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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  cruise control - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By arladj - March 16 - 7:40 am

  cruise control is very poorly designed it is out of the way and confussing to use. It also in the same location as the directional switch and become confussing when changing lanes

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  Best Bang for Your Buck! - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Matt - March 15 - 3:51 am

  I bought my Chrysler 300c around 6 months ago with 73K miles. Its by far my favorite car Ive ever owned. The power is good but it is a heavy car. I had a single cab 05 Chevy Silverado Z71 with the upgraded engine putting out 290 horsepower before the 300c and it felt like it put you back in your seat more than the 340 horsepower Chrysler 300c. It might be because the ride is so smooth in the 300c or because the center of gravity is lower. I do a lot of city driving and Im getting around 15 mpg average which is a little lower than the 17 advertised (90% of the time I have my daughter with me and I drive like Miss Daisy) but with the hemi that was expected. What I wasnt expecting is how good the gas mileage is on the highway. If I reset my MPG average setting when I get on the highway it calculates quickly and gets up over 32 mpg. There are major blind spots though so you really have to check twice and know your surroundings. Also the comfortably of the driver seat could be better. It feels like its made for a much larger man. Im 6ft 200lbs and it doesnt hug my back at all. I have a 2,200 mile road trip coming up and Im not looking forward to the foreseen back pain in my future. Im looking at replacing the front seats with Challenger seats with hopes they will be more form fitting. The traction control needs some work. If you give it to much gas when accelerating the traction control kicks in and controls your launch. Ive learned to turn the ESP off every time I start up my car. From what Ive seen on older models when I was searching the market is looks like the clear coat on the faux wood grain on the steering wheel and interior door handles flakes easily. With theses negatives being easy to fix Im planing on keeping this car for life and adding a stroker kit and or a supercharger. If I ever trade this car in it will be for a newer SRT8. Its a little slow on the launch but when you hit 60 is when It really wakes up and gets scary fast. It just keeps pulling! Even at 120 mph you still feel like youre riding on a cloud. Another down side is the speed limiter that is set at 126 mph due to the tires put on from the factory are only rated for 130 mpg. From what I have researched it looks like the actual top speed is 175 mph. Now I know I will never go that fast (maybe once) but it would be nice to brag about being close to super car speed. Putting a speed limiter so low is kinda like a kick in the balls. Handling is great for such a big car. Its a true American muscle car with all the luxury features youd find in your Mercedes, Lexus and BMWs at an affordable price with great reliability. You also wont have to take this car to a specialized mechanic and pay extremely high repair costs. The perfect combination of reliability, luxury, and power on a limited budget.

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  Problems Problems - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Sameer Sinha - March 13 - 10:06 am

  I bought this car as second owner with 32,000 miles 8yr/80000 Pt warranty and 3 month 3000 bumber to bumber. I have visor clips break, Trunk release break, Lighter switch break. Suspension is noisy with loud Thuds, Brake is noisy with sqeeks, underbody rattle, steering hardens in clod temperature, Cruise control failure, steering system wearing and all this in 13 months or by 65000 miles. The car is too low to bump the speed bumps in shopping mall parking lots. Speakers are poor quality with sound distortion at 40% volume. REar wheel is terrible to handle in winter with snow, my first and last experience.

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  Awesome car!!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Aldo - March 12 - 1:43 am

  Best car I have ever driven. It is fast beyond belief, handles and stops like a true sports car, and can carry 5 people in absolute comfort. The engine growls like music. Feels solid and fit and finish is remarkable. The suspension is firm yet comfortable. Such an attention getter: turns heads wherever I go, people walk over and ask me about it.

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  "HEMI" Rocks!!!! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By M Ross - March 5 - 6:56 am

  The HEMI engine seems to have loads of endless power on demand, and sounds great too. Chrysler recomends 89 octane fuel in the HEMI, and since purchasing this car I have averaged about 18mpg. This is about the same gas mileage I achieved in my V-6 Sebring Coupe before I traded it in! This car has a solid well put together feel to it on the inside and out, and turns heads wherever I go. In my opinion there is no other car on the market that comes close to matching the value Chrysler gives you with the $35,000 dollar(average priced)300C! Last time I checked Acura didnt have any V-8 powered sedans and the cheapest V-8 powered Cadillac or Lexus sedans have a $50,000 dollar starting price.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Wayne - March 3 - 8:13 am

  I have owned a lot of nice cars, but this one is one of the most fun cars I have ever had

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  Performance after 75000 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By 300 owner - February 26 - 9:48 am

  This vehicle did a lot of highway driving and was great up to 75000 mls, afterwhich started having problems with head gasket, water pump and thermostat which were all related to the heating system, very costly and after speaking with several Chrysler professionals it is to be expected with this 2.7 engine the problems and more not described here. Ive met technicians that would not touch this engine. For one thing the water pump is behind the timing chain which becomes faulty because of the head gasket issue, resulting in high labor costs. Really liked the vehicle but dont have time to spend at the dealership spending money in these hard times.

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  Design - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Thomas Alston - February 24 - 7:26 pm

  Front end is too low and scrapes underneath in parking lots where chocks are used. Also, in parking areas near buildings where cement curbing and side walks exits. I dislike the gas tank. I have spilled gasoline on several occasions. Not much room to top tank off. I like the body style, the amount of interior and cargo space. Like the accessories.

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  Problems with my 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By charles lewis - February 23 - 9:10 pm

  Mileage 183,000. Engine is shot, it has a broken wrist pin. Gas gauge broken, had to replace rotors every 40,000 miles, suspension has gotten weak, car sways a lot. I am having to replace the engine, total cost: $4,200. I am not a happy camper. Period. I loved this car, hope to have put 250,000 miles on it. It did not happen! Running lights are always getting hit with debris and going out

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  I hated Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By kb - February 20 - 11:53 am

  Never thought i would own a Chrysler. By chance rented the Touring version and was extremely impressed with the fit and finish, handling and comfort. I had bought a dodge avenger for my daughter,a college student, and watched her car quickly deteriorate during a 3yr period. I must have put half as much money into repairs relative to what I initially paid for the vehicle.Her car looked good and drove well but quality and dependability was poor to say the least.In any event I swore Id never own another Chrysler product-that was until I test drove a 300c, with all wheel drive. I had test driven the LS, Avalon, A6,Infiniti and STS before the 300c. The 300c was undoubtedly the best car.