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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  300C and Love It - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Lady Unikhrn - January 3 - 6:46 am

  I bought my 300 last March and I love it completely. I hate to drive anything else now. The luxuary and comfort of my 300 is incrediable. I recommend only this car. I have had offers to upgrade or trade in my 300 and I just cant bear to be without "MY" 300, the answer is always NO thank you.

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  Watch Out - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By 300m - January 1 - 1:16 pm

  The 300 is a very pretty car to look at but, if you want a car that will stand up in performance and, reliabilty I wouldnt advise you to get a 300. Ive had my car almost two years, I get my regular services however my car sounds and performs terrible. The transmission do not change smoothly and, its extremly loud. My tire went flat and, I was told I have a slow leak in the rim that cant be fixed which mean I have to buy a new rim at $400. If you have a choice please do not get a 300.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By AndreaR - December 23 - 11:41 am

  I have had this car for almost 3 years now. My lease is almost up and overall have loved this car. I live in Minnesota so I wouldnt say its a car I would choose again to take on the Minnesota winter but it held up! I had the electronic stability program which did not come optional in the base sedan and it helps out a lot. I believe I had two recalls and then also one time everything that was power operated other than the locks went out and had to get the entire dash replaced. It was covered under warranty so it didnt matter much. Other than I loved it! Gas mileage is decent for the size of the vehicle but it helps with the smaller engine.

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  Now a fan, but - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Now A Fan, but - December 22 - 2:37 pm

  I purchased my Chrysler 300 DUB Edition in July of 08 and this car is a real eye popper. Metalic black with grey leather trim and lots of chrome. Oh, did I mention the 20 inch, low profile wheels? I love the vehicle but here are a few suggestions: Should have auto headlights, heated seats and be able to upgrade the sound system for GPS and auto cell phone. One other thing, it is terrible in snow and ice. I need to install snows and the price is $300 per tire. That hurts.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Brad - December 18 - 9:31 am

  This vehicle has awesome looks while it is a great car for the money. The Hemi is a great. The features of the car are great too. I get compliments daily on the car.

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  Living Up to Expectations - So Far - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Steve - December 13 - 1:06 am

  A joy to drive and look at. Plenty of power and a smooth ride. I have had the car for 10 months now. Although I have a couple of minor irritations to be corrected (alarm goes off and auto wipers dont automatically shut-off after using washer), I havent been back to the dealer yet. Wished pass seat had power controls - my 300M did!

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  My Hemi Is Bigger Than My Husbands - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Hemi Girl - December 10 - 5:05 pm

  Im parting ways with my SRT8 after almost 2 years. My employer is putting us back in company cars. It has been the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. From the day I drove it home I got thumbs up signs from drivers on the highway, people still walk over to talk about it when Im gassing it up, Ive owned Mercedes E class, Audi A6s and various other not so exotic cars but this car has been the best. I average 18 around town, get 21-22 on the hwy, never had a mechanical issue, original brakes, only second set of tires, we live in Minnesota and the traction/stability system kept us on track in the worst weather. Love the U Connect, the Navi, I have had some tickets too, its fast!

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  The Best Car on the Market - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Miss Taylor - December 6 - 1:43 pm

  I had driven a Chrysler 300 approximatley 1 year ago. When we decided to purchase antoher car. I was asked what kind of car I wanted. The Chrysler 300C was the only car that came to mind. Once I test drove "THIS CAR", I knew this was the ONE for me. Talking about comfort, luxury, style, all in one. This car is well worth the drive. I would recommend that you test drive one today. I am sure that you would make this you final purchase. I plan on keeping this on for years to come.

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  My 300S, a great car - 2017 Chrysler 300
  By John White - December 3 - 7:31 pm

  I went to the dealer ready to lease a 2017 Grand Cherokee. My 300 happened to be on the showroom floor and it was love at first sight. Sounds corny, but it is a beautiful car. I have the non metallic Ceramic Gray Clear Coat paint, AWD, The S premium, group and the S Appearance package. Rides like a dream, gas mileage is acceptable for a big car and in sport mode handles really well. Chrysler has made significant improvement in their electronics, infotainment and interior materials. At least they have in the 300. Ive owned 5 Jeeps, T&C van and a Sebring Convertible. My 300 is the best of them all. It is a big car, but doesnt have that big car feel inside. Beats audio is wonderful and the styling of the "S" trim constantly gets compliments. AWD only available with the V6, which is fine. 300 HP is plenty to move this car. I test drove the Hemi RWD model, but since I live in the snowbelt, AWD was the obvious choice. No regrets. Trust me, you wont be disappointed.

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  Unbelievable Value and Reliablity - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Beedle of VA BCH - November 27 - 10:29 pm

  Excellent value for the money. Bought this car 12/05 and have over 33000 miles on it. Excellent reliability. Absolutely no problems. Ride is even better since Contis replaced with Goodyear tires. The 300C compares favorably with my wifes new 2008 Cadillac STS.