Chrysler 300-Series - Overview

The Chrysler 300 is Chrysler's flagship full-size sedan. The 300 is rear-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. The 300's muscular design  made an instant splash when it debuted in 2005 and was a sales success for Chrysler. But in recent years, as the design has aged and the price of gas has pushed buyers toward smaller cars, 300 sales have trailed off. The 300 is well-liked by the automotive press for its distinctive styling and its powerful engine options. It has done very well in our rankings because of those characteristics. But, large, powerful V8 sedans are increasingly viewed as impractical. A major redesign is not due, however, until the 2011 model year.  

The 300's primary virtues are its imposing exterior and its range of high-performance engines. In lower trim levels, reviewers see the car's two V6 options as barely up to the challenge posed by the 300's 3,700-lb curb weight. A pair of V8s found on higher trims, however, make the car a powerful performer. Its interior is considered spacious even compared to other large cars. Visibility concerns and mixed crash-test scores make safety a weak point of the car, and J.D. Power does not rate the 300 among the most reliable cars in its class. If you're looking for a distinctive, even provocative car, or something that can get from zero-to-sixty in near sports-car time while carrying five adults, the 300 is worth a close look. If you're interested, however, in a reliable and fuel-efficient way to carry five, you may want to look elsewhere.

You can research the Chrysler 300 by model year using the reviews below.