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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  Beautiful looking Car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Norman Jorgensen - April 3 - 5:53 pm

  This car is beautiful. We get a lot of people stopping us to take a look at it. It runs nice and smooth. It has all the luxury you can ask for at an afforable price. We are always on the road traveling somewhere and this car is very dependable. We do put on quite a few miles each year. We have all the goodies that you can ask for. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants to feel safe and comfortable. It is like a dream to drive. Chrysler has really done a great job in the past 5-6 yrs with there cars, especially the style. Keep up the good work.

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  Whats with the ride height? - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By MoparFan - March 30 - 6:50 am

  Well built car, solid, quiet, smooth ride; however the RWD does have a better ride. Great interior, with all the right features, and excellent ergonomics. Still have not understood the reason behind the exaggrated ride height, its not necessary, as Audi, Mercedes, and BMW do not increase the static height of the car to add AWD. Also, the loss of chrome wheels on a more expensive version of the Hemi C. Even with the proverbial egg on the gas pedal, the mileage is extremely low (14.8 combined); hoping for improvement as the engine continues to break in.

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  Bang for dollar - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By srt8 - March 27 - 7:08 pm

  I have had my srt8 06 n ow for 1 1/2 years. All I can say is for the price its the biggest bang for your Buck. I installed mopar lowered suspension kit, cold air, and exhaust. Big improvement over stock. Im lucky enough to live not far from Hennessey performance engineering and the things they can do. Awesome. Have made numerous high speed test in West Texas, at 165 on smooth road handles good, but rough road at high speed better hold on, it gets tricky. Still lots of fun. Enjoy if your lucky enough to own one.

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  Blah Blah - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By asjemery - March 27 - 1:53 pm

  Nicely styled exterior with those narrow windows results in limited visibility that is borderline dangerous. Between the front roof post and side view mirrors...look out on turns. The interior was spacious but bland, with nothing to recommend or criticize too hard. I had the V6, which made the cars interior sound like a truck, and was the noisiest Ive driven in years. It did provide good acceleration, and was well matched to the cars below average handling. The engine was not as thirsty as I feared. I got 22-24 mpg in mostly suburban driving. Handling is only adequate - you really have to work the steering wheel, and the cars long wheelbase doesnt help.

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  Lews Chrysler 300 Limited - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Lew Gordon - March 27 - 1:31 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 18K miles on it and added tinted windows, styling kits on the outside, new 20" cool rims and tires. The car came with all the wood fancies you could find inside. The previous owner kept this car soooo immaculate. I am glad not to drive a Cadillac Eldorado anymore, and especially after two of them. The color is Cool Vanilla outside with cream leather interior and I get so many looks on the road. Honestly, it is the nicest one I have seen so far. A real eye stopper. The seats could be more comfortable (very Benz inside) and could adjust in more ways. I wish I had folding mirrors and rear-assist. LOVE this car!

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  Still love my Chrysler 300 Touring - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By J. Williams - March 26 - 5:12 pm

  I have owned my car for four years, it has given me dependable pleasure, comfort-style-and the dealership has been great to keep my car in top condition. I have no problems in the winter, my car always starts under the coldest of conditions, in snow if you go slow as conditions require you will be able to drive on most surfaces and hills. I have had the following parts replaced under warranty since purchase: Motors for front seat and car door windows. Extra battery in trunk replaced. Most recent part replaced, is a compressor went completely out, the dealership covered the cost leaving me with labor only. I have low miles considering I am the only driver of my car.

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  An instant classic - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By jerrymax - March 22 - 10:38 pm

  The first time I saw a Chrysler 300C it took my breath away. This car stands out in the crowd and I still notice every one I see on the road. I dont yet own one but a couple of years ago I rented a 300 Touring edition for a week. I put nearly 400 miles on it and loved every minute of it. Even with the V6 engine it had plenty of power, it handled beautifully for a full sized car weighing nearly two tons, and it had tremendous brakes. Fuel economy was very good and comfort level in its cavernous interior was great. I liked everything about the car very much and will probably buy one eventually but I still own a nice Maxima and a Jeep Grand Cherokee, so my vehicle needs are met already.

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  An Ominous Voice - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Mr. Dissappointed - March 22 - 8:38 pm

  Where do I begin? I bought the car in 2006, and rarely drive it. It has only 8000 miles of driving at this time. The gravel shield has fallen off - protected under the warranty. Now the Front End Bumper has completely fallen off as a result of the low to the ground design, when parking in stalls and approaching the parking stop. I have to pay $2600 to have it fix. I blame myself-for trying to spur the US Economy and not following my orig. feelings of buying a Non US vehicle. I would like to sell it - but have about 6k invested in after market products and services. I like the style of the car and the okay with the interior comfort. I will be getting rid of it this coming year. What a waste?

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  never buy another one - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By marty - March 20 - 2:05 pm

  the gas mileage needs to be better then 14/21 with the v6 -- to much wind noise

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  concord - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By concord - March 16 - 4:00 pm

  the car is very nice and nice to drive has plenty of room does fair on gas could be much better.