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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  Just bought my first Hemi - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Ex Chevy Racer - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Its the car I always wanted as a kid, but could never afford. Now to have one of my own is a blast. I drove it, and immediately bought it. Feels faster than, and just as smooth, as my previous Mercedes 600 S V12. A lot of performance for very little money.

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  300 C Hemi - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Gary Cook - February 23 - 2:39 pm

  Order and purchased my 300C in June of 2004. Car is 19 months old and I have never had to take it back to the dealer for anything. Diamler Chrysler quality assurance is shining. Performance is super and is run to drive. Highway gas mileage is great - I get 27mpg at 60 MPH, and 23 mpg at 75 MPH on a flat straight-away highway. Front seats somewhat narrow for a big man.

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  Classic? - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Richard L. Smith - February 15 - 11:53 pm

  I have been driving for about fifty years...having driven a/o owned everything from British sports cars to Cadillac sedans and everything in between. If you live in a major city, dont do this car a diservice. It is a land yacht, it yearns for the open road. It wants to GO FAST! I honestly feel Chrysler has produced an instant classic...no, I dont work for Chrysler. In a nutshell, rides like a Bentley, handles like a Porsche. Treat yourself, drive the HEMI.

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  Id buy another 330C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Edgar Smith - February 10 - 6:53 am

  Aside from the fact the Dealer wouldnt offer much of a price break, the car itself is well worth the $38,600 sticker price, infact its a steal! The minor problems Ive had with the car attributed to build quality were; wiper/turn signal stick was defective and the wipers would come on when using turn signals, and the wipers in the auto position. Front end camber was off and caused tire wear on edges of front tires. Transmission plug was lose, and caused a minor fluid leak.

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  company car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By rwk - February 9 - 7:43 am

  great looking but with the small windows it takes time to get used to driving it. very comfortable on long trips..

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  Poor mans Bentley - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By L. Thomas - February 3 - 12:56 pm

  I love my 300 Limited. I travel continuously and the ride I get from this car awesome. I recently had surgery and the car took the bumps on the road like a charm. This car has been on my list every since it came out. I feel I made an excellent choice in buying this car.

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  The American Dream Come True - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By coolrunning - February 2 - 3:43 am

  I love this car! It is Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat, and is a 2006 300c Heritage Edition, loaded with every option. It looks like a fabulous luxury car, and it truly is. Dont be fooled. It has that fabulous HEMI under the hood that wakes up the minute you summon it with a light touch of your right foot and transforms itself into a sports car with thoroughbred lineage. It handles like a dream, brakes with little effort and has a throaty growl that only an American V-8 is capable of voicing. This may be the most versatile vehicle I have ever experienced for many reasons. I find myself taking "the long way" and inventing reasons to drive. I love this car so much, I bought 2 identical!

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  Chrysler 300C Too much fun! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By rreese7630 - January 25 - 7:50 pm

  This car is a class ride. Style, comfort and performance. After driving this car for about 20 minutes, it seemed like Id been driving it for years.

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  Never got so many looks - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By shifted - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I straight up feel like the "man" while driving this car. Everyone who sees it is amazed. I was on the freeway yesteraday and a new vet passed me, slammed on his brakes then cruised beside me to look at my ride. The exterior design is absolutley amazing and the interior is like sitting in a futuristic living room. Fuel effecieny sucks in town but @ 65mph it will get up to 30mpg according to the onboard computer. Ive only had her for a week, but so far seems to be the sweetest car I could have bought for 37k, hands down.

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  The Limited Rules - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Bassplayer7 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The limited is the best you can get without getting a HEMI. It is a fun car to drive.