inside, the passenger compartment is roomy and comfortable, with storage holders in all of the right places. The 300 C handles beautifully with a ride that manages to be both smooth and sporty, and it slips easily into parking spaces. This is the car I would select if I intended to drive cross-country. Not only is it fabulously comfortable, but the powerful 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine practically sips gas. The 300 C is rear wheel drive, but for those who live in snowy country, you'll be happy to know that Chrysler also makes it in all wheel drive.

Best of all, it has a base window sticker of $32,870 for the rear wheel drive and $34,195 for the all wheel drive model. But don't think that you will get your hands on one any time soon for that kind of money. These cars are so hot that dealers are paying $5,000 over window sticker, wholesale, just to get some on their lots. So if you plan on buying a 300 C today, get out your checkbook and expect to pay well over window sticker for the chance to own one.

Motor Trend Names Chrysler 300 2005 Car of the Year