Chrysler 300 Review

2008 Chrysler 300 C Sedan

There's currently no category within the Edmunds.com Most Wanted awards for "best returning-to-glory car." But if there were, the Chrysler 300 would certainly be a strong candidate to win. A proud and prestigious vehicle during the 1950s, the 300 fell into anonymity during the '60s and then pretty much disappeared from the automotive landscape for more than 30 years. Only with the current model has Chrysler revived the accolades and respect that once surrounded this proud nameplate.

Thanks to its distinctive styling, roomy interior and powerful performance capabilities, the latest Chrysler 300 has become a popular choice in the large sedan segment. The 300C trim level, in particular, is an impressive vehicle thanks to its powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine. It's bracketed by two affordable V6-equipped models on one end and the high-performance 300C SRT8 on the other. According to our editors, nearly all 300 models should serve consumers well.

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 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 the Dodge Magnum and Charger.

The 300's styling is unmistakably American. The large chrome grille, double-lens headlights, high beltline, bulging fenders and large 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. The dash area effectively combines sporty, semi-retro and luxury motifs.

There are currently five styles of the Chrysler 300 to choose from: base, Touring, Limited, "C" (labeled the 300C) and the 300C SRT8. Though budget-oriented consumers might be attracted to the base model's low price, we suggest stepping up to either the Touring or the Limited, as these trim levels come with the type of standard features expected for this class of car. The 300C and SRT8 versions are the performance-oriented models. The main difference between the two is that the SRT8 version has been tuned and equipped for maximum performance. For rear-drive Touring and 300C models, Chrysler also offers the W.P. Chrysler Executive Series. This model rides on a 6-inch-longer wheelbase and provides additional legroom for rear-seat passengers.

For power, the base 300 relies on a 178-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 connected to a four-speed automatic transmission. Touring and Limited have a 3.5-liter, 250-hp V6 and a five-speed automatic. The top-shelf 300C and 300C SRT8 feature a V8 engine. The 300C's makes 340 hp and the SRT8 boasts 425 hp. The SRT8 also features a stiffer suspension setup, more powerful brakes and a larger wheel and tire package. Most 300s are rear-drive, but Chrysler does offer all-wheel-drive versions of the Limited and 300C.

In Edmunds.com reviews of the Chrysler 300, the car has fared quite well. Our editors have commented favorably on its masculine good looks, powerful V8 engines, long list of safety features and value for the dollar. Negatives are few but focus on the meager output of the base model's V6 and the car's poor outward visibility. Those desiring maximum fun will no doubt be pleased with the 300C SRT8; it can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 5.7 seconds.

The current 2008 model has been updated with some additional features and freshened exterior styling, but shoppers of used Chrysler 300s will still find the sedan quite appealing. The car debuted for the 2005 model year. Models built for 2007 received a few extra features as compared to earlier years; this was also the first year for the W.P. Chrysler Executive Series.


Past Chrysler 300s

Like fossil records, 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.

Chrysler Crossfire Review

2005 Chrysler Crossfire Limited 2dr Roadster Shown

When the Chrysler Crossfire concept was first introduced at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, there was genuine interest and excitement from both the motoring press and the public. Here was the first tantalizing fruit of the DaimlerChrysler merger that would combine German engineering and American style. A production model was announced, and the first Crossfires started to appear a few years later.

Available as a two-seat coupe or roadster, the Chrysler Crossfire is largely based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. Its exterior design still attracts attention after nearly four years of production. Part of the reason for this is that sales -- while initially white hot, cooled off quickly thereafter. Crossfires are a relatively rare sight on the road, and even heavy incentives have failed to boost sales significantly.

There are a variety of reasons for the Crossfire's lack of success. Edmunds editors have noticed that the Crossfire's steering response is lackluster. This is mostly due to the use of the previous SLK's less-than-precise recirculating-ball steering, which is inherently less accurate than a rack-and-pinion setup. Additionally, the vehicle's ride quality can often seem harsh, particularly on the SRT6 version.

Slow sales can also be attributed to an interior that doesn't look as rich as the car's exterior styling would suggest. Finally, there's the Crossfire's lack of utility. Two-seaters have a very limited appeal, and the Crossfire was introduced into a very competitive arena. While we still consider it an attractive vehicle to look at, the Chrysler Crossfire is simply outclassed by other vehicles in terms of luxury, brand cachet and/or performance.

Current Chrysler Crossfire

The Crossfire is available in coupe and convertible body styles. Both body styles are available with either a base V6 or in high-performance supercharged SRT6 guise. Base models are powered by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 215 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices are a standard six-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic. Edmunds editors have complained about a relative lack of low-end torque from this engine.

Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 models receive no such complaints, however, as they are powered by a supercharged version of the 3.2-liter V6. This engine delivers 330 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The sole SRT6 transmission choice is a beefed-up five-speed automatic. The SRT6 also gets enhanced suspension components to complement the added power, so expect a harsher ride.

The base Crossfire coupe and convertible come equipped with power windows and door locks (and a power top for the convertible), dual-zone climate control and the expected safety features such as multiple airbags, antilock brakes and stability control. Step up to the Limited trim for heated leather seats, an upgraded Infinity stereo and an optional navigation system.

Unique to the base Roadster is an optional Special Edition package that includes Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat exterior paint, Dark Slate Gray cloth seats, SRT6-style cast-aluminum wheels, a black windshield surround and satin silver door handles and side louvers. In addition to its engine and suspension upgrades, the SRT6 models add 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inchers out back and napa Pearl leather seats with Alcantara suede inserts with enhanced bolstering.


Past Chrysler Crossfire models

The Chrysler Crossfire was introduced in the summer of 2003 as a 2004 model, as a coupe only. The 2005 model year was a busy time for the Crossfire, as a convertible model was introduced in the summer of 2004 and the high-performance SRT6 versions were introduced in the fall of that year. In addition, and in response to pricing complaints, a base model was added, with the Limited model getting most of the higher-priced features. For the 2006 model year, a Special Edition package became available on the base model that includes exclusive Inferno Red paint and unique exterior styling enhancements.