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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  great - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By rac - March 6 - 10:00 am

  fast great good styling

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  Mixed Opinions - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Matt - March 4 - 7:54 pm

  I have owned this car for almost 2 years and Im just approaching 40k miles and over all im impressed with the looks and thats it, mecanicaly I have had nothing but headaches. The transmission slips and steering becomes difficult when its cold (I live in Canada), extremly rough idle and the dealer claims there is nothing wrong, I had to replace all speakers in the car, both rear power window motors twice, brake rotors at 15k and the OEM Goodyear tires stink they wear out fast and I had them replaced at 20k miles for a set of Michelins. This is my 3rd Chrysler and I wont be buying another any time soon and in fact Im trading it for a Honda Accord EX V6 next week.

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  Love my 300 - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By ROCK - March 3 - 10:12 am

  So I went against the preferred engine and really I think the concerns are a little overrated about it. I think if you want performance slapping a massive engine in it wouldnt satisfy my personal preferences. In saying that we bought this because $4 gas will soon be a reality. The car rides incredible, the fit and finish is the best of any Chrysler I have owned by far. The road noise is minimal and the look is just sleek it looks like a much more expensive car. The stereo sounds great and the sets are very top notch. We traded in a Durango and this has more leg room in the rear then our SUV had. I am really pleased with my purchase and the 25 mpg makes me smile.

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  A Great American Sedan! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By afwxforecaster - March 1 - 11:23 pm

  I recently purchased a 300C Heritage Edition, after trading in my 2003 Audi A4. Now, I absolutely loved my A4, and would recommend it to anyone. However, I wanted something a little larger, because the A4 was just getting a little tight for my family. I am extremely impressed by the 300C. It is large, comfortable, luxurious, and has never ending power. The interior and exterior styling is first class. I recommend this car to anyone who is looking at the large car segment...this is truly a great American sedan!

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  RICKS 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By RICKY CROWDER - February 29 - 3:30 am

  YOU FEEL GREAT WITH THIS CAR. FROM CRUSING TO ROCKITING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS CAR WILL TAKE THE MOTO FROM THE COMPETITION. GMCS PROFESSIONAL GRADE, LOOK AT THE 300C. FORDS BUILT FOR THE ROAD AHEAD, LOOK TO THE 300C. THIS IS THE CAR THAT CAN MAKE ANYBODY FIT IN AT THE AUTO SHOW. IF YOURE YOUNG, YOU CAN COMPETE WITH ANY OF THE NEW HOT RODS. IF YOURE OLDER YOU CAN PARK NEXT TO THE MOST EXPENSIVE LUXJURY CAR AND NOT FEEL OUT OF PLACE. THIS CAR IS COOL ENOUGH FOR A SINGLE MAN OUT ON THE TOWN, AND CAN MAKE A MAN MARRIED WITH CHILD FEEL AS IF HES STILL GOT IT. THE DOWN SIDE IS YOUR WIFE OR GIRLFRIEND WILL WANT TO DRIVE TOO. THE FINAL WORDS. HOMERUN CHRYSLER, HOMERUN.

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  Best ever - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Bob - February 28 - 8:23 pm

  I have owned 27 different cars in the past 45 years. All of them have been American cars (at least in name). I have had my 2005 300C for 7 months and I still get a big smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel. This car is amazing. I love everything about it, especially the Hemi. Years ago I owned cars with powerful engins, but nothing compares to this Hemi. Combining the power with the stability control and the suspension, transmission and brakeing system makes it a car worth thousands more than the sticker price. I constantly get compliments about the exterior looks. I get about 18MPG on my daily driving and about 24 on the highway).

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  300C Car of the year - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By charger srt8 - February 27 - 2:06 am

  Best car ever!!!!! it takes other company guts to build this kind of car that has speed and luxury at the same time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a new mercedes benz.

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  abc - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By john doe - February 24 - 1:10 am

  low winshield. difficult to see traffic lights when up close. sometimes using the sun roof to see the traffic light makes it easier. however, then you have to move up to the stop line. that brings you close to the center of traffic. nevertheless, its something you get use to. the car is dynamite. i am told so by people on the street every day. the guys just go on about the design and the ladies, its the unspoken look. good job

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  Good interstate cruiser - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By denny5 - February 12 - 12:29 pm

  This car turns heads, looks real good on the outside but it could use some help on the inside. The shiny stuff on the steering wheel could be replaced by cruise contol buttons. Handles are ok on a truck but not on this classy car.

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  300 srt 8 Chrysler - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By James Percel - February 11 - 3:47 pm

  I watched the car from development stages and new that I wanted one as soon as they became available. The car drives very well and gets good gas milage for a 6.1 liter engine producing 425 HP