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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  The best care for your money - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Kenneth Ison - June 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best care any one can wish for hope for and have. We purchased this car 3weeks ago, we have 2 other vehicles and we havent been in them since. The car is very roomy and the style of the car is awsome, we get so many complaments on the car we get looks questions all the above, my fiance was going to buy a BMW before I saw this car and told him he better not, I took him to the dealer and that was all she wrote. This car is the bomb I love it, I love it, I love.

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  best all weather performance sedan - 2010 Chrysler 300
  By Paul Laisy - June 29 - 4:55 am

  Drive at 75 to 85 mph and consistently get 19 to 21 mpg. Excellent handling and performance. Very capable on snow and ice with auto-4wheel drive. Love the car but am unhappy that I can not get another with v8 and awd. The newer multi-gear trans. in this car would have been very nice. I may have to look at other brands now when I replace this one.

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  Dream Car - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By My Dream come true - June 27 - 5:54 pm

  I love my chrysler 300. It is boss! I love it beside any other car on the road! Ive wanted a 300 since the first body style but when this one came out WHAT!! I knew it was mine it took 2 years to get the price I wanted but it was worth the wait! Im a woman who loves cars. My 300 is red with 18 inch factory chysler chrome wheels with other chrome additions Hot!!! Hey and I look pretty good driving it. It is a dream come true and the ride is smooth! Ive had several hondas love them but this is my baby! Thumbs up to Chrysler for making this sharp hot car!

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  excellent car - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By Jim - June 27 - 9:46 am

  I traded in my 2007 SRT Design for a 09 300c SRT8 (wish I would have purchased the SRT8 to start with) the 07 was nice but the performance increase with the 6.1 Hemi is amazing. Even at 4000+ pounds this car performs! And the looks, well, I see guys driving Mercedes checking my car out while driving down the road or at stop lights. Anyone looking for a incredibly fun car to drive and one that will get you looks from everyone else, the 300C is the car, go with SRT8 if you can afford it.

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  LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By CBIII - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE - THE LOOK - THE RIDE - EXCEPTIONAL. I HAVE A FULLY LOADED 300C. I HAVE SO MUCH FUN WATCHING BEMI - BENZ ETC. PRETENDING THEY ARENT LOOKING. IF WERE LINED UP IN THE PARKING LOT, MY CAR DRAWS THE CROWD. MORE IMPORTANTLY - IT REALLY IS A TERRIFIC CAR. CHRYSLER SHOULD BE PAYING ME THE WAY I PROMOTE THIS CAR BUT I DO IT OUT OF SHEER LOVE FOR THE VEHICLE. I THINK MY GIRLFRIEND IS A LITTLE JEALOUS! I TEST DROVE EVERYTHING BEFORE I BOUGHT & FOR THE PRICE MY 300C WAS HANDS DOWN THE WINNER. SORRY I GOT CARRIED AWAY - THE NEXT REVIEW MIGHT BE MORE HELPFUL. CB III

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By evansvte - June 25 - 10:00 am

  It will pass anything on the road but a gas station, but it is fun to drive.

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  MY DREAM CAR - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Dream Car - June 20 - 8:56 pm

  I love my RED CHRYSLER 300! Ive love the 300 series before this style ever came out in 2005. Ive had 3 Honda Accords and I loved them. But this is the love of my life as far as cars go. I smile every time I get in it to drive!

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  Love it but second week was not good - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By hrisgirl - June 20 - 3:12 pm

  I love this vehicle. Ive got the heritage package with inferno red tintcoat so it is loaded and a real head turner. I also got a fantastic deal. Ive had the car for three weeks and the second week was spent in the shop. The car suddenly stopped excelerating...over 3000 RPMs at less than 20 mph and the engine light came on. A faulty part that regulates the speed caused the car to try to shut down. It was fixed under warranty and I was told this is a one in a million defect (I hope), hence the 9 rating on build quality and reliability instead of 10. I was looking at Cadillac CTS when I came across this car. Value for the money, the 300 beats the CTS.

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  My Chrysler 300-C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Avant111 - June 16 - 4:53 am

  Has the feel of the sixties car with a very agressive style unlike any other car now being produced.

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  Im thrilled with it - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By wiskydelta - June 14 - 9:03 pm

  This car is super fast, Ive had it up to 135 and Ive been told the govner kicks in at 155. Its also smooth and quiet to drive. Mine is a 2005, they will come down on a 05 but they want full sticker price on a 06, I paid $300 over invoice. This is also my first non-GM vehicle.