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:

• 

  Lean Mean Machine - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By dan sand - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 300 (cool vanilla) two weeks ago. When I saw the car I just had to have it. I traded my 2001 Sebring, a great car also. Never had a problem. Chrysler makes the best stylish cars. It appears that the 300 will win Best Car of the Year Award. It should. People cant keep their eyes off it.

• 

  Powerful Fun - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By ytellmey - October 23 - 2:36 am

  Incredibly powerful driving fun. Plush interior, lots of gadgets to play with. Bluetooth calling and heated seats are just a few of the now essential features I use. GPS is very helpful, esp driving around Los Angeles. Sound system is wonderful and "control center" very intuitive, integrating phone, CDs, radio, satellite radio, GPS all on the steering wheel. Car feels safe. Enormous trunk space. Barely 3000 miles on the odometer, but enjoying every drive thoroughly.

• 

  Wow. - 2015 Chrysler 300
  By Anthony - October 14 - 9:05 am

  I am a life-long Infiniti and Lexus owner. I always buy a car that is at least 1 or 2 years old, so I dont get hit with the depreciation the last poster was complaining about on new cars. Test drove and researched many pre-owed vehicles (including Lexus LS, Infiniti Q70, Benz S, BMW 7, Audi A8) before deciding on a low mileage pre-owned 300c AWD v6 for my next car. To say Im impressed after 500 miles would be an understatement. It is truly the best combo of comfort, performance, safety AND value. Those were my priorities, and this car knocks the ball out of the park. I wanted and found a 300c with the SafetyTec2 Package with adaptive cruise. After using this option for a bit, I wonder how I ever survived without it. It makes driving even more of a pleasure in this car. If you are considering pre-owned in those other big European sedans, do your research... right here on Edmunds. Reliability issues and quirky problems abound in those cars. Even if you pay a fortune for an extended warranty, youll likely be inconvenienced with multiple trips to the dealership for repairs. Side note: I purchased a Chrysler manufacturers bumper-to-bumper extended warranty to cover me up to 7 years and 75k miles.... for $1300. Try to get a price for that warranty on one of those Euro sedans. Youll be lucky if you only pay 3x as much. The 300 was also by far the least expensive of all vehicles I tested.

• 

  Chrysler 300 The good, the bad and the fantastic - 2016 Chrysler 300
  By Jimmy Harrison - October 13 - 5:30 am

  The car was a great deal and I got a lot off of the sticker price! It wasnt the color I wanted (black on black), but the car has been surprisingly pleasant to own and drive. I have had it now for a month, and enjoy the car. Positives, technology! The car is wonderful at keeping you in the lane, warning you of traffic and helping you to stop! The navigation and U connect systems are stellar. The acceleration is great and the car is extremely quiet! What I dont like, rear leg room is not great for such a large car, and the seats are pretty hard. I love the heated and cooled seats and cup holders. Finally the front and rear LEDs are great looking and so are the wheels!

• 

  Ices Hott Fire - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Ices Hott Fire - October 9 - 4:50 pm

  I got this car new with 4 miles on it after trading in my 1999 Cavalier and its been great i love this car, good goin chrysler!!! This thing growls like a mustang and has the power of a Lambo. it handles very precise and the Infinity sound system is awsome!! The navigation system is simple and easy to use, and i love the stock 20" chrome wheels, theres nuthin in the world i would trade this car for.

• 

  Amazing 300C - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Mike and Viki Zinna - October 8 - 7:23 pm

  Both being car nuts, I was first struck by the styling. We needed a new ride so we got the Chrysler. I love the Hot Rod almost chopped look. Being from the 60s we had to have the Hemi. The performance and the gas mileage is amazing. The interior is comfortable but a little lacking. The suspension is incredible. For a big car it handles like a sports car. No drift and really hangs in on the corners. Very stable in the wet. What would be really hip is a manual 5 speed. It gives you that 1930s big phaeton kind of feel. Its a wonderful car. I love the satellite radio. A must.

• 

  300C hemi rules - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By dave fed - October 7 - 7:40 am

  The 300c has that great combination of aggressive, powerful good looks and rock solid performance that delivers so effortlessly that you wonder how you ever enjoyed driving another car.

• 

  New owner - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Derek - September 28 - 3:10 pm

  Not having the vehicle long does not exclude my appreciation for its style, beauty, and performance. I love the powerful V8 slowly building to its full potential instead of the turbo jolt most modern higher HP engines deliver. The center console could use a more technological touch, but overall the features are rich and reachable.

• 

  Vintage look & Luxury-all in one - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Silvia Merjil-Fritz - September 13 - 1:50 pm

  I absolutely fell in love with the "vintage" look of this vehicle but when I actually had a test drive, I knew this was to be my next vehicle. This car has all expected in a comfortable, luxurios ride. The extras like satellite radio, navigation system, mp3, (6) CD player, heated leather seats, dual air/heat temperature controls, rear seat air/heat, automatic rearview mirror dimmer and extra large trunk are absolutely exceptional. I would only warn perspective buyers of one thing, the small front side windows for the driver and passenger can at times make it difficult to get a clear side view, badly needed views necessary for entering freeways or exiting curbside parking.

• 

  BEST CAR EVER! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By SWOL250 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. This is my 6th vehicle and I absolutley love it! I highly reccomend this car to anyone who wants luxury, and insane power, with good old American craftsmanship. Every where I go people ask me about it, and all ofthem think the car is anywhere from $60k to $80k, some people think its a Bentley. This car is pure luxury, and performance combined. Get this car!