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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  What a Surprise - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Exlex - November 13 - 1:57 am

  I have been driving a Lexus LS400 for 8 years. From the moment I sat behind the wheel of this vehicle and stepped on the accelerator I was hooked. On the highway the power and acceleration is awesome. The ride is as smooth and quiet as my Lexus. It even handles turns well. The dash is contemporary yet classic. I love the analog clock. My car came with Sirius for one year as an extra bonus. No nav or sunroof. I never used the sunroof on my Lex. Otherwise evrything else loaded (leather, heated seats, auto telescoping steering wheel, premium speakers. Just a great package. I also drove the V6 3.5. The road feel was similar. There is a big drop off in power and acceleration.

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  Chrysler 300 Touring Signature - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Jeffrey Morris - November 9 - 1:36 am

  I’ve only owned this car for a few days, so this is a first impressions review, but WOW It has far exceeded my expectations, especially in the room and comfort areas. While the engine is smaller than that in my Jeep Wrangler, this car has much more zip, and may be more fun to drive. The most noticeable feature about this car at first glance is the aggressive exterior styling - my wife calls it a gangster car. She drives a 2004 Nissan Quest minivan similarly equipped to my 300. The styling on the 300 has more masculine appeal than most large sedans, and my 3 year old son would rather ride in “daddy’s car” than the Quest.

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  Better than Old Lexus - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By THOMAS BEECHUM - November 9 - 1:32 am

  I love my new SRT 8! I have been an owner of a Lexus GS and an Infinity 4.5. They both are Yugos compared to this. I love the power and fit and finish is great!. Any stoplight drag race is mine from now on. I dont think Ill ever go back to imports

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  My 2nd 300 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Henry - November 1 - 5:40 am

  Found a fully loaded demo at a good price. Had a 1999 300M which I loved and wasnt sure I would like the C as much as the sportier looking M. Wrong, I just love this car and if it performs like the old one (or better) I am a happy camper. The ride is so smooth, and the poer of the Hemi when you want it is fantastic. Very comfortable driving and as passenger (not in that seat too often though). Have the satellite, GPS, VES, etc. and complete the comfort of the drive. Only complaint I had was from passenger in back due to viewing out front.

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  300 C lassic BLISSNESS - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Mrs Chrys Smith - October 27 - 5:53 pm

  Very comfortable for extra tall people due to extra leg room. Excellent acceleration in must move situations. Interior carpet could have been of a higher quality as for the back window area the fabrick lining rear window could have been of a highter quality. Body style is to die for. Classy must be what th "C" stands for.

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  What a Car !!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Jack M - October 23 - 10:00 am

  During the LONG wait for mine to arrive, I checked all the competitors - none came close, regardless of sticker price. The technology is great. Doesnt corner quite as good as my Mini Cooper S, but its amazingly close !!! With 3K miles, its running 25.5 mpg on the highway (18-19 in town). Mine is "Deep Lava Red Pearl Coat" - if you havent seen a red one, you need to - its gorgeous. Driving the car is the best part. I got caught in a heavy rain storm on the interstate, doing 70 mph - the wind and rain didnt even phase it... I love this car !!!!

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  My Wish Come True - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Dawn Myers - October 19 - 11:40 am

  This car was a gift & is a gift to anyone who owns one. It drives like no other car Ive been in, I have fallen in love with this car. Its smooth almost gliding over the road and handles effortlessly. I find myself driving most every weekend and taking the backroads with the top down & listening to crystal crisp music surrounding me. Whoevers with me cant stop admiring "Ben", my 300C Hemi Convertible. However it doesnt stop there, I get stares, comments, questions or a smiling acknowledgement from people all the time. Strange at first, but nice and now its a pleasant way to talk to people. PS I wished for a 4 door convertible for my anniversary

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  Love My 300 C - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Goldiejan - October 15 - 10:32 am

  Driving is smooth, yet powerful. Style is great and definite a head turner. Extremely comfortable on the road. The Boston acoustic system is phenomenal, very comparable to Bose system. So many options to chose from. Added moonroof, built in dvd console, mp3 player, opted out on navigation system. Best purchase ever.

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  200c awd a reak DREAM - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By stanm - October 14 - 4:10 am

  Car came with added features, i.e, padded roof,custom grill and added "wood" touches to the interior. Car drives close to a dream, it is almost too fast from teh red light! Only problem was the carpet was cut too short. Dealer replaced the carpet with no problem ... WOW! Just get used to being looked at when you drive. With 500 miles on the car I am still in love with this vehicle. Yes, I am very critical

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  Nice Wheels - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Car Guy - October 4 - 6:56 am

  This is one great car. Extremely comfortable, powerful, fast (I see too many speeding tickets in my future), and it handles great as well. Excellent ride quality and responsive, if somewhat numb steering. Averaging over 20 MPG in mixed driving - and thats during the first 1,000 miles. Upgraded Boston Acoustics stereo is worth the money - makes the car a rolling sound studio. Exceptional build quality for an American car. I personally see no downside to the car, except possibly the gas mileage - but what do you expect from a 5.7L V-8?