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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  HEMI is wheres its at! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Haulin HEMI - November 4 - 7:30 pm

  I traded in a BMW 325 for the HEMI, this was the best move Ive ever made buying a car. The build quality, style, and performance is far superior to anything thats out there. Everywhere I go I have people telling me how great looking this car is, even after 7 months! The performance is amazing in a two ton car. Theres not even a hint of a problem with this car. I got every option less the satellite radio. Well worth it. Anyone who gets a chance to own a HEMI should do it, you wont be disapointed.

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  Enjoyable and Frustrating - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By sanman - October 30 - 10:03 am

  My experience with the 2006 300c has been enjoyable and frustrating. I find the car fun to drive and comfortable. I get a lot of compliments about the car with the after market grill and chrome pillar posts and I try to keep it clean polished.I think Chrysler did a great job in the design of this vehicle. The frustating part of my ownership experience is that I expected a little more quality for the price, I have 10,000 miles on the car and there is more squeaking and creaking than I had in the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 54,000 miles on it.

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  Good Car - beware buying from conglomerate dealers - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Robert Wilkins - October 21 - 4:14 pm

  Fueling - make sure it accepts fuel without spit back. Acceleration and braking - will put a smile on your face Fuel economy - not so much - not expected from a relatively large V8 in a 4,200 lb car. Good handling

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  Early returns on the C - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By IES99 - October 20 - 12:20 pm

  The Satin Jade C is 5 months and 7000 miles old now. At this point no issues have occurred with regard to reliability. It has not been back to the dealer. It is comfortable, fun, and quick for such big car. Although these have been around a couple of years now, people still comment on its looks, and so far those comments have all been positive. I look for excuses to drive it still. We took the Sirius, power moonroof, side airbags, adjustable pedals. Mileage has not been bad for the HEMI. So far so good.

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  better than mercedes - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Garnier Philippe - October 16 - 1:56 pm

  and half the price. Use to drive a 600SL who spend more time at the dealership than on the road because of malfunctions. The SRT8 is really an amazing car.

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  The BEST Car!! 2005 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Lorraine M - October 11 - 9:40 am

  I LOVE this car. Its cool and fun to drive. It has a great look and the performance of the engine is wonderful! It isnt fuel efficient but who cares? With the look and comfort of this car and the ease of driving I would give it a 100% rating every day of the week!

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  BEST CAR IN 48 YEARS - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By GenrLedger - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I STARTED BUYING CARS WHEN I WAS 17 YEARS OLD. TRUE TO FORM THE EARLY ONES WERE QUITE USED AND LEFT A LOT TO BE DESIRED. I STARTED BUYING NEW IN 1962. NOW AFTER 42 YEARS THIS IS THE BEST AUTOMOBILE I HAVE EVER OWNED. STYLE, COMFORT, ECONOMY (YES-ECONOMY - YOU DONT HAVE TO USE ALL 8 CYLINDERS ALL THE TIME) AND FUN TO DRIVE. I THOUGHT THAT MY 83 MERCEDES OR MY 88 BMW 735IL WAS GREAT...THIS IS EVEN BETTER. WHEN I SEE AGUY IN A NEW BENTLEY CONVERTIBLE (WITH THE TOP DOWN) STARING AT MY CAR, I KNOW I HAVE MADE IT. THATS MY STORY AND VERY HAPPY WITH IT

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  I love my 300 C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Janet P - September 27 - 12:53 pm

  This is actually my 3rd Chrysler but my first 300 Series. I find it to be an excellent vehicle that really meets my needs. I love the roomy, comfortable interior, the great sound system and the smooth drive. I also love the looks and comments I get from others about what a great looking car I have. I am a very happy customer. Chrysler vehicles have always made me very happy. I went away from Chrysler and have come back because I feel you get great value, great vehicle and great service.

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  Hits & Misses - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Doc - September 25 - 5:23 am

  Overall, a great, full to drive and true head turner. The Hemi gives the car plenty of get up and go, acceleration is outstanding and responsive. Plenty of interior room, well laid out instrumentation. Seating needs more bolstering, better designed buckets to keep you from sliding, better interior noise dampening to provider a quieter ride and reduce wind and road noises. The vehicle appearance demands attention and gets you notice on the road. Longer seat bottoms are needed for tall driver, or seat extension. Car provides great leg room. I am over 6 feet and this cars allows me to adjust my seat all the way back and still have room to get in the back seat and be comfort. Great car.

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  HEMI power - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By xtmracer - September 20 - 12:56 pm

  that car is great. it hauls more then people and it is a luxury car. i have played with a few 350z on the freeway and they we surpised that i passed them. great car. very comfortable. the features are all perfect and the performance is great. it gets alot of looks and attention.