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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  Can you Hemi now?! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Jesus H. Christo - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Finally a touring car from Detroit that can compete with the best from across the pond while making the traditional builders of the All- American "luxobarge" green with envy. Sure, the Mercedes chassis is the biggest part of this particular conglomeration, but DaimChryslers nod to the muscle-car era with its 21st century redo of the Hemi engine puts the icing on the cake. Get yours now before the price goes up. I got mine for only $500 over invoice.

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  Great value! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By The Emperor - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Terrific engine and transmission. Love the styling. Constantly get asked: a) is it a HEMI, b) can they look inside

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  My Experience - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By G1NA3C - December 23 - 1:48 pm

  Exterior aesthetic appeal is undeniable, however interior budget cuts are evident. Leather is cheap, and not supportive - sadly MOPAR engineers have yet to achieve a benchmark ride akin to Cadillac/Lincoln. However as prior owners of both, neither can compare to the pure acceleration and road manners of 5.7/340hp 300C. Approaching 100k (5W20), w/ no mechanical problems to mention. Still avg range 320City/+400hwy varied elevation/region/driving conditions including snow. Very powerful, compliant, and forgiving platform. Thoroughly do the research and test drives, the Hemi is kicking with class leading fuel economy. On a more juvenile level, it just feels good.

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  LOVE THE POWER - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By TOM B. - December 19 - 11:47 am

  So far i have no concerns. The car is everything i want in a sedan.I love the power, ride and the looks i get when i drive it. Since i live in the snow belt i put snow tires on it and i have no complaints in handling.My car has all options and for the money i would recommend it as one to buy. I had a 2006 SRT8 but i wanted to drive and have the power in the winter.

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  love this car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By jeremy - December 14 - 11:00 pm

  was looking around for a nice comfortable car. look at everything. look for over 4 months finally i came to like this car over cad. chevy, and lincolns also ford and mercury

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  One of the best - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Jerry - December 14 - 12:53 am

  Looked at it on Friday, test drove it on Satruday, bought it on Sunday......... Im a big man and this car with its telecoping wheel, variable pedals, and power seat, gives all the room I need for comfort and access to all the controls........ The fit and finish is one of the best for a NA built car.....I would like this car more if I could have gotten the hemi, but price and insurnce was was factor. All in all, one of the best I have owned and driven. I gave up a great Ford Crown Vic to drive one of the best! And the styling sure makes a statement!

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  Lord blessed me with a great find - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By DE Austin - December 12 - 10:09 am

  This car can go - This car is loaded and drives and acts like a luxury car or a fast sports car...Now I am the one asked to driver everywhere. I think Chrysler and Dodge get a bum rap!! The great Lord blessed me with an awesome find...

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  Thomas 2006 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By rich300 - December 9 - 6:16 pm

  Its the car of my dreams, I have been waiting to get one since 1999 when they 1st come out and I finally got the opprotunity to get one! The car handles like a dream on the on the highway it is outstanding. Everywhere that we go people stop and ask us where did we get the car from. My husband and I will more than likely purchase another one in the very near future. Thanks for making a wonderfull car! The Thomas

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  It lives up to the hype - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Brad Lannier - December 9 - 5:46 pm

  We looked at the Touring and the 300C, and the C was a no-brainer. The upgrades offered vs. the minuscule price difference made the decision easy. This car is very well appointed, although Id like the metallic stereo console to match the tortoise shell steering wheel. Also, the drivers seat seems a bit stiff. Maybe itll relax a little after some miles are put on it. The fuel economy is surprisingly high - overall avg. of 18.1 mpg in the dead of Winter, and most of that would be considered city driving. A lot of county roads with stop lights everywhere. The car gets commented on every time I get out of or into it. I love it. Too bad its my wifes car. I only drive it on weekends.

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  For a Blast Drive a 300C - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Mark - December 9 - 2:16 pm

  I purchased this car new in November of 2006. It combines, power, handling and luxury all in one package. After owning high end Lincolns, Oldsmobiles and Buicks, this auto is one of my favorites with exception to the Buick Park Avenue. The 300C AWD intertwines ample power, superb handling and amenities that gives the driver and passengers a superior auto experience. In three years of ownership there have only been two visits to the dealership and the problems were a tech bulletin notice for a transmission seal leak and the navigation CD failed. Both were handled with no residual problems. I plan on keeping this car for a long time, side by side with my Park Avenue!