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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  Im Back for More. - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By Randy - April 6 - 6:18 pm

  I bought one of the first redsigned 2005 Jade Green 300Cs in March 2004. I thought it was an unbelievable car for the $$s. After 70,000 miles I traded it in for the 2009 300C Clearwater Blue, fully optioned. Its a handful with additional 19hp. Its a phenominal highway car. It has 2,000 miles on it. I just did a trip from Long Island to western Virginia. It averaged 24.1 miles/per gallon over 420 miles. Chrysler tweaked the MDS system so that it runs on 4 cylinders more often, even at 70 miles plus per hour, with a special "ECO" light which tells when MDS is on. The ride is plush and heavy. Made the trip in 5:52 hours averaging 71mph. The seats are so comfortable one can drive forever

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  hopinfg for the best - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By xena - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Excellent look to car. Had issue with car pulling to the right/ returned 2nd time -better but no fix/ 3rd time. tire issue- fixed still pulls to right. I could be very satisfied if this issue could be resolved, but at this time no know fix is in the works per CHrysler

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  One of the best cars Ive ever owned - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By LarryC - April 2 - 11:02 pm

  A car hasnt made me feel so good since my Trans Am in 1979. Other than scheduled maintenance, the car has never been in the shop. With 20" chrome wheels and low profile tires, the car still looks fresh and brand new.

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  best of both worlds - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By gking1985 - April 1 - 1:07 pm

  Essentially the best vehicle I have ever owned. Combines the exhilaration, acceleration, and precision I expect from my Jaguar, and the quiet, luxurious, and smooth attributes I get from my Lexus Hybrid. Im a believer in domestic cars again - you will NEVER feel underpowered at a stoplight, or an on-ramp. The Benz-derived tranny is a perfect mate to the "demi-HEMI" and shifts smoothly without hesitation. There should be no question about engine performance - RWDs performance off the line is jaw dropping (in dry conditions of course). If you want a car you can schmooze the boss in, and blow past the European imports in, look no further.

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  FROM CADDY DHS TO 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By BIGA - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I WAS A CADDY MAN FOR MANY YEARS.. WHEN I SAW THIS CAR ..I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. I BOUGHT ALL THE HIGH END XTRAS INCLUDING THE CUSTOM GRILL AND DIDNT GO OVER $39,000 INCLUDING TAXES ETC. CHRYSLER DID A HELL OF A JOB.... BIG A STATEN ISLAND NY

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  Beautiful Car, Magnificent to Drive - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By ilovemy300c - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My first luxury car. I love it. Ive received so many compliments on it. No problem with the "get up and go".

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  Solid Car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By JTJ - March 27 - 10:33 am

  I am 6 3" and drive quite a bit so I wanted something comfortable. The front seats are rooomy.. But they could be softer and more comfortable. My friend has a BMW 535xi and those seats are like sitting in a recliner. Soft and supportive. So, on long trips, I def tend to get a little stiff in the back and my leg hits the door and the door should have a little padding there.. Not hard plastic. Its not a luxury vehicle, but its a solid, dependable car for me so far.. Dealership cleared up a few issues that could have been costly, but they said it was a manufacturing error and fixed it all for 100 deductible even though I didnt extend the warranty. Thats service.

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  Most Bang for the Buck - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Eric - March 23 - 11:53 pm

  After living in Germany for 5 yrs i wanted a fun fast and reliable American Hot Rod. This is it. I didnt know until after the fact about the SRT Track Experience and that was a blast plus i really appreciate the cars potential. Great Car and it beats the CTS-V and M3 and AMG C55 hands down.

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  My review - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Julio Diaz - March 22 - 9:11 pm

  Id been with my car barely a month, but it had been an incredible experience. The ride, the interior comfort plus the looks of the car are second to none. The engine response it fantastic, plenty of power to move the big body.

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  Unbelievable value. - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By The Arb - March 19 - 7:19 pm

  With all the discounts now offered this car is an unblievable bargain. There are many improvements over the 2007 300C which I returned after a 27 month lease. This car I bought, paying 0% financing for 36 months, with nothing down. The beauty of this car, plus the inferno red color I have, is still a head turner, even though the car first appeared in 2005. From 1995 to 2007 I leased a Cadillac STS every 2 years (6 cars). A Chrysler 300C, with options, surpasses Cadillac in every way looks, power, performance, and most all, price. Regarding fuel economy, you cant expect a large heavy V8 to be fuel efficient.