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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  Yup, I own one, and it is great - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By t roberts - July 24 - 2:30 am

  To give you a frame of reference, I previously owned a Cadillac STS. The 300C is far superior(!). If the performance of this car is what we get for the marriage of German and American car companies, then I am all for it (and I was born, raised, and still live in the Detroit area). No squeaks, No rattles. Also, I never had a car with stability control before. Some opinions have challenged the necessity of it, and I might have agreed, but I dont now! On an icy street, if you make a turn and you sense that the back end is going to go, at the second you get that feeling, you start to sense wheels braking independently to right the car. I then tried to do a donut to test it, but couldnt

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  300c awd - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By stanmilz - July 19 - 10:50 pm

  A long wait & finally arrived at the dealership. It took time to get to know the equipment. The dealer went over the equipment standards and how the can be adjusted to my wants/desires. Driving the car is a joy, but is difficult to get used to the people relly looking very hard at the car. t sure attracts much attention. Wsh te ar was avalable wth chroe wheels. It sure would have added to the look! The ability to customize the looks is easy. It was worth waiting for!

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  simply honest - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Griff - July 16 - 9:33 pm

  great car. always turns heads with its great design. i can not go anywhere without being stopped by men and women alike asking "how do you like your 300, i love the look and wish i had one!" im proud to drive and own this fabulous Chrysler product. the other car makers are scratching their heads and wondering what they are going to do next to compete. go drive one for yourself and see what all the hype is about...you will not stop thinking about the car untill you have one. thanks Chrysler!

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  Love this car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Bill - July 16 - 4:10 pm

  Ive had this car for a month now and I love everything about it. The ride is very smooth. I find the seats very comfortable on long business trips. I upgraded the sound system to the multi- CD player and side curtain air bags. Everyone that sees this car loves it. Its as much fun to look at as it is to drive.

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  Cant stop driving. - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By jpsdesk - July 16 - 11:00 am

  I cant get enough drive time with this car. This car corners well, and the 3.5 v6 engine puts out great power. The wife and I get in on Saturday morning, put in a classical or oldies CD, crank up the volume and head out onto the Michigan back roads. I havent wanted to do this since I bought a new Chevy Nova Super Sport, back in 1972.

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  300C 1st One in Houston - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Fbal28 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing, turn the ESP off and you can light up the road. I never expected this much power from the 300C. The vehicle is drop dead gorgeous and a head turner!

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  Unhappy in Appleton - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Teo - July 13 - 5:16 pm

  This IS my first experience with any Chyrsler products. After waiting a additional year for the 06s to come out and then test driving a demo 300C AWD I thought I made a informed decision to purchase this vehicle. My vehicle finally arrived and I took delivery of it with 16 miles on the ODO. The excitement quickly turned to dissapointment in just ONE mile from the dealership! The vehicle had a SEVERE shudder and EXTREME pull to the right! 10 more miles the check engine light comes on! Long story-short-4 months--4000 miles and 16 visits to 3 dealerships and two tire dealers(2 sets of Continentals and tried one set of Goodyear Assurances) Problems STILL there! Even D-C has NO idea?? to the ??

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  This car can move - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By doug powell - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I flew 500 miles away to get the cool vanilla color with the 280 watt mp3, the drive home was some good quality time bonding with the new car. This car rides quiet, is fast, and turns heads. I dont see many on the road yet but I think there will be a lot of them soon. I dont know about reliability yet but it seems solid.

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  A great fun finally - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By FRED E. - July 7 - 4:50 pm

  This is a great new car, comfortable fast and quick manuevering, the thing that I admire the most is the fact that Im getting about 30 miles per gallon in the city and highway mileage, I get nothing but compliments when I drive my customers as I own a Limousine service in Los Angeles,Ca. Ive accumulated almost 2000 miles in my first month of ownership, hopefully I will enjoy this car much more than my Towncar the car itself in paying off in the comsumption of gasoline, I literally paying half of my cost as I did a month ago, the extended chassis makes a truly enjoyable and smooth ride.

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  Latest of 35, and Best - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Jim - July 7 - 4:30 pm

  Excellent road car with safe feel except for the self sealing tires, which are not up to the ability of the suspension. Very agile and easy to drive. I am an ex-high performance instructor and the car responds well to all inputs. The car takes longer than most to get used to but has become a joy to drive. It is better than I expected it to be.