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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  Shames my 442 W30 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Paul - July 7 - 2:26 pm

  Ive owned more than 40 cars of all types but never driven something like this. Unending thrust, great handling, stunning looks. This is a two ton sedan that can run with the most powerful muscle cars ever built and take my three kids to school in comfort. I waited over a year to get the car, had it 9 months, and still do that look over the shoulder thing as I walk away from it in the parking lot.

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  Hemi that car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Condor75 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The best car I have ever driven at any proce and that includes several Mercedes, BMWs, Jags, Porsches and everything in between. The car hits the bullseye in every sense.

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  300 Touring - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Merriment1 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Love the car, would not buy anything less then the Touring model. The size of this car is great, but a smaller engine and you would never get up to speed. The interior is great but kind of plain. This is a big car!!!

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  chrysler 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By darlyn - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Execellent car, fun to drive. It turns heads where ever you go. Everyone in our family fights to get to see who drives it.

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  So Glad I Waited for the "C" - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By julez18 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I had previously like the look of the 300; but am thrilled I waited for the "new" luxury edition. Proud to be American & Buy American

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  Won an award, then lowered the quailty - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By DISAPPOINTED - June 23 - 2:16 am

  With less than 2500 miles on the odometer the air bag lite up and would not go out. The defroster stopped working. Chalk up 3+ weeks in the shop with the interior gutted to replace the defective main wiring harness plus other defective parts the dealer was great. They didnt mfg the car ,just repaired it. Interior is"cheap" for a 35k car. Many good things on my 2001 lhs were deleted. Ie good leather seats, instant mileage calculations, seat back pockets,automatic adjusting seat for 2 ,trunk treatment, tilting side view mirrors when backing up. Display on dash between tach and odometer is diffucult to see and read.

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  Love my 300 - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By whistfully - June 18 - 11:56 pm

  As a widow, not knowing much about cars, I depend on my dealership a lot. My 300 is leased and I have free oil changes every three months which is wonderful. I know they will watch everything going on with my car and be honest about any problems should there be any. I love driving my 300, just as I loved driving my Sebring convertibles in the past. But unlike other cars Ive had, the 300 is super confortable, it takes the bumps in the road with ease, I feel safe inside with all the air bags and GPS, and I love the metal flaked paint and sun roof. A little piece of heaven.

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  Outclasses its competition - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Michael F. - June 11 - 2:03 am

  I have put 11,000 miles on my C and I still believe it to be the no brainer choice that it seemed when I bought it. Edmunds guides us to compare it to the Acura TL, Infiniti G35 and Lexus ES 350. I assume they do so because they are about the same price. The 300 is larger, has more displacement, more horsepower and way more torque. I compared it to the Lexus LS 460, BMW 750i and Mercedes E550. It lost, but only by a a very little. But it cost $25K-40K less. And, I admit that this is personal, but its way better looking. The Cadillac STS is the only U.S. car that can even begin to compare and costs 17K more. Of all the luxury performance sedans, the C is far and away the best value.

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  fun fun fun - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Rick Cardinal - June 5 - 8:40 pm

  I traded in my SLS and bought this car. I have owned cars from 1962 to 1964 vettes to 57 chevys to 454 Chevelles LS6 and although I did not buy the Hemi I did drive one and with two small kids I went with the v6 do to pricing since I have a 6000 sq ft Victorian that costs more to keep up than any hot rod but the car has been awesome and even though its a v6 it still has the cool body and when I am crusing the highway at 95 it feels great. As for any law inforcent officers reading that I was just kidding. My father had a Rolls Royce and when I pull into my Grand Queen Ann I feel like I am in a Rolls Royce. I live in a very high end area and it gets as my stares as any high end cars on my roa

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  Hot...and a Great Value, too!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Dano - May 25 - 7:50 pm

  Gr8 looks, fun to drive, great ride, nice solid feel, flat on the corners (what a change from my SUV!!), powerrrrrful, classy, & feel safe. Nice to see MB features incorporated (Ive had 3 MBs b4). Mine is fully loaded w/ALL opts. Mileage a bit sucky (15) so far, hoping it will improve. No disappointments but think many small things overlooked. 1/2 pwr pass seat is tacky, NAV shld not require CD/Radio be playing to function (have to mute), my arm slips off windowsill as its too narrow, even tho my seat is all the way down I still have to lean over to rest arm on armrest (Im 6). Headrest is annoyingly too far forward, cant adj. Auto seat-move-to-rear stops func if u touch mem recall.