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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  My 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Tony - August 26 - 11:20 am

  I love this car, most fun driving it than any car Ive owned in over 40 years (including an early 60s T-Bird and a 67 Cougar). After 4 years with this car I still get lots of looks and comments about the style. Wife wont even let me consider buying another car. Car is comfortable to ride in, and has more legroom than a friends Lexus.

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  Awesome sedan - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By southshore4 - August 25 - 8:02 pm

  I love my C and the Hemi engine. Roomy and comfortable. Great leg room for 62" and then some. I also drove an M for years, which had superior handling to the C. Reliability has been very good. Had worn tie rods at 30K, but Chrysler reimbursed for parts at least following my complaint letter. All components work great on this vehicle. Ill average 21 mpg in my 20 mile commute, not bad knowing that this car has unbelievable acceleration when needed/wanted.

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  Candy to the eye - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Silvia - August 23 - 7:56 pm

  I love my 2006 Chrysler 300L! It is beautiful to look at, so comfortable to ride in and the highway mileage cant be beat. When traveling over 50 mph on the road, put it in cruise. Chrysler has built in a mechanism that shifts my vehicle from a 6 cylinder to a 4 cylinder and I get 460 miles to the tank! The only complaint I have is that the engine is kinda loud for a luxury car. But it definitely has POWER and COMFORT. I love, love, love my beautiful car! Silvia, El Paso, TX

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  Fantastic Performance - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Dave P - August 18 - 10:00 am

  For the price tag of 34K, I could not find any better performance vehicle. The car has excellent acceleration and does well on both highway and in city driving. The looks great inside & out and the ride is extremely smooth.

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  A Dream - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By GooseLyne - August 17 - 8:38 pm

  Sole owner from 3 miles to recently rolling over 145000. Five years of ownership and all I have replaced is a EGR Valve last May and a rear speaker that I blew out myself. To compare this car to a Audi or Honda or Toyota is a huge mistake. They have no where near the same in-cab room and feeling of comfort on the surface of the road. The low-long body allows for tight turns and an excellent grab on the pavement. The small V6 is well enough for highway and in-town acceleration. There is no other car (under 30000 dollars) on the market with an average MPG of 25 to 28 and a presence on the road of captivating aesthetics and size that can swallow similarly priced sedans.

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  300 C Fully Loaded - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Derwin Davis - August 16 - 1:33 am

  I traded my 430 E mercedes Benz 2000 for a fully loaded 300 C hemi. I saved approx $25,000 by purchasing an american made mercedes. The car is flawless will I purchase again Yes. The power,design and the roominess for a 6 FT 4" person is unbelievable for the price.The only problem is that dealers want you to pay sticker price with no negotations.

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  Roomy & Sharp lines - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By LPenazek - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Nice style, Nice interior. Nice Dash and Console. Trunk space to spare. Many safety features which reduces Insurance. Smooth ride with 17" tires. Nice grill front. Gas lid and location could be ergonomically challenged a bit lower. Gas cap should have a place to be stored while pumping, instead of hanging limp with potential scratch opportunities over time.

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  Not a Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By InofinRon - August 12 - 10:00 am

  As a former car dealer I am no Chrysler fan they have been building junk for several years!!!!!!!!! The 300c is a step back to the rear wheel drive days when Chrysler was a leader I have one of the first ones sold and have only good things to say about it.

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  nothing like it - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By newcardriver - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This car provides an unbeatable combination of style, power, and luxury at an incredible value. If you have never owned or considered owning a Chrysler product, please compare this car to others in its price range. You will be shocked at what this car offers versus what you were prepared to get. Only get this car if you are prepared to stand out from the crowd of overpriced blandness and sameness.

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  IMPRESSIVE - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By JOSEPH OLIVA - August 12 - 10:00 am

  PLEASE DONT RUIN THIS CAR!!! YOU HAVE A WINNER HERE. THIS CAR GETS MORE ATTENTION THEN ANY CAR IVE EVER SEEN , ITS A BEAUTY ,FAST AND CLASSY.ALL AGE GROUPS AND GENDERS GO CRAZY OVER IT WHEN THEY SEE IT. LOVE IT...............JOEY.