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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  Fit and features - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By RG - September 1 - 11:13 am

  Great looking car. Fun to drive with ample power. 3.5L is not as quite and smooth as some Japanese 4 cyl. engines, Lots of standard features. Excellent interior finish. Outside visibility when turning turning left is limited by the big rear view mirror and the wide front left colunm.

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  Chrysler 300 Limited - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Eldon McCrary - August 31 - 5:10 pm

  I purchased a Cool Vanila, that attracts attention and returns favorable comments. I chose the 3.5L engine. It does a good job but I would not want the smaller engine.

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  Re: A Dream - 2015 Chrysler 300
  By K Fra - August 28 - 10:09 pm

  The 2015 Chrysler 300 C stands firm as a quality American vehicle. I traded in my 2012 Dodge Charger for less sport and more luxury. The only disadvantage is the 300 does not have EcoBoost. You will run your a/c and loose gas quickly. I could run my charger and get ice cold air without ever using the a/c and it barely used gas. I stay with the same manufacturer but forgot to research the EcoBoost.......that says a lot too!!!! The 300 does not disappoint.....the baby soft leather interior is so top of the line!!!!!

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  good? - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By callmedot118 - August 28 - 12:06 am

  this car is amazing, it drives well, and has the most comfortable seats. its definitely a great car.

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  300C in Retrospect - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Richard - August 27 - 9:13 pm

  This is the 2d 300. They both wear out the left front tire on the outside. That means the caster camber if off from assembly. The breaks pulsate at 20K miles. That means improper cooling. The deck lid has no handle to lift it up with. If your car is dirty, your hand gets dirty too. That is not practical. The horn needs to be more sensitive. The rear compartment air vents dont deliver what they should for the price. I was supprised that the chrome wheels were made of plastic along with the mirrors -- for the price they should have been the real thing.

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  Chrysler 300 just quits at speed - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Leiah - August 25 - 12:34 pm

  I adored this car from the moment I bought it. Looks cool, comfortable, roomy, handles like a dream. Until 3 months ago. Now, I have a very expensive paperweight on my hands I dont even dare drive. The car loses power at speed, locking out all control, making me a ton rock in the middle of the road. It now sits at the dealership, where they say "their computer cant find a problem." This is the FIFTH time it has been into the shop for the same problem. Chryslers response when I contacted them? Tough luck, lady. Trade up to a new 300. Its paid for, so they arent making any money off it. After many, many years as a loyal Chrysler owner-NEVER AGAIN!! Toyota dealership, here I come!

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  Love it - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By jim wygle - August 25 - 11:26 am

  The car replaced a Cadillac Eldorado ETC. Was going to buy the new Cadillac STS until I drove the 300C. What you get for the money makes the 300C an excellent choice. The 400 lbs of torque make the car fun to drive. The back seat has more than ample leg room. The cabin is both comfortable and quiet. People are constantly asking me about the car.

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  The 300 is Great - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Jim Schneider - August 24 - 12:56 pm

  Amazing automobile, gets great mileage (6cyl), rides like a dream, and looks Fantastic. Test drive one and you will buy it.

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  Does it All - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Norm Couturier - August 24 - 7:36 am

  425hp - lots of mid-range torque, tight-shifting 5-speed auto-stick transmission, posi-trac RWD, 1st-class exterior styling (mine is all black), best brakes Ive ever felt (Brembo), smooth and quiet at speed, yet surprising nimble and accurate for a 4,000-lb car. Reasonably sticky 20" Goodyear F1 Supercar radials do a nice job (but wont last very long). Chrysler did a fabulous job of cramming classy styling, a great chassis and good old-fashioned musclecar power (without the bad side effects) into a reasonably priced sedan (considering what youre getting).

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  #1 rated car in 2014 - NOT - 2014 Chrysler 300
  By Terri Henry - August 21 - 7:09 am

  I wanted a car with luxury, this cars ride was awesome. Unfortunately, it spend more time in the shop. It has heating/cooling issues, took a year for them to identify the issue, and this after we got Chrysler involved. It would blow extremely hot air even when AC was one. They just kept telling me there was nothing wrong with it. Very aggravating. We finally got that fixed and when I picked up the car after that was fixed, something else was wrong. I brought it back and they said my power steering pump was gone. Really? Barely covered under warranty, now out of warranty a day later. Traded this money suck in!!