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:

• 

  Front Wheel Alignment - Safety Issue - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By E R Nichols - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car! However, the 300 I bought was one that has a serious problem. The front wheel went out of alignment and Chrysler can not fix. I have great confidence in the service department at Riverside so I know if it could be corrected it would be done. The car has already scooped out the front set of tires and they have been moved to the back. The problem is getting worse and at this point I do not feel safe driving the car for any great distance. Any release of the wheel and the car pulls suddenly to the right. It is a serious safety issue. I have been told others owners are experiencing the same known problem. Chrysler has promised to correct the situation.

• 

  Best for the money - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Betz - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Love the overall design and comfort. I feel very safe being back in a full size sedan. The Hemi is nuts!!!

• 

  my 300 C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By john h in california - March 21 - 10:00 am

  my past three cars have been a jaguar , a BMW 740 and a brand new 2003 Mercedes E class. when i saw the 300C I fell in love. Then i test drove one and knew i had to have one. The Mercedes was a nice car but no pizazz and ridiculously designed cup holders that twirl up and get in the way until you end up knocking the drink right out of it.(3 times) I traded the Mercedes on the 300C and i absolyutely love it . driving is fun again and everyone that sees it comes up and asks you about it. That never happened with the Merc. Finally an american car I am proud to drive and leave most of its competitos in the dust.

• 

  Love that Hemi - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Hemi-C - March 21 - 10:00 am

  It feels great to have a car with so much power and comfort. Chrysler realy did their homework in designing this car.

• 

  Great car to drive - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By 300Cdriver - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The 300c i have purchased has been the best driving car i have owned,and is also fun to drive .My suggestion is to buy the saftey pkg. it has the back up warning system that will come in handy.

• 

  Chrysler 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By elmert6 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The 300C I purchased is everything I hoped it would be. Its styling is unique. The quality of the craftsmanship is great. My daughter asked me what I thought about the car, I told her it was a "muscle car dressed in a tuxedo". So far I have had only good experiences with it.

• 

  Dream Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Raekel - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The moment I saw this car I wanted it. As soon as I could I traded in my truck and got one. I am not at all disappointed as it is just what I imagined it would be. Love it!

• 

  Chrysler 300 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Robert B. Tisdale - March 14 - 9:56 pm

  The New Chrysler 300 Limited Touring Sedan is the best car I have ever owned . The drive is unbelieveably good and I have owned a benz and Cads and lincolns and none of them will ride or drive or have the styling of this car. the very best quailty went in to this new car.

• 

  Great used car - 2014 Chrysler 300
  By B.Pawlak - March 5 - 9:51 pm

  Good value, shares Mercedes engineering from Daimler days. Freeway mpg was 32 mpg on trip @ 80 mph, takes bumpy roads with ease. 3.6 penstar engine great, own 2 more.

• 

  300C - ROCKS! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Jim - March 1 - 12:33 pm

  Purchased our new car the day after Christmas, dealer was great to work with and offered a good deal. Absolutely impressed by virtually every facet of the car. Very fun to drive looks stylish and sophisticated. A riot to drive with plenty of power and luxury ride on the open road. As this was a lot model we ended up with the base sound system, no complaints with 270 watts of Boston Acoustic sound. Highly recommend you check out this vehicle.