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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  Awesome Car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By James - December 7 - 11:23 am

  This by far is the best car Ive had, even with this problems that have come along with it (mostly the dealer that sold me the car). I ditched that dealer and now my issues are resolved.

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  Awesome!! - Go Get One! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By El_Raven - December 6 - 1:03 pm

  Im 65" and never thought of buying a car. I always drove trucks and SUVs. One day a car service was using this car and I was in the back seat as a passenger. I couldnt believe the room. A few weeks later, I test drove it and I have more room in the front seat than I did in my Expedition. The price/performance ratio for this car is insanely attractive. More HP, all the internal features, Mercedes styling and suspension for 30%-40% off other luxury vehicles. I couldnt pass it up. My wife made me a happy man this Xmas!

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  300C AWD less than perfect! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Bob G - December 4 - 10:26 am

  Vehicle is very comfortable, handles well, ease of entry and exit is very good. Present mileage is 9500. I have experienced throttle hesitation under most circumstances but especially when turning from highway onto exit and attempting light acceleration, it simple does not respond until accelerator is depressed much more and then response is sudden and abrupt. Under full throttle acceleration I frequently experience a severe hesitation between shifts from 1st to 2nd wherein the vehicle seems to loose forward momentum and nose dives! Dealer says "no codes, no problem" I am extremely disappointed in this vehicle due to the aforementioned behavior. My Wife has experienced the same behavior.

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  May have gotten a LEMON - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Steve - December 3 - 2:53 pm

  Beautiful exterior and roomy comfortable interior. After that there are a lot of problems. Air Conditioner clutch sounds like an engine knock (dealer repaired but knock is coming back). Poor fit on rear bumper cover, steering wheel out of level, had to replace the drive shaft for a bad bearing,Air Bag light stays on (fixed 3 times), drivers seat upholstery pulled away from the frame, knock in rear end when accelerating from a stop, heated seat turns on by itself, and the check engine light stayed on for two days.

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  Unbelievable Value - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By The Arb - November 30 - 5:06 pm

  Returned a leased 2007 300C AWD and bought this one, fearing Chrysler will not make such a big heavy powerful car again. I bought Inferno red again and it still turns heads, especially with a new Bently front grill. I used to get a Cadillac STS every two years until 2007 when I realized this is a more beautiful car and has everything an STS has, plus much more, at a much lower price.

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  Lovin the 300s performance and CarPlay - 2017 Chrysler 300
  By Joe E - November 28 - 9:38 pm

  Really is the best American car value out there, and well worth the asking price. Sleek, comfortable, a lot more performance than you expect for a v6, and great tech included too! CarPlay is by far my favorite feature. Love the use of tech within the car, but still easy to use. Has a volume KNOB (which I love). Great gas mileage, and man do I get compliments on the cars looks (inside and out). Really sharp. I recommend the S model, and the sport appearance package makes the outside look the best. Good job Chrysler.

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  Astonishing Value - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Stephen - November 23 - 8:30 am

  Have had the vehicle for about 10 days and think it is a fabulous performer and value for the price paid. Have had (and still have) Mercedes since 1970. BMW, and Jaguar. This is the first "American" car Ive owned in years. The Mercedes engineering and influence is obvious. Ride seems comparable to the E Series. Terrific automobile.

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  Pokeys 300c Experience - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Pokey50 - November 18 - 9:40 pm

  At first glance I love the 300c. Brought the car without a test drive. Love all the attention of driving it. In my third month of owning it, the car began to shudder while accelerating. Took it back to the dealer and learn that there is a technical service bulletin on this car because water is getting in the transmission by way of a faulty dip stick tube on the transmission. The dealer first change the filter and fluid, work for a while, then shudder came back. The dealer replace rhe torque converter as well as change the fluid again. Waiting to see if this solves the problem. I love the way this car looks, the power and feel although the ride is a bit bumpy in the inner city. Full warranty.

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  70s Chrysler Style with Benz Flair - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Lance - November 17 - 12:03 am

  I am a liflong auto enthusiast, collector and Master Automobile Technician. I have owned over 200 cars from AMC to Pontiac, and have serviced or repaired probably 10000. The new 300C is the most exciting new automobile that I have ever experienced, by half. What first strikes you is the styling, which for me said 1973 Chrysler, which itself had styling ques from various 50s Chryslers. The stance is masculine and aggresive. The HEMI V-8 delivers enormous power and torque yet impressive fuel economy; about 24 mpg average for my driving habits. I just cant praise the new 300 enough without writing a dissertation about its virtues! Just drive one, trust me!

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  300C Hemi Heritage Edition -Cool Vanilla - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By RichmondVA300C - November 14 - 5:46 pm

  Bought this car new in 2009...last one in the showroom. It is the Heritage Edition, so it comes standard with many interior upgrades such as the U- Connect, NAV, MPEG with 40GIG Hardrive, as well as a very sharp camel color interior and special leather seats. In addition, the 300C comes with the standard stuff that really makes the car special...like adaptive cruise control, Bose Stereo with 400W Amp, power steering tilt and pedals, memory seats, engine cuts from 8 to 4 cylinders to save fuel etc. I could go on for days about the standard/added features features on the 300C. I am 65" tall and fit in the car great. Truly a joy to drive, although gas mileage is quite disappointing.