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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  I loved it one time too! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Aggrivated in Ky - February 16 - 6:51 pm

  Ive owned my 300 for exactly a year now. I agree with others it looks fantastic. Granted I bought it used, but The car idles rough, shifts badly, currently need sway bars, wheel bearings, EGR Valve system repair. It sways badly lags in power especially in take off. I have check engine light and 2 lights to do with breaking illuminated. And beware if you ever have a flat tire. The lug nuts have casings on them that go over the lip of lug nut. They are not the removable caps. When you try to take the lug nuts off they caps just spin. I have had to cut the caps off my lug nuts and have to buy all new. On top of that, whoever heard of a car you have to have software updates? Wish I never bought it!

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  2005 Chrysler 300 Touring - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By vwimb - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car!!! comfort, style and class. Holds the road like no other.. Surpisingly good on gas. I spend 25 dollars a week and with gas prices the way they are that pretty good. If you and a classy car this it!!! You will enjoy it.

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  My new 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By dansden - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This car gets more looks and comments than any car Ive ever owned. Classy, rugged, beautiful design. Plenty of power with the 3.5 and lots of nice features.

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  300C stands the test of time - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Marlonm - February 14 - 5:51 pm

  Just wanted to write-in after 88,000 miles I still love my 300C as much as the day I bought it. I have had a few, mostly minor problems (headlight, EGR valve, cam sensor, differential seal leak, nav button). All of these have been covered by 100K warranty. Still have yet to replace the brakes! Gas mileage is excellent (22 combined MPG) as long as I dont mash the pedal too often. I would buy this car all over again if Chrysler is still around in a few years.

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  I love this car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By ed mccain - February 14 - 12:33 pm

  If you want the best of both American (Chrysler) and European (Mercades) engineering, buy this car. The look is bold yet elegant. The interior space is more than roomy. Features such as satelite radio and navigation enhance the overall experience. This car makes a statment, are you prepared for the attention you will get while behind the wheel?

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  Drives amazing! - 2015 Chrysler 300
  By waleed khalilieh - February 14 - 6:04 am

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  Poor beneath the surface - 2015 Chrysler 300
  By throw73 - February 11 - 11:54 am

  I purchased a 2015 300c 5.7l v8 hemi brand new. First, the cars seat comfort is excellent. The cars driver side seat ventilator motor gave out on its first use. If you want a smooth quiet ride I would avoid the 20" wheels, they are very noisy. The 5.7 hemi is fast but by todays standards not really... Plus the tradeoff of horrible gas mileage. What people who dont own one dont really know is that you have to get the rpms pretty high in order to take advantage of the torque on the 5.7. I waited for the 2015 model so that I could get the 8-speed transmission. The shifts are jerky and inconsistent which was a concern but livable. Also when moving to drive from reverse and vise versa there is a loud pop when engaging into the gear. The big problem occurred when I was trying to merge on the freeway and under semi hard acceleration the transmission popped into neutral, then downshifted to a gear too low causing a major jerk reaction. I almost got rear ended because of this. This was all before the first oil change at around 8000 miles( the minor issues were present from the beginning). When I took the car in to the dealer they performed a bunch of computer updates. This did not fix the issue and the car did the same thing upon merging on the freeway again. Second trip to the dealer they had to replace the valve body. This car was just bought back from Chrylser through the lemon law. This car is garbage. Which is reflected in the resale value. May car was worth ~$25,000 in less than 1 year with low miles, I purchased it for $40,000! I did research and the Chrysler 300 is #1 in depreciation! This is why you see so many wankstas in used 300s. Save yourself and your wallet from this car and learn from my experience.

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  Chryslers Big hit - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Tino - February 11 - 9:57 am

  this car is amazing. very smooth ride. turns heads everywhere i go. very nice high output 3.5L. when i was purchasing this car i was a little iffy about it because it was a Chrysler and i did not know what to expect. but this car prove me wrong and it has ben grate to me all i replaced was the tires and a a/c blower resister. overall this is a great car.

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  Love It - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Art - February 3 - 5:46 pm

  I had some great cars but there is something about my 300 that makes me feel good when driving it or looking at it.Its a base model with cool vanilla paint with a sun roof and a six cylinder motor.I read a comment saying the base 6 is sluggish which I have to say is not true.I have friends who have the 300 with 8 cylinder motors and I cant see much difference.I had a 4 cylinder Mustang and my 300 is better on gas.Im not sorry I got the base because its still an eye pleaser with more than enough power which people remark about when riding in it.

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  Rating Review - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Lawrence Harper - February 1 - 11:57 am

  This is one of the most classically designed reasonably priced vehicles on the road today. Chrysler 300C needs about a 30% Improvement in interior & rear traction Imperfections to be the best model on the market, in its category. Most serious problem with Model 300C Non-Four Wheel Drive is a "Serious Lack of Rear Traction, in Snow".