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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  Suprisingly Solid and Fun - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By MWD - April 6 - 5:36 pm

  I have owned my 2006 300c for about a month now. Initially on a trip to Las Vegas, while driving around town the car had some fairly serious issues that turned out to be a faulty fuel sending unit. The dealership fixed the car quickly and other than that, it has been an awesome car. Very quick and solid and plenty of fun to drive. Around town fuel economy is about 14-15 and on the freeway I get a suprisingly good for a car this powerful, 23-24mpg. In my opinion nothing can beat this car when it comes to bang for the buck. It is a great value and well worth every penny.

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  The Best Money Can Buy - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Q - March 30 - 8:13 am

  I love it! I live in MD and I purchased the car in NC I got an AWESOME deal and the drive coming home was wonderful. The navigational system brought me all the way home.

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  KoolAidSmile - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By rn4nz - March 19 - 10:36 am

  Ear to ear grin every time I climb inside to drive. Jaw dropping looks with blood thirsty power. Traded in our 05 300c for this beast. This car is a true joy. Class and brute strength beautifully combined. Holds 4 sets of golf clubs and 4 passengers with comfort. This car has unmatched performance/value. Unfortunately, 425 hp is addictive, only makes me want even more so we are trading in our 06 Pacifica for a new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, the SUV version on this car. Never thought I would own Chrysler. They have really outdone themselves with this car. Car feels like a tank for safety, Benz for comfort, vette for performance (and fuel economy of course).

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  Chyrsler Resurgance - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Comp 1 - March 19 - 9:50 am

  Best car ever owned in my 40 years of car buying.(Well, 67 Vette may have been better for twenties image and social life) Mileage on hemi is 26 highway and 23 highway city combined - this from AWD which controls snow and rain greater. Continental tires were third rate for a first rate car. Chryslers engineers only shame here. If you check consumer ratings figure no more than 20,000 miles.Only disappoint in car. Stereo fantastic - Navi second best I have seen (Acura no.1) Bluetooth functions great for those hands free calls.Maintence free except standard check ups. Worth the $40,000 price compared to comparable cars.

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  Interior build quality - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By mbokel - March 13 - 11:43 pm

  I have found the engine and transmission to be excellent. I have found that the interior items - such as the dash board trim fit and finish to be less than satisfying, the ends of the dash has developed bubbles under the material - not acceptable, dealer says they all will do this due to the way the dash is made. Other than that car is a real head turner and I absolutely love all other aspects of the car.

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  Canasta Carols 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Carol ONeil - March 11 - 3:10 pm

  I was not planning on buying this car as my husband had just bought his Silver 300C four months before, but when he called me from the dealer (he was getting his first regular service done on his 300C, he said a Jade Green 300c had just been delivered! I traded in my 1999 Cadillac Concours and truly enjoy the super looks and the handling and power of my 300C. Our daughter bought a CHARGER with the HEMI in Dec. 2005 and she loves her DODGE!

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  Gator Johns Chrsyler 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By John ONeil - March 11 - 2:54 pm

  I was caught up in the cars great looks and comfort and then sold my 2000 300M for the Silver 300C. I have taken several road trips with this vehicle and got anywhere from 24-26 MPG depending on speed, around town it gets 19-21 MPG. I have not had any problems with the car. The great looks of the car still turns peoples heads. I liked it so much, I bought another 300C Jade Green for my wife 4 months after mine. Our daughter just bought a 2006 CHARGER with a HEMI and loves its performance too. Chrysler has truly found a winner here. We actually saw 300Cs while in Russia and Belarus last May 2005 and they turned heads there too!

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  ? - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Dan - March 8 - 12:12 pm

  Very happy with the car great acceleration with the 250 hp and very smooth. Only one minor complaint is that the car seems to bottom out very easily.

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  one of chryslers best - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By wayne simon - March 6 - 12:03 am

  beautiful car. very responsive. this car is one of chryslers best. shifting is quiet different from previous chrysler i have owned for the last 40 years. very smooth ride and plenty of power. good to see chrysler talked about with the pride it deserves.

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  Get the Hemi - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Steve C - March 4 - 8:15 am

  Great total package of speed, handling, room, technology, fuel efficiency and value. Exceptional road touring car. Really like all the options. A lot of Mercedes influence including great drive train, handling, and several key interior components like solid directional tree w/cruise control, audio controls on steering wheel and general interior layout well though-out.