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:

• 

  Exact Vehicle for the Price - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Lee Goodwin - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new Chrysler in August mainly for the style. Once driving it I found that it was comfortable, reliable, quality builded and fun to drive. When Im driving on the freeways it is easy to handle and alot of driving on the road usually look over and at the car and give me the thumb-up. I enjoy my new car and so do my famuly. My co-worker say it the best looking car on the parking lot. Some says it look like a Bently.

• 

  We love our 300 Touring!!!!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By The Rays - September 20 - 10:00 am

  We love our new car. The handling is excellent and we really enjoy the luxury inside. The only thing we need to do at this point is tint our windows to get the complete vintage look. Were in our mid 20s and really enjoy the car all around. You get so many questions and looks in this car and I would suggest this car to anyone who wants luxury but doesnt want to pay the BMW luxury price.

• 

  Dissapointed in NJ - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By LKAP - September 19 - 3:20 pm

  Bought the car about a year ago because I loved the muscle car look and the pure power from the Hemi. After the initial euphoria passed though, the warts started to come through. I wore through my tires in 22K mi, fit and finish issues started to appear such as cracks in the plastic (fake wood) door handles, and steering wheel controls sticking. Add to that gas mileage of 15 w/ a combo of city and hway and I had no choice but to trade it in. The 23Kmiles that I had it for cost me $16K as I got $26.5K for the trade. Mechanically the car is great, lots of power and great ride, but quality is still Chrysler and gas mileage is absolutely awful! 4WD is a must in the NE, RWD is awful in the snow!

• 

  what a blast - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By sotiri - September 10 - 8:20 pm

  This is one fun ride.handlling is amazing. But the real fun starts when you push this puppy to the limits. she really runs like a thoroughbreed at a price you can afford.lots of room, trunk space is great and best of all are the other drivers who constantly say what a nice car then give you thumbs up.

• 

  Love my Car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By LsT - September 1 - 6:06 pm

  I wasnt looking to buy a car until next year but I was watching tv on day and couldnt believe the look of this car. I logged on to the internet to see how much it cost and I couldnt believe it. I started calling dealerships the next day. I had my car within a week. Ive had the car since April and I love it.

• 

  Chrysler - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By bernard ;\lumpkins - August 30 - 4:53 pm

  The ride is better than riding in a cadillac. The inside is very roomy and comfortable. It takes the word LUXURY to a level I cant describe, but I do enjoy.

• 

  Love this car! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Josh - August 28 - 8:21 am

  Very nice car. Ive got 145,000 miles and it still looks new! The hemi is very responsive and has plenty of power when needed or just for fun. I get a lot of compliments and the design of the car is unique but not overstated. It is definitely made to drive swiftly on the highway but can still corner well for a vehicle thats as big as it is. With regular maintenance and minimal abuse this car will last a long time.

• 

  Great - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Kennsue - August 28 - 6:53 am

  The 300 limited was a great deal. although I ordered mine with wood trim, and side airbags - it didnt come with them; which made me mad. So the dealer gave me a 600.00 grill, top of the line stereo and money back.

• 

  Best car that I have ever owned - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Kurt Daly - August 20 - 10:33 pm

  My 300C is one incredible machine. The performance is unbelieveable and you always have power, and then some, when you need it. No squeaks, rattles; just quiet. Gas mileage ranges from 19 to 21 mpg. My best mileage was 23.2 going between Stockton and LA. The cars ride is firm but comfortable. Seats could be a little softer. The only problem with car was some water had made its way into the transmission fluid. The tranny filler tube was resealed and the fluid was flushed. Not a single problem since. The steering feel is perfect. The brakes will stop you on a dime. The car is rock solid and a blast to drive. In short, buy it! You wont regret it!

• 

  bch baby,s - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By barbara barker - August 15 - 3:36 am

  i wanted this car the first time i looked at it /the body style was fabulous,the hemi motor i purchased was what i expected it to be powerful/ the inside room is a little cramped/ and the cup holders are just about nonuseable/lam a 58 yr old grandmother / the only change i would make is the items above /i have had this car to 140 it handles great