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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  Very nice car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By D Copeland - March 2 - 10:12 pm

  this car is a beautiful car and fun to drive. The ride could be a little softer.

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  300 CRD - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Kev - March 1 - 12:02 pm

  Mines the Diesel but its not available in the drop down. However, excellent bit of kit, dealer is also very good. Just bought it 2 months ago, got 36 MPG on a long run - never had a 3 liter car return this sort of consumption. Massive A pillars take some getting used to as does the length. a rear view camera would be very useful as the parking sensors dont seem to take much notice of anything not dead in line. Nice to be back in a car that other drivers respect (i.e. they move over when you come up behind them). Power to spare, still running in but will do a ton at less than 3000 revs (on a private track of course).

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  I love my chrysler - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Elizabeth Youngblood - February 25 - 12:03 am

  I like this car its spacious I went from an SUV to a sedan and I want to keep this car forever. Even though its not the best one out of all the chryslers, I am already looking to change the image on my car.

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  300 C Exciting Car to Drive - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Al in So California - February 22 - 2:23 pm

  After researching the 300 for two years (including driving 2 300 touring rentals), I purchased my car 3 months ago selecting the HEMI version and certainly have not been disappointed. For not that much more money, the 300 C is loaded with extra features, more powerful and very much a more finished vehicle inside and out. The driving experience has been excellent as I drive mostly freeways. This is the car that you want to drive more and more given the high level of excitement and satisfaction. The car has effortless power and handling is great. The car holds the road very well for a big vehicle when changing lanes and braking. This is a very solid vehicle as it moves down the road

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  I Love My Chrysler 300 "C" - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By audrey - February 18 - 7:36 am

  At the end of my work day, I look forward to my drive home. The 300 "C" still turns peoples heads. The Hemi engine has plenty of "punch" when I need it. This car handles very well and my passengers are very comfortable. I love my "Hands Free U-Connect" which works off my Blue Tooth cell phone. All my calls are through my speakers; this was the first car in North America to have this feature. Makes me feel like I have alot of car..but alot of money still left in my bank account. Im completely satisfied with this car.

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  LOOK AT ME NOW - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By melvinweaver - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Great car what a looker

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  Never Before a Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Texas Bob - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Car is impressive but having problems: Outside Temperature Indication locks into a temp and does not change, if it is a low morning temp then the A/C does not work. Transmission speed sensor has failed and the part is on backorder with no delivery date. Chrysler has had my car now for 19 days out of 49 while we wait for the part. AM reception is awful, waiting on a new AM antena base.

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  THE BEST CAR! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By QJT57 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!

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  Driving the 3.5 six vs the 5.7 v8 - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By J R Martin - February 5 - 3:05 pm

  The bis 6 was great. Fine handling,very good power, but my wife wasnt impressed with the leather seats, and I wanted the walnut WOOD trim with sunroof. There was what we both wanted in C model (v8) in the lot. Superb power and only 1 mpg less than the 3.5 six, so we bought the C< with an excellent price. Huge A pillars detract from drivers vision, but plenty of leg and headroom, front AND REAR. Steering wheel controls are confusing and will take a lot of patience to memorize. Extra stalks around steering column are ridiculous as is power control for tilt/telescope feature.

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  300 C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Jim - February 3 - 11:36 am

  Wonderful car. Definitely a pleasure to drive. Plenty of power and an excellent ride. Well worth the money.