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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  Good car...in a straight line - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By adamatx - November 13 - 7:10 pm

  When this model came out in 2005 it was very striking, but the flashy looks are beginning to fade (PT Cruiser, anyone?). The 300 is a great highway cruiser but in any turns at 15+ mph the tires begin to squeal. The car heaves around corners like a boat and visibility makes reverse maneuvering difficult. Gas mileage is also poor at 17 city. The Impala has just as much punch, handles better, and gets 20 city/29 highway. Also, for $32k I would expect the leather to be real and not vinyl made to look like leather. When accelerating there is a brief lag between hitting the gas and the car accelerating. Most US manufacturers have this issue, would be more precise with drive by wire technology.

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  ITS HEMI - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By J Schoenecker - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with my 300C. Only 700 miles on it and it has me reliving my 1968 1/2 Plymouth RoadRunner, HT days, even my wife(who paid my 1st car payment for the RR) loves it. The MDS is excellent new technology and will spread once folks understand they can have both worlds (Power & Economy)

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  Love My "C" - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By DPahl - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I have only had it for four weeks and 3,000 miles, but I love this car! From the neck-snapping acceleration to the head-turning style, I think it is the best value on the road. I bought the magnesium color and I am amazed at the slack-jawed looks I am getting from BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus drivers who paid much more for their vehicles than I did.

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  Worth the wait - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Road warrior - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This new automobile from Chrysler is definitely worth the long wait I experienced when I first went to my dealership wanting more information on the 300C which I had read and seen on TV from February. I made the decision to purchase in March and took delivery of the first 300C in this market in May! What a smooth, powerful and responsive driving machine! It is absolutely the best automobile I have ever owned (and there have been many!)

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  lousy tires - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By DURANGOGREEN - November 7 - 5:13 pm

  I AM VERY SURPRISED THAT A GOOD CAR LIKE THE 300 HASTHE WORSE TIRES ON THE MARKET. A $65 TIRE! CHRYSLER SHOULD BE ASHAMED. IVE TRIED TO EXCHANGE THE TIRES AND NOBODY WANTS THEM. EVERYONE SAYS THEYRE THE WORST TIRES ON THE MARKET.

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  Best car I have ever owned !!!! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Chris - November 4 - 6:07 pm

  This is without a doubt the best car I have ever purchased. I have had roughly 16 new vehicles of all makes and models. This car is so fast and fun to drive. It has more horsepower than just about anything on the road. It handles like a race car and accelerates like on too. I bought this car because it was the only 4 door on the dealers lot with a DVD in it for my 3 year old daughter. She was driving me crazy on road trips.. Little did I know what exactly I had just done. I just purchased the best car for the value on the market today.

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  Dont miss the SUV - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Karen - October 30 - 4:16 am

  I bought this car after obsessive shopping and am completely satisfied. The black with chrome is very classy.It is alot of car for the money. The bluetooth u-connect where the phone comes through the radio/nav is cool.The DVD hidden in the center console and headsets keep everyone happy.The navigation is terrific. Ive been driving it for 6 months with no regrets! My husband who is a BMW person loves the drive and power. Great on long trips.Gas mileage up to 22 mpg. Highly recommend this car for all ages. Seems very solid.

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  Awesome!!! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By skullflower - October 29 - 1:06 pm

  We purchased this vehicle almost two months ago, and I still get excited to run simple errands. The power, the luxury, and the fun qualities of this vehicle, make it jaw dropping. The quality is as good as it looks. It really is a luxury vehicle, with more power than most vehicles and trucks on the road!!!

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  rocker panel - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By mary L. Robinson - October 24 - 8:22 pm

  love car, but have had some unusual problems, like the rocker panel dropping off. Has anyone else had thia problem? Had to replace brake rotors and pads at a cost of 743.00 at 22000 miles . Brakes still squeaking, even when Im not braking. Just had to have suspension work done that cost me 1100.00 and replacement of rocker panel me 389.00. all of this on a car with 49000.00 and also a new set of tires. the originals were so worn.

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  Outstanding - 2015 Chrysler 300
  By Scott G. - October 16 - 9:41 am

  I think this is an exceptional Sedan. Thick wrapped leather steering wheel, large leather seats and plenty of cargo room in the trunk. I look forward to driving this car everyday with its crisp handling, supple ride and near perfect engine/transmission combo. The base stereo in our Limited has more features and better bass response than any other vehicle we have ever owned. The rotary shifter does take a little getting used to, but is a non-issue and actually makes the center stack feel a little more spacious. This car certainly has its limits in the corners, but is far more nimble then given credit. Yes the transmission is programmed for fuel economy, yet it responds quickly to downshifts and will hold a gear when summoned to. If you do any mixed driving like me expect 27-29 MPG, if you drive strictly around town like my wife you will be in the 22-24 MPG range. If you drive hard, all bets are off and fuel economy should not matter to you. I am extremely impressed with the fuel economy for a car this big and heavy. Chrysler dealers are willing to negotiate on these vehicles, especially the RWD V6 models like ours and that just sweetens the pot even more. I was also impressed with its winter handling here in Michigan, it felt planted and traction was decent on really bad roads with the stock Michelins. I had Discount Tire put 4 Hankook iPike winter tires on my wifes car and we could practically conquer the world in this thing. Test drive one and you will be impressed.