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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  I Dont Love It - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By shehawken - February 27 - 9:43 pm

  10-15,000 miles in since I bought it at 40K. Im coming off of a 9 year relationship with a 98 Bonneville so Im a little biased but this is NOT the best automobile Ive ever owned. The ride is all right, the fuel mileage is abysmal, it gets pushed around like a minivan in cross winds and the build quality is a little suspect (the brakes were completely replaced by the time I bought it at 40K, as was the climate control module. And recently 2 quarts of oil just disappeared from the engine).Its a little hard to see traffic lights (Im tall) but I still just like to walk out and look at it. The styling is just fantastic. Ill take pictures because it might be the last Chrysler I ever own.

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  Luxury, Performance, Coolness, & Quality - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Speedle - February 21 - 11:00 pm

  We have put over 39,000 miles on our 300C in the past 4 years. No problems at all. The Hemi makes it fun to drive and the hi tech goodies are easy to use. The Boston Sound System is absolutely the best car radio I have heard. Talk about value for your dollar. I usually trade cars every 3 or 4 years, but I cant come up with a good reason to trade this one.

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  LOV my 2006 300 Limited - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Asim - February 17 - 1:13 pm

  i have been a proud owner of a 06 300 limited, it was love at first sight and obsession at first test drive. i regularly extract 30+ MPG on hwy and city is 17.5/18.5 MPG depends how u use it. its a real show stopper, and and head turner, it has this presence on the road which commands respect from other motorists.

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  Less than pleased - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By Pete - February 16 - 1:31 pm

  This car is fairly fun to drive, good acceleration, and fuel economy for a large, heavy car is good, 19-20 in town and 26-28 on the road. It has HORRIBLE ground clearance, the front air dam cannot even clear a normal 5- 6" high wheel stop and drags when turning in to a driveway that has any kind of drainageway on the side of the road. In 5" of snow, the bottom of the vehicle dragged. Also, the doors do not stay open if parked on the slightest angle. The color options were poor in Phoenix, there was only Cool Vanilla available with the GPS navigation option.

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  Total SAFETY & Total QUALITY - luv em! - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By 300C Fan Club - February 9 - 10:39 am

  300C/Hemi is a total underdog in the luxury sedan class. Its built with Mercedes Benz M-series body so its got the comfort, roominess, and smooth marshmallow ride. Most importantly, 300Cs SAFETY Rating (esp. Frontal Crash Test which is the most fatal) is one of the tops in this category of sedans per research data. And, at the current market price, its a steal!!! Also, as a Petite Female Driver, I appreciate Chryslers foresight in providing features like adjustable pedals, highly adjustable seats, etc. to make it possible for me to drive a rather voluminous car despite my height. Owned this car since 07 and had 0 problem. LUV em and will only buy Chryslers from now on.

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  Cost alot to own one - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By curt - February 1 - 12:25 pm

  This car costs alot to own and maintain. At 40,000 miles new tie rod ends, then again at 90,000 miles. new lateral arms, right rear axle seal leak, transmission leak, power steering leak, and several front end alignments. I was going to give this car to my Son to drive, but I wouldnt be doing him any favors there. If you have alot of money to spend keeping this car on the road, this is the one for you.

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  Fantastic vehicle - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Alex Povolotski - January 7 - 8:01 pm

  Drove 3000 miles in it in winter time across Canadian border over a couple of weeks. Didnt have any technical issues but for one -- tachometer needle went all the way around the dial and then came back to normal in an instant. That happened on several occasions. Electrical problem, I assume. It didnt rev the engine though, just the needle behaved strangely. Very large full-size (finally!) real American vehicle. Drives fantastic! Cushy ride. Rides on Merc undercarriage actually. Smooth and seamless power delivery. Chryslers and Dodges are actually known for their powerful engines. Very stylish and comfortable car to drive.

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  2009 300C AWD - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By Al - December 29 - 11:04 am

  I bought the 300 new in June of 09. I got the "cool vanilla" paint with the chrome package, and the thing is absolutely gorgeous. I average 24.8 mpg hwy, & 16.8 mpg in city driving, which is good, considering its a 5.7L with AWD. It has power to spare, to go with the good looks, and it handles well for a large, domestic car. It is not in the same class as the Europeans as far as handling is concerned, but for the thousands of dollars less your paying, Id say its a fair trade off. Im looking forward to the 2011 model with, hopefully, some tweaks in the suspension system as well as improved fuel economy.

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  Luxury for a price you cant beat! - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By SupermanEmpire - December 28 - 4:25 pm

  For the money, pound for pound the Chrysler 300 cannot be beat. Luxury is a word that must be aquated with this nicely presented sedan. Its styling on both the exterior and interior leave very little to want. For your buck the 300 Touring AWD edition with the 5.7 liter engine is the best of the several purchase options. It has enough umpth for your lead foot, and leaves room in your budget to add some of the best options that Chrysler offers. If you can price any other sedan in its class with exactly the same options then give it a try...I have a feeling however that you will migrate back to a car that offers the very best in style, class and luxury. 300 is still the king of the concrete.

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  American Pride is Back! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By R Bowman - December 24 - 6:23 pm

  I love the fact that the 300 SRT8 is a classy looking car that I can use for business, yet doubles as my dream weekend car. The performance and handling is nothing short of astounding for the price. For an everyday vehicle, it doesnt get any better than this.