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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New car purchase - 2006 Chrysler 300
By sailorjim - July 15 - 12:56 pmI wanted to write this to give prospective buyers a little insight. I purhased the 300C all wheel drive about a week ago and the purchase transaction worked well. I had done my homework, including all written at edmunds.com and was pretty well prepared. The one note of caution I give is the $3000 extended warranty. In retrospect, I should not have gotten it. It goes into effect after the 3 year 36000 mile new car warranty expires, but it only lasts until 7 years or 70000 miles. That is about $1000 for every 10000 miles over the original warranty. It is unlikely that the car will need $3000 worth of repairs between 36000 and 70000. You might wish to consider this before you buy.
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i love it - 2005 Chrysler 300
By Andy Hoaglund - July 4 - 1:23 pmthis car is awesome it looks great rides great and you can customize it in alot of different ways its amazing...i would buy one if i were you
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Its a Wonderful Car - 2006 Chrysler 300
By Wayne - June 27 - 12:56 amThis is a wonderful car that is exceptionally fun to drive. Its a luxury level sedan that does not disappoint -- comfortable and extremely roomy interior and terrific driving performance. Its a sharp looking car too and I continue to notice people looking at the car when I am driving it. I LOVE THIS CAR!
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Chrysler 300 C Hemi heaven - 2005 Chrysler 300
By richard A. Wheeler - June 26 - 10:00 amMy Chrysler 300 C hemi arrived last week. Fit and finish are exceptional. I am stunned at the quietness of this vehicle. It makes the sound system even more spectacular. I am a 60 year old car buff and have owned many luxury cars and sport cars. This Chrysler is a terrific handling road car and it can be a rocketship when called upon. Time will tell but this car may be the buy of the century. This car gets attention and it bows to nothing out there.
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what a car - 2005 Chrysler 300
By bob cat - June 26 - 10:00 amI have been waiting for a car with this much class that doesnt look like every other car for years it turns heads and looks like it cost thousands more ithink i will name it
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The HEMI Event - 2005 Chrysler 300
By prmag - June 26 - 10:00 amYes, it was an event to get a hold of my new 300C in Puerto Rico! The first dealer quote $39,995 for a fully equip. Then they quoted the next customer $44,000 for the same car? They realized after only 4 hours of having the car available that this car could be sold for much more. So they didnt want to guaranteed my price no later than the same day becuase I had to wait until Wednesday (it was friday) to get the financing. So I went to another dealer. They math the $39,995 price with a $1K deposit. Dont let the dealers try to sell you the car at a higher price. Once you get your own, the HEMI event will be yours to enjoy. Its a great *&*^%^$ car!!
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What a machine! - 2006 Chrysler 300
By Branson - June 22 - 1:06 pmI always liked unique things. The 300C with its break-away styling and powerful engine fills the bill. This is a fun car in every way. I drive 64 miles each day and the 300C is a pleasure to drive. The ride is comfortable and the sound system with with Sirius shortens the trip. As an original member of the rock and roll generation (now in my 60s) I couldnt afford a muscle car back then, but I can now and Im loving it. If all you want is transportation dont buy this car - get an Avalon. My wife has 2005 Avalon and she would rather drive my car, but I wont let her!
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our 2nd Chrysler product - 2006 Chrysler 300
By J.Dunn - June 19 - 1:13 pmMy wife and I just bought our 300C this month after having nothing but trouble with our 06 Charger. We decided to give Chrysler a 2nd chance simply because we love the style and performance. The car takes us back to another time when American cars ruled the road. We have 600 miles on our linen gold "C" and anticipate many happy miles of driving pleasure. I secretly wish, however, I had waited and bought a inferno red Heritage edition.......We live in the desert and our color choice is perfect , it never appears dusty!! I like the safety factor for my wife and our grandchildren when they are traveling , it gives me peace of mind that they are protected. Its great to have a big car again!!
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Yeah, Its Got A Hemi - 2005 Chrysler 300
By Gnmark - June 19 - 10:00 amTraded a 2003 Acura TL for the 300C. Ordered the car, and it took 14 weeks to arrive,but it was definitely worth the wait.The Navigation system is awesome. The Boston Acoustics sound system really sounds great.Also recomend the Sirius Sattelite radio.Oh and did I mention the Hemi? This car is the best deal on the market today.
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i love my chysler 300 limited - 2005 Chrysler 300
By ny patty - June 19 - 10:00 amwow-what a car-it drives beautifully and causes excitment wherever you go- people stop me and say is that the new chyrsler? gas consumption is better then the suv that we traded in and our car insurance is cheaper because it is a safer vehicle-whats the down side?
