Overview & Reviews

Like Cher, the Chrysler 300 just keeps making comebacks. A proud and prestigious vehicle during the 1950s, the 300 fell into anonymity during the '60s and then disappeared from the automotive landscape for more than 30 years. For the mid-2000s, though, Chrysler introduced its new 300, and it represented a bold new direction for the brand.

The 300 was an immediate hit thanks to its retro-inspired styling, powerful V8 engines, rear-wheel drive and refined road manners. Consumer interest did start to wane after a few years, but Chrysler is going for another comeback this year with a redesigned 300 that features a more powerful base V6 and a higher-quality interior. Overall, we like the 300 and find it to be a solid pick for a new or used large sedan.

Current Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is a large five-passenger sedan with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. It's been designed to appeal to consumers desiring something with a bit more personality than a regular family sedan or as an alternative to popular Japanese or European entry-luxury sedans. Some of the 300's underlying mechanicals are derived from Mercedes-Benz technology, and it's a platform sibling to Dodge's Challenger and Charger.

The 300's styling is unmistakably American, though with an added dash of refinement after its 2011 redesign. The large chrome grille, bejeweled headlights, high beltline, bulging fenders and big wheels give it a strong presence on the road. A long 120-inch wheelbase shortens up the front and rear overhangs and opens up plenty of occupant space on the inside. Cabin dimensions are generous in all directions, and the 300 offers more legroom than most of its competitors.

Its overall interior design has been described as simple but elegant. More importantly, that interior is now decked out in high-class materials that are pleasing to behold and touch. Even in its least expensive form, the 300 feels like a luxury car.

There are six trim levels: base, Limited, 300S V6, 300C, 300 S V8 and SRT8. The first three come with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 horsepower. The base model comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission. An eight-speed automatic that's standard on all other V6 models is optional. The 300C and 300S V8 get a 5.7-liter "Hemi" V8 that produces 363 hp. The SRT8 has a 6.3-liter, 470-hp V8. Rear-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic are standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on all but the base and SRT8.

Standard equipment includes niceties like automatic headlights, keyless ignition/entry, automatic dual-zone climate control, a power driver seat and a small touchscreen interface. Moving up to the Limited or 300C nets you (among other things) a rearview camera, heated front seats, Bluetooth and an upgraded sound system. The S gets unique styling elements, an upgraded electronics interface and a special Beats by Dr. Dre sound system. Many additional features are available to make the 300 just as luxurious and well-equipped as luxury sedans that cost thousands more. This is especially true of the SRT8, which comes standard with just about everything.

On the move, the new 300 glides down the road in a way reminiscent of a big Mercedes-Benz sedan. Its suspension dampens even heavily rutted pavement with sophistication, yet it does so without being overly soft or floaty. Handling and steering are also impressive, and although the V8 engines may be the biggest draw, the V6 is quite strong. The only significant downside to the car is compromised rear visibility.

Used Chrysler 300 Models
The current Chrysler 300 dates back to 2011. Though it may look like the car it replaces and has the same general underlying architecture, the second-generation 300 differs significantly. Besides the interior overhaul, the structure has been stiffened, the steering is now electrically assisted and the suspension has been recalibrated for better ride quality and more composed handling. Chrysler also added an abundance of sound-deadening materials to create one of the quietest cabins on the road.

In its first year, only the base, Limited and 300C trims were available, and a five-speed automatic was standard across the board. The S and SRT8 trims arrived a year later along with the V6's eight-speed auto.

The previous-generation Chrysler 300 was produced from 2005-'10. It had the same general shape and design theme as the current car, and even shared the same platform, but there are countless differences used car buyers should be aware of. In general, the interior wasn't nearly as well-crafted, the driving experience wasn't as refined and the two V6 engine choices were unimpressive.

The base car (known either as LX or Touring depending on the year) came with a 2.7-liter V6 that produced only 178 hp. This was insufficient for such a large car, and its fuel economy was poor. Stepping up to a higher trim level got you a 3.5-liter V6 with a more impressive 250 hp, though acceleration was still pretty mediocre. To make matters worse, both came with a four-speed automatic.

As such, we recommend finding a used Chrysler 300C, which packs a 5.7-liter V8 and five-speed automatic. It originally produced 340 hp, but this was upgraded for '09 to 359 horses. That year also saw the introduction of a more sophisticated optional all-wheel-drive system (available on both 300C and certain V6 models) that allowed the driver to "depower" the front drive wheels for better handling and fuel economy.

Next up on the 300 ladder was the high-performance SRT8. Its 6.1-liter V8 pumped out 425 horses, but it also got a stiffer suspension setup, more powerful brakes and a larger wheel-and-tire package. Throughout this generation, there were also special trims, including the long-wheelbase Walter P. Chrysler Executive/Signature Series (2007-'10) and the 300S (2010 only), which was essentially the 300C with additional sport and luxury features.

Changes other than the ones mentioned above were mild for the first-generation 300C. The most significant occurred for '08, when Chrysler updated the interior and navigation and entertainment systems. Front-seat side airbags also joined side curtain airbags on the option list that year, so make sure to check if a used 300 is equipped as such.

In Edmunds.com reviews of the previous-generation Chrysler 300, the car fared quite well. Our editors commented favorably on its masculine good looks, powerful V8 engines and value for the dollar. Negatives concerned the meager output and poor fuel economy of the V6 engines, some low-rent interior plastics and the car's poor outward visibility.

Going further back, the Chrysler 300 has a long but patchy history. It came into being in the mid-1950s as a way to showcase Chrysler's new "Hemi" V8 engine. The first 300 was introduced for 1955 and was based on the New Yorker two-door hardtop. Its 5.4-liter V8 developed 300 hp. After that, Chrysler began affixing sequential letters at the end of "300" for each year as well as offering different body styles, including a convertible. The 1957 300-C is typically considered the most beautiful and desirable of these early cars. The Hemi engines were discontinued in the 300 after 1958, but Chrysler continued to use the letter designations up until the '65 300-L. After that it was the plain 300. In total, there were seven generations of this car before it was dropped after the 1971 model year.

The 300 name was briefly resurrected in 1979 for a special version of the rather awful Cordoba. It would then take another 20 years before Chrysler decided to roll out the 300 moniker again. This was the 1999 300M. Unlike previous 300s, this was a front-drive sedan only. Based on the second generation of Chrysler's "cab forward" LH platform, the 300M used a 3.5-liter V6, making 253 hp (that's net horsepower, a far more conservative standard than the "gross" rating used prior to 1972) and mounted longitudinally in the engine bay. It was built through the 2004 model year.

User Reviews:

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  Great car for the Price! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Russell Urzi - October 31 - 10:00 am

  My wife thought I was nuts when I traded in my 2002 Lexus ES300 for this car, but Im glad that I did! This car is great looking and lots of fun to drive. A very classic exterior syle with a grill from the old 300s from the 1950s and a clean retro interior. Everyone makes fun of the interior analog clock but I happen to like it! This car feels more solid than my Lexus and has more "get up and go" power. If you are not careful, you will find yourself cruising at 95 mph and not even feel it. The only negative is the fit and finish is not up to Lexus standards and the quality of the interior matierals could be improved.

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  A Comfortable and Stylish Sedan - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By ldatty - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This is one if the finest cars I have owned in the last 20 years. There is a great combination of smooth ride with precise handling. The is like the luxury cars of the past, but with greatly impoved handling qualities. The fit and finish is good, and I have found no defects. The one area that could use some improvement is the interior. There is too much gray plastic on the dash and door panels. However, the leather seats have a nice appearance and are very comfortable. This is one I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a comfortable sedan that has great styling.

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  JUST PLAIN FUN - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By RONALD G KRAKOWSKI - October 26 - 10:00 am

  THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS AS FAR AS FUN AND EXCITEMENT. THE BEAUTY OF THE VEHICLE GRABS YOU FIRST, THEN YOU ENTER A COCKPIT WHICH RESEMBLES ANY HIGHLINE AUTO ON THE MARKET. INSTRUMENTATION IS EASY TO USE AND FIND. TRANSMISSION IS SMOOTHER THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE IVE OWNED AND OF COURSE THE 5.7L HEMI JUST ROCKS WHEN YOU PUNCH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE.CAN YOU SAY HEMI.

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  chrysler 300c srt8 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By jim rimer - October 25 - 1:00 pm

  this is the fastest and quickest car i have ever owned. gas mileage is at 16mpg in every day driving.it does require premium gas. the tire pressure monitors are a real help in maintaining correct air pressure. i would like oil pressure gauge rather than searching thru the menu for it. but this is a keeper.

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  Fun with Luxury - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By All pro - October 21 - 6:30 am

  The car is a dream to drive. Little disappointed that the chrome wheel are alloy with Chrome covers. Interior is very roomy, comfortable and clean. the steering wheel blocks some of the dash in driving position. Rear seating tight for passenger knees. Truck size is good but for the size of the car slightly undersized.

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  SRT8 Value - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By str8-voom - October 16 - 4:30 pm

  I have owned more expensive European and Japanese models, the SRT8 is the best value for dollar paid in terms of performance and build quality. Must driveit at the SRT Experience Trials.

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  Step up to the plate and get a 300! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By STEVE - October 16 - 6:40 am

  Just purchased my new 2006 awd touring...and all i have to say is nothing but "praise" for this car...it handles so well, and is such a smooth ride. It has great power 250 horse for the 3.5 engine. For all the nay-sayers out there, you dont know what your missing!! I am 27 years old and bought this vehicle and i have had people i dont even know approach me out of the blue and have recieved compliments from them!! What are you waiting for?!?!? Step up to the plate and buy this car if youre even considering it!!

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  My Opinions on the 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By C.M. Glover - October 8 - 9:40 am

  I have always been a GM owner and was looking for nice upper level luxury/sport sedan. I didnt like the current trends in styling at GM and was considering a used BMW or Mercedes until I saw the 300C. Elegant styling with performance overtones that does not disapoint. The interior is big even for my 64" size in front or rear seats. The comfort is great with good support in the seats and well thought out controls. The Mercedes influence is very apparent with good handeling and a solid, quiet ride. The american muscle under the hood is well worth the money and makes highway onramps and long trips effortless. With every possible option mine just did break $40k. Great product, great value.

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  The 300C - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Warren - September 28 - 11:43 am

  The 300C handles well and has outstanding acceleration. Overall, a very nice, well designed car.

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  Mopar is Back! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Docboy209 - September 26 - 9:43 pm

  After reading so much about Mopars old muscle, Ive always wanted to own one of their legends. DaimlerChryslers new SRT lineup, especially my new 300, is destined to be legend. I simply cant believe the performance I get with such a big vehicle! Its a night and day difference between the 5.7L and the 6.1L. Hit the gas, and youre goin 100 MPH Before you know it! And the ride is so smooth at those speeds. My wife screamed when she saw the speedo! Mercedes has taught Chrysler a lot about comfort and styling. Overall its just a great car, even though the gas mileage stinks.