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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  excellent - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By artp - November 10 - 10:00 am

  great ride good comfort great power nice stle, great design features.

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  BabyBently - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Laurice Phillips - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Best automobile that has come out since Cadillac came out with the 2004 ESV Escalade(which my wife drives). It tops all 2005 vehicles.

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  One fun car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By spouba - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Finally a stylish car for a 40 something professional that even my kids think is cool. Now whenever we go anywhere the kids (13,6,6) always ask if we can take the "hemi" (as they affectionately refer to it). Its fun watching the reaction of people in the vehicles I pass. They give that long look eyeing the vehicle up and down, front to back. Ive lost count of the number of business associates, friends and relatives that see me pull in and greet me outside to ask if they can take it for a drive. Its an amazing vehicle, well performing, great handling, and stylish. Its amazingly quiet and comfortable.

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  Lovin it - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Mima - November 8 - 3:03 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle people Love it, gets alot of attention. this is the most comfortable and sexy vehicle I have ever riden in. its just like your own personal limo.

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  Awesome Vehicle!!! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Glenn - November 5 - 9:00 pm

  I purchased the Heritage edition model after seeing it debut at the LA Auto Show. The car is great! This model came pre-packaged with a lot of great features - seats are the same as the SRT model, has upgraded suspension and steering over the regular 300C, high intensity discharge headlights, all chrome grill, a spoiler, and other features not available on the standard 300C. I also purchased it in red - a real head turner. Have had lots of complements. It is amazing how a car of this size hugs the road as well as it does. I went from an accord to the 300C. What a change and boy was it worth it!

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  Fedup with Run Around - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Sandy and El - November 2 - 10:11 am

  Love the style and handling of this car, BUT problems started with blown fuses/bulbs, AC wouldnt get cold, headlights blow when weather turned cold (replaced 3). Pinging started, engine light came on (code P0405, cyl misfire). Chrysler recommended detonation process (remove carbon from valves),no help. Several more visits with engine light on (same code), found a crack in head gasket. Replaced head gasket(Aug 05, 8,000+ miles). More visits for blown fuses--wire burned at muffler, replaced front control module. Jun06 started having bad vibration in gas pedal and engine light on again. Removed carbon again-- 99.9% sure fixed, 2 days later vibration back. Currently pursuing lemon law.

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  My favorite car Ive ever owned! - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Julie Hines - October 27 - 3:53 pm

  I love my new 300c from its classy looks to its wonderful ride. The power gives a real sense of confidence on the road when the need to accelerate quickly presents itself. The interior is so comfortable. I love all the automatic features you can set such as the headlights and the wipers. The navigation system is great. The Boston Acoustic sound system has high quality sound. After driving SUVs for 10 years, I was concerned I would feel cramped in a sedan. Not so in the 300, the interior is quite roomy and there is lots of leg room. The trunk is quite spacious as well.

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  300 Great Auto - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By mjp - October 26 - 3:30 pm

  My 300 Touring is a dream car for comfort and styling. The navigation system is a farce. I have a 250 Garmin handheld that is far superior to the $1800 for the navigation system. Alpine is not interested in working to improve or upgrade a very antiquated program disc. I have about 1900 miles on my vehicle and have been getting about 25 on the interstate. Ride is wonderful. Cruise control lever could be changed. Easy to hit it versus the turn signal. Sound system is outstanding. Styling is fantastic. Overall I am very please except for the navigation system.

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  My first new car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By C.R. MAIKRANZ - October 24 - 11:46 pm

  The 2006 chrysler, base , 300, is a beautiful car. It`s styling is outstanding. It lacks in the performance dept. With the engine, in my opinion, too small, 2.7 V6. Fuel economy is not as advertised, and the transmission leaves a lot to be desired. I like to use 2 nd. Gear a lot in winter. This can not be be done on this car. Otherwise it is a lot of car for the money. Hope chrysler changes that poor winter time transmission though. If i had noticed a little earlier, i may have had second thoughts on that issue. All in all, it is a very nice car.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By debbie - October 20 - 5:20 pm

  I have had the car for almost 2 years now, and it is the first car that I have not had to take back to the dealership for something major