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 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Big Jim - February 10 - 12:10 am

  Vehicle has been a pleasure to drive, unlike any Chrysler before. Performance is excellent, only bad item is gas mileage around town.

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  300 SRT8 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By johnny strat - February 8 - 9:41 am

  Fun to drive, but in the month Ive owned its been in for service twice. Brakes made horrible noise, took it in and was told there was a service notice re the brakes. Pads were replaced under warranty. One week later, same problem. Took the car in again and was told that chrysler wouldnt do anything about the problem and Id have to live with it. Ashtray has also broken twice. Driver window auto-up has to be fixed. Splash guard under the front spoiler fell off on the highway and Chrysler wouldnt replace under warranty because I didnt stop the car on the interstate and go back to pick up the pieces after they fell off.

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  always in the shop - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By gregory tortorello - February 5 - 12:23 am

  love the looks of the car. however, looks can be deceiving. currently it is in the shop for about the tenth time in 20 months. Chrysler had a recall on this model but failed to inform me - only found out by chance when i brought in for oil change. one touch up feature works sporadically but after five trips to dealer it still isnt fixed properly. it is a shame i have to get rid of car for reliability reasons because i love the look of the vehicle. interior features are plain looking and use of rubber-like products are a big mistake because they attract dust and are very difficult to clean.

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  Dont get this car if snow is around - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By cj - February 3 - 10:49 pm

  I upgraded from a Charger (SXT) 3.5L I wanted a hemi and a luxury ride. So I bought this. Worst mistake ever! The engine cut off on me twice, I took it in for transmission work once, and its horrible in snow! Each time it snows Im stuck! Im getting rid of this ASAP!

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  Superb Vehicle - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Mark Robinson - February 2 - 1:14 pm

  I have had this vehicle for a few months now and I could not be happier. Not only is it fun to drive but it always seems to draw attention. A lifetime powertrain warranty was icing on the cake for me. Will definitely purchase another Chrysler.

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  2006 300c srt8 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By dana denny - February 2 - 12:22 pm

  Good interstate driver. Like the handling on secondary roads. Good cornering. Car feels balanced but I know that the car is front end heavy. Power when I need it but the nav system will get you lost. Left rear power window quit working.

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  This one is a winner - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Mike - January 31 - 3:25 pm

  Just bought this vehicle after being a big Cadillac Seville fan. I was looking for an AWD vehicle and looked at the Infiniti M and Lexus GS, finally drove this one and for about 12k less (based on my final cost) this was hands down the best buy. Interior design and materials arent Lexus or Infiniti but they are far better than any of the other vehicles I had looked at including the Cadillac. Good ride, will go through anything (within reason), excellent entertainment system, great seats, and one of the few cars that you can get rear seat heaters in. Back seat is comfortable and you actually have leg room. Exceptionally quiet too. The price after rebates and discounts was amazing.

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  Drive as usual for l00 Miles - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By 300C 4 dr sedan - January 27 - 4:43 pm

  We have found at least a dozen features about this car that we do not like, 700 words is not enough to tell the entire story, a quick summary is no front seat assist handles, backs of legs rub on side of car when getting out. Daytime glare on dash instruments, buttons that operate radio, navigation etc. are not illuminated at night. Demo ride did not point out that highbeam headlights were obtained by pushing down on the lever not by lifting up the lever as with prior Chrysler cars. The feature that bothered me most however was the lack of comfortable armrests for the driver, I was spoiled by the captains chairs in my van. I was not told about the cost of the puncture proof tires either.

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  Standard - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By steve - January 25 - 5:30 am

  For me the jury is still out - initially a great car but I am very concerned with Chryslers poor reliability in the past. Although it is a company car and will be returned @ 60K. Forget about it could have come with this or that, if this car has just above average reliability Chrysler has hit a grand slam. Bang for the buck is awesome...

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  Disappointed !!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By zfocus - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Awesome Car that the dealership and Chrysler rep insists does not have an alignment problem which I consider severe and very annoying. If not for this problem I would love the car with minimal suggestions to improve. It is the first American car that I have owned/leased in over 20 years. Unfortunately, Chrysler has given me no option but to go back to Lexus/BMW