2009 Chrysler 300 / 300C / SRT8

2009 Chrysler 300 / 300C / SRT8 2009 Chrysler 300 / 300C / SRT8
Review

Introduction

A Car and Driver favorite since its debut in 2005, the Chrysler 300 continues to blend big-American-car luxury and European rear-wheel-drive road manners in a stylish and unique package. Voted onto Car and Driver’s 10Best Cars list for three consecutive years, the big Chrysler fell off the list for 2008.

The full-size Chrysler shares it rear- and all-wheel-drive platform with its fraternal twin, the Dodge Charger. The Chrysler 300 exudes a quiet refinement and solid feel that is missing in some of its rivals. Conceived and developed when Mercedes-Benz owned Chrysler, the 300 has some Mercedes-sourced parts, such as the multilink rear suspension and the available five-speed automatic. A limousine-like long-wheelbase version, dubbed the Walter P. Chrysler Executive Edition, is available for those who need or want even more interior space, but it’s expensive and so probably best left to fleet customers.

Four engines are available in the 300. The rear-drive LX trim level comes with a 178-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and achieves an EPA estimated 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The 2.7-liter struggles to move the 300, but it proves to be an efficient and relatively silent engine once you’re actually under way.

Moving up to the Touring and Limited trim levels brings a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 and available all-wheel drive. The 3.5-liter makes 250 hp and connects to a four-speed automatic. Rear-drive Touring and Limited models get 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway; all-wheel-drive models achieve 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The extra power of the 3.5-liter gives the Chrysler spirited acceleration without much of a fuel-economy sacrifice.

Those looking for even more power will gravitate toward the 300C, which comes with Chrysler’s renowned 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The 5.7-liter makes 360 hp and comes standard with cylinder deactivation and a five-speed automatic. Cylinder deactivation allows the engine to save fuel by running only four cylinders when cruising or under light throttle; as a result, all-wheel-drive 300C models achieve 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, and rear-drive cars get 16/25.

At the top of the 300 lineup is the SRT8 version, which is intended for serious performance enthusiasts. The 300C SRT8 comes equipped with a 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8 that allows the SRT8 to run from 0 to 60 in under five seconds. Larger wheels and brakes and a firmer chassis give the SRT8 model a track-ready demeanor that we find quite appealing.

Compared with its rivals, the 300-series shines. In its first comparison test, the V-8–powered 300C handily beat the now-defunct Pontiac Bonneville GXP and the Ford Crown Victoria, which is now available only to fleet customers. The 300C was praised for its impressive power, good handling, refinement, and elegant exterior styling. In another comparison of $30,000 family sedans, the Chrysler 300 Touring with a 3.5-liter V-6 finished second behind a Toyota Avalon and ahead of a Kia Amanti, a Buick LaCrosse, and a Ford Five Hundred (now known as the Taurus). The 300 Limited drew raves for its smooth engine and rear-drive handling. However, we didn’t like the shiny plastic interior and the unsophisticated four-speed automatic.

Verdict
The entire 300 lineup features handsome exterior styling, spacious interiors, rear-drive handling, and luxury-car refinement. Although the V-6 versions lack the fire of the V-8–powered models, they should satisfy most customers. The Chrysler 300 remains a competitive and compelling choice despite having been on the market for five years.

Click here to read our full review of the Chrysler 300C.

Click here to read our full review of the Chrysler 300C SRT8.

What’s New for 2009

Base LX versions get standard aluminum wheels and improved interior trim. Touring models now come standard with automatic headlights. The 300C gets an “ECO” light that indicates when the engine is running in four-cylinder mode and 20 more hp for the 5.7-liter V-8, which now makes 360 hp. All-wheel-drive models get a dashboard indicator that informs the driver when the vehicle is using all-wheel drive. All models also get a rear-window-mounted antenna, a trunk organizer, floor mats, and illuminated cup holders.

Highlights and Recommendations

Base LX versions with the 2.7-liter V-6 are wanting for power, but the 3.5-liter V-6 will likely be a good compromise for most owners. The 5.7-liter V-8 awakens the spirit in the 300C and gives spectacular acceleration and a lusty V-8 sound. This year’s 300C Heritage edition comes with the 20-inch wheels from the SRT8 and a firm suspension shared with the Dodge Charger R/T. The SRT8 version adds even more power and will light the fire of any enthusiast but might be too much—power, aggressiveness, and money—for most buyers.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, front-seatbelt pretensioners, and tire-pressure monitoring are standard on all 300 models. Anti-lock brakes, as well as stability control and traction control, are optional on the LX trim level and standard on all other models.