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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  Great car / 3.5 liter--5 speed - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Ben - May 9 - 11:24 am

  Bought car in 2007. The only trouble I had was the dealer had to replace the "mixer", which is the knob you use to switch the air flow. The car has been very good. Gas mileage on the highway (which is most of my driving) is 25 mpg to 28.6 mpg, which is fully loaded trunk and back seat @ 75 MPH. From Michigan to Florida and other parts of the country. The quality of gas really has alot to do with the mileage. Ive tried them all. Its supposed to be run on mid grade, but that hasnt been the case either. Last time (feb & mar) just ran it on regular, and the mileage got better and better from the start of the trip to the end. ended with 28.6 mpg. One other thing is I run Synthetic oil. Has 27K

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  Better in the snow than a 4 x 4 truck! - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By KAO - May 5 - 10:29 pm

  Quiet, perfect for a 6 person, 400 + mile trips easy, not fatigue. Gets around better than a 4 x 4 truck in the snow. Would be a tank with Blizzaks! Feels like a luxury car inside.

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  A Dream... - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By Victor - May 1 - 2:07 pm

  Loved it... after a lady crashed in to me at 65mph on the freeway I can say the impact was not little, the car is the safest I have driven and is now out and about after a $17000 repair with original parts. I loved my 300, short after it got stolen... I will buy one again!

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  300 C - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Bob - April 30 - 11:40 pm

  An incredible automobile. Ive owned Lexuses, Infinitys, Porsches, Caddys, Lincolns, Jaguars and this car is right there amongst the best for half the price. Faster than all, not quite as quiet, but Id ride to Virginia and enjoy the trip all the way. A magnificent auto.

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  AOK except? - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Florida300man - April 28 - 11:10 am

  Great car for the money! Performance all aroud is a 10! Only problem is Visibility . . . . side windows, and rear is the worst visibility. I have had first accident in my life as a result after 40+ yrs. of driving, not serious, but was due to poor visibility....also high profile tires will only last 15k miles tops.

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  The 1 Reason Chrysler Should Survive! - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By DarthXan - April 26 - 11:16 pm

  Ive loved this car since it first debuted in 2005 & now I finally have 1. Its every bit as exciting as I thought it would be. Amazing power from the 5.7 L HEMI when you need it (cylinders deactivate when cruising, so it runs like a 4 cylinder to save on fuel economy). Excellent interior quality. Awesome sounding stereo. Sexy yet menacing exterior. Quietest & comfiest ride Ive ever been in. Highly reccomended & right now its still on sale. I saved almost $15K on mine!

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  Good Car but not great - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Thomas - April 24 - 6:26 pm

  My 2006 Chrysler 300 Touring AWD is a very good car the ride is smooth and comfortable the steering is tight and handles well the engine really loves to guzzle up the fuel with this AWD and the rear seat is not as roomy as you might expect and i really like the exterior design nice and sleek except in my opinion the car doesnt look long enough it looks like it they chopped off the trunk but i wished i had looked around a bit more i would have got one of the more modern cars in this class like the Mercury Grand Marquis or Montego and Ford Five Hundred but i am fairly happy with my 300 its a good car

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  I love my 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Phil - April 24 - 4:26 pm

  The looks of the new 300C got me to take a look at. Im impressed and love driving my 300C. I got lucky in that 5 weeks to order and receive it. I had it so far for 4 months. Not one problem. The power of the Hemi, the options for the price, the look and the ride are what made me look and purchase it. Chrysler did it right in my book.

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  W82tite - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By TITE1 - April 9 - 10:33 am

  I really enjoy driving the car.It is very roomy and comfortable. It handles very well for its size.The price is unbeatable.

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  Touring comfort - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Happy Touring - April 7 - 7:33 am

  Would prefer better mileage as I have a difficult commute every day but for a vehicle in this class...