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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  Love it - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Mark - November 27 - 3:50 am

  Hoped it would get a little better gas mileage (averaging 19 city 23 highway), but that is only thing Ive found that isnt a ten. Brings me back to the old days of big Detroit Iron that feels good to drive. That and the constant compliments make this the best car Ive purchased in two decades.

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Kendo - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car.The ride is smooth, quiet and cofortable. I love the attention it gets when I drive down the street. The price was a real bonus. I expected that a car looking so expensive would cost a lot more than it did. A couple little drawbacks...The high beams on the turn signal arm sometime go on by accident sometimes while signaling a turn. Also, I found the windows a little hard to get used to. I mean they seem small and I feel like my veiw is limited.

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  Amerucan Pride - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Minja Netchiounas - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Nice look and drive

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  More than you may think... - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By HemiMike - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The 300 Hemi C is not just a powerhouse, bringing back the rear wheel drive muscle car to Chrysler, it has an impressive and luxurious quiet ride. The MDS (multiple displacement system) allows the 340 h.p. Hemi to get fuel economy in the upper 20s on the hwy. due to shutting off 4 cylinders when they are not needed. The Mercedes Brand also bleeds through with an "E" class retuned suspension and a Mercedes design transmission with auto-stick. Just an AWWWESOME Ride!!!!!

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  Nice ride - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By JJSHARONDA - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The ride was more than I expected. It handles well. It attracts a lot of attention. I felt right at home. The comfort was tremendous. I would drive the 300 on any road trip. It makes driving exciting again. I can feel the power of the engine when it comes to performance. I felt like I was in a nice roomy quiet place. I would recommend the 300 to my friends and neighbors. I was the first to drive one...

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  Classy Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By My Baby - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a number of new vehicles in my life and this is the best by far. The luxury of the leather interior along with the 6 cd sound system is like a little peace of heaven. The sleek sytle and design makes it one of the most unique cars out there. Comfortable, drives beautiful. It should cost a lot more.

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  Still In Love - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By tweekes - November 21 - 9:20 am

  When I first saw the concept, I had to have this car. I can still find it in the parking lot. Everything else looks like a Lexus. It is a heavy, powerfull, stable, fast as sin, great looking vehicle. I now have over 60,000 miles. Only minor problems. Had to replace a mirror, a visor clip broke, have a wear problem on drivers leather seat, AC condenser failed (mfg does not evacuate long enough when new, leave water in them) had an alignment problem when new. Hard on tires though. Get Goodyear 60K tread guarantee and keep prorate at 30K. I still love this car. Got nav, satellite, cant live without them now.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By BJ - November 20 - 5:16 am

  Driven this car 2000 miles. No problems whatsoever. Its fun to drive and gets looks and questions. A solid feeling and a smooth ride. I am happy it has cruise control because you would have trouble keeping at the speed limit without it.

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  Nice car, needs a few refinements. - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Rob - November 17 - 8:30 pm

  Finally, got my 300C. Excluding back seat DVD and Sirius (n/a in Canada), it is fully loaded. Its been fun 3 days. Plenty of power. Effortlessly accelerating and passing other cars. Quiet. I owned 2 300Ms and moved to 300C thanks to Chryslers pull forward program or it would be another 6 months in 300M. I also shopped BMW 5 series, but did not want to pay extra and wait another 6 month in the old car. Attractive design, but car feels a little bit bulky in the front (especially when cornering) as I can see hoods corners. I had no problems with visibility, but it takes a bit to get used to boxy design when parking. Shows 14l/100km mostly highway driving. Hoped for less, but no complaints.

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  Mengel - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By emengel - November 16 - 4:56 am

  I have put 8000 miles on the car on one trip. It preform excellent. It handles well. The gas milage ws 27+. We have had the car almost a year and would not trade it.