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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  My 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By sfd1854 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I had a Jetta TDI GLS. I thought I would miss it more. Mileage is bearable. The car drives like butter. I drove through a downpour while all cars were off on the side of the road. I wasnt thrown a bit. Very comfortable on long drives. Cruise control is in an awkward place for my wheel setting so this can be tricky. This was my first American car in 20 years and I average a new car ever 2 years. So far I am happy to say I bought American

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  300C best choice - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Keith Rundles - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and sure get the looks from others, powerful and solid car that handles very well

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  My best Chrysler yet! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Brad1946 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  They really got it together this time, Im a long time Mopar person (first one was a 273High performace 1967 Valiant). The build demons are not present in this car, they got thier act together. Gas mileage surprised me at 21-22 mpg. Best mid $30s car in the market!

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  Chrysler 300C - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By andreagail - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car right after they came out, I love it more than any vehicle I have ever owned. The power and pick-up are incredible, the hemi rules! I was rear-ended about a month after I bought it, believe me, the car that hit me suffered alot more damage than my 300C and the car was going about 30 mph when it hit me. Other than a delay getting parts, the repairs went fine and the car is back on the road and like it was never hit. I cant say enough good about this car.

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  I love this car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Nancy Baker - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Whats not to love? The fantastic body exudes confidence and boldness. The handling is sweet and smooth, especially on tight curves on the backroads of my home state. It excelerates whith the greatest of ease and there is practically no engine noise. The interior is well designed and the seats are very stable when taking tight curves. The ESP system is all Chrysler says it is! I have the 6- speaker CD changer with AM/FM radio, 250 watt amp and it will put out. For those who liked the cab-forward design, the 300 keeps a little bit of that in the windshield area. Like I said...whats not to love about this car?

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  300c - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By homey - November 28 - 10:00 am

  enjoyable drive, plenty of power,like the one touch electricts,comfortable seating,like the flexibility of driver position seat

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  someone has to - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By dupa - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is real beauty.i love driving it and it gets alot of positive response from people. ive got the limited and i cant say enought about it great body style,motor,wheels, and for the class its in a very good price

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  Stepping up - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Todd Kurzhal - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had many new cars over the years, but not since my 1994 Honda Accord. Buying this car was a step up for me because this car was $8,000 more than a new Accord. And even though I am sacraficing about 8 mpg compared to the Accord, this car has a far better ride with more room and is incredibly fun to drive. The 340 horse power drive train begs to be utilized and I do. This is the funnest car I have had since my 1965 Mustang. In addition to the comfortable ride there is plenty of elbow room. The dealership told me it rides on a Mecedes chassis which I thought had some value. I consider this car a real privalidge to own and I would recommend a test drive to the new buyers out there.

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  A dream ride that fits my budget. - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Spartan Class - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The 300C gives powerful performance with luxurious feel. The sleek design foreshadows the Hemi-V8s acceleration and cornering abilities. You could not ask for more; and yet, the price is amazingly affordable in these difficult economic times.

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  Still has some bugs - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By JP1GLM - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I really like the car but want to like it more. It still has some electrical bugs to work out-- also the quality of the mats leave something to be desired-- they already look warn in ways that my last car didnt in 100,000 miles