Review
Introduction
In 2005, Chrysler rediscovered a winning formula—one that had been lost on domestic automakers for some time. Chrysler built a large sedan that had rear-wheel drive, expressive styling, and loads of interior space. Then it added a powerful top-of-the-line V-8 engine into the equation, and it’s little surprise that the 300 and 300C sedans have been a huge success, with more than 120,000 examples finding buyers through the 2007 calendar year.
There are, essentially, six Chrysler 300 models. The lineup begins with the rear-drive-only LX, powered by a 2.7-liter V-6 engine making 178 horsepower. Moving up, the Touring and the Limited get a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that’s good for 250 horsepower, driving either the rear or all four wheels. The 300C, which has Chrysler’s 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that produces 340 horsepower, also has an all-wheel-drive version. The Touring and the 300C can be ordered with a six-inch-longer wheelbase, called the Walter P. Chrysler Executive Series. There’s also a performance variant of the 300, the muscular 300C SRT8, which sports a 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8.
Verdict
The 300 has been a success because it looks and feels like an American car should—stylish, spacious, bold, and powerful (in 300C and SRT8 form), and it’s darned good to drive, too.
Click here to read our full review of the Chrysler 300.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Chrysler 300.
What’s New for 2008
The 300 got a minor styling refresh for 2008, but what went on inside was more significant than the revised front and rear fascias. A new instrument panel and center console were combined with improved materials for a far more lux interior. A whole raft of new infotainment options have been added, including a DVD entertainment system with available Sirius TV; an iPod interface as part of the UConnect hands-free Bluetooth system; a Boston Acoustics eight-speaker stereo with surround sound and subwoofer; the MyGIG module that incorporates a 20-gigabyte hard drive to store your own photos and music; and a larger, 6.5-inch screen for the DVD-based navigation system.
