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2009 Chrysler 300-Series Bottom Line

February 19, 2009

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

TheCarConnection.com has researched a range of reviews relevant to the 2009 Chrysler 300. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have also driven several different Chrysler 300 models, including the Hemi V8-powered 300C and ultra-high-performance 300 SRT8 edition, and bring their observations and definitive opinion.

Likes:

  • Incomparably cool yet elegant styling
  • Classy interior feel
  • Features galore
  • Available powerful V-8 engines

Dislikes:

  • Choppy, stiff ride
  • Rear legroom is scarce
  • ABS is optional
  • V-8s guzzle gas

Buying Tips:


With dealers struggling to move inventories this year and V-8s having fallen temporarily out of favor, it’s likely you can strike a very good deal—especially on a 2009 Chrysler 300C.

The 2009 Chrysler 300 is the type of vehicle once very common in the U.S. market: a full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan powered by V-6 or V-8 engines. Now that Ford is in the process of phasing out the ancient Crown Victoria and its sibling vehicles, the Chrysler 300 and closely related Dodge Charger remain the only options for shoppers wanting this type of vehicle.

The 300’s styling struck out in a new direction with its 2005 debut, and since then its rather boxy but low look has aged well. It’s still a head-turner—something that can't be said of most other big sedan competitors.

Base Chrysler 300 models come with a 2.7-liter V-6 that pumps out 178 horsepower. These versions are equipped with a standard four-speed automatic transmission. Opting for the Chrysler 300 Touring brings a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 250 hp through a five-speed transmission, with both rear- and all-wheel drive available. The Chrysler 300C comes with a standard HEMI V-8 that now makes 359 hp, up 19 hp over last year, while the top-of-the-line SRT8 trim offers an impressive 425-hp 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, along with a sport suspension, 20-inch rims, and other upgrades.

There are also all-wheel-drive versions of the 300 and 300C. This year, a new active-transfer case disconnects the front axle for better fuel economy and performance. Also new for 2009 is a retuned suspension that should make the ride more acceptable for those with long commutes.

The driving experience in the 2009 Chrysler 300 varies considerably from model to model. Base, Touring, and Limited 300 editions offer a softer ride. The 300C and the 300 SRT8 target the performance enthusiasts with high-horsepower HEMI engines and stiffer suspensions. Stepping up to the 300 SRT8 nets drivers muscle-car performance in the form of sub-14-second quarter-mile times and a top speed of over 150 mph.

The 300 received an interior update for last year, and throughout the cabin, materials look and feel appreciably better than in Chrysler’s smaller cars. You'll note upscale touches everywhere, from the chrome accents to the soft-opening glove box. It does take a while to get used to the narrow greenhouse, but once acclimated, drivers don't mind their view to the outside.

The 2009 Chrysler 300 is disappointing with respect to safety features and protection. Bargain-priced base 300 models lack standard anti-lock brakes; they’re only available as a $1,025 option package that includes electronic stability control. And side airbags remain optional on the entire lineup—even the $46,000 SRT8—at a time when they’re almost universally standard in this class of vehicle. With or without them, crash scores haven’t been stellar.

Infotainment and technology options are plentiful in the 300. They include a Bluetooth connection that features iPod connectivity, a six-disc changer, a MyGIG audio entertainment system, a Boston Acoustics speaker package, Sirius Backseat TV, remote start, and adaptive cruise control.

Other Choices:

If you're interested in the 2008 Chrysler 300, also consider:

Reason Why:

In its current form, the 2009 Chrysler 300 faces off against a variety of sedans. The base, Limited, and Touring models of the 300 can be compared to domestic competitors, including the Mercury Montego and Buick Lucerne. Compared to the Chrysler, these domestic sedans are wallflowers, while there’s a certain presence on the outside and a classy feel inside that still distinguishes the 300. Dynamically, the 300 feels more athletic than these cars as well. Of particular interest to some, the Montego offers all-wheel drive, and while the Buick doesn't, it is available with V-8 power. If you are considering the 2009 Chrysler 300C, the list of competitors changes dramatically. With its HEMI V-8, tighter suspension, and premium interior, the 300C is a legitimate alternative to Cadillac's CTS and STS. The Chrysler's driving dynamics and quality are also comparable to those of the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, although the 300 feels heftier in tight corners. When one remembers that the 300 was developed when Chrysler was owned by Mercedes-Benz, the 300C's competitiveness is less of a surprise and more of a reasonable conclusion.

The Bottom Line:

Still turning heads after five years on the road, the 2009 Chrysler 300 is one of the kings of cool in the large sedan market.

TheCarConnection.com has researched a range of reviews relevant to the 2009 Chrysler 300. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have also driven several different Chrysler 300 models, including the Hemi V8-powered 300C and ultra-high-performance 300 SRT8 edition, and bring their observations and definitive opinion. Likes:Incomparably cool yet elegant stylingClassy interior feelFeatures galoreAvailable powerful V-8 enginesDislikes:Choppy, stiff rideRear legroom is scarceABS is optionalV-8s guzzle gasBuying Tips: With dealers struggling to move inventories this year and V-8s having fallen temporarily out of favor, it’s likely you can strike a very good deal—especially on a 2009 Chrysler 300C. The 2009 Chrysler 300 is the type of vehicle once very common in the U.S. market: a full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan powered by V-6 or V-8 engines. Now that Ford is in the process of phasing out the ancient Crown Victoria and its sibling vehicles, the Chrysler 300 and closely related Dodge Charger remain the only options for shoppers wanting this type of vehicle. The 300’s styling struck out in a new direction with its 2005 debut, and since then its rather boxy but low look has aged well. It’s still a head-turner—something that can't be said of most other big sedan competitors. Base Chrysler 300 models come with a 2.7-liter V-6 that pumps out 178 horsepower. These versions are equipped with a standard four-speed automatic transmission. Opting for the Chrysler 300 Touring brings a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 250 hp through a five-speed transmission, with both rear- and all-wheel drive available. The Chrysler 300C comes with a standard HEMI V-8 that now makes 359 hp, up 19 hp over last year, while the top-of-the-line SRT8 trim offers an impressive 425-hp 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, along with a sport suspension, 20-inch rims, and other upgrades. There are also all-wheel-drive versions of the 300 and 300C. This year, a new active-transfer case disconnects the front axle for better fuel economy and performance. Also new for 2009 is a retuned suspension that should make the ride more acceptable for those with long commutes. The driving experience in the 2009 Chrysler 300 varies considerably from model to model. Base, Touring, and Limited 300 editions offer a softer ride. The 300C and the 300 SRT8 target the performance enthusiasts with high-horsepower HEMI engines and stiffer suspensions. Stepping up to the 300 SRT8 nets drivers muscle-car performance in the form of sub-14-second quarter-mile times and a top speed of over 150 mph. The 300 received an interior update for last year, and throughout the cabin, materials look and feel appreciably better than in Chrysler’s smaller cars. You'll note upscale touches everywhere, from the chrome accents to the soft-opening glove box. It does take a while to get used to the narrow greenhouse, but once acclimated, drivers don't mind their view to the outside. The 2009 Chrysler 300 is disappointing with respect to safety features and protection. Bargain-priced base 300 models lack standard anti-lock brakes; they’re only available as a $1,025 option package that includes electronic stability control. And side airbags remain optional on the entire lineup—even the $46,000 SRT8—at a time when they’re almost universally standard in this class of vehicle. With or without them, crash scores haven’t been stellar. Infotainment and technology options are plentiful in the 300. They include a Bluetooth connection that features iPod connectivity, a six-disc changer, a MyGIG audio entertainment system, a Boston Acoustics speaker package, Sirius Backseat TV, remote start, and adaptive cruise control. Other Choices:If you're interested in the 2008 Chrysler 300, also consider:Audi A6BMW 5-SeriesBuick LucerneCadillac CTSCadillac STSMercury MontegoReason Why:In its current form, the 2009 Chrysler 300 faces off against a variety of sedans. The base, Limited, and Touring models of the 300 can be compared to domestic competitors, including the Mercury Montego and Buick Lucerne. Compared to the Chrysler, these domestic sedans are wallflowers, while there’s a certain presence on the outside and a classy feel inside that still distinguishes the 300. Dynamically, the 300 feels more athletic than these cars as well. Of particular interest to some, the Montego offers all-wheel drive, and while the Buick doesn't, it is available with V-8 power. If you are considering the 2009 Chrysler 300C, the list of competitors changes dramatically. With its HEMI V-8, tighter suspension, and premium interior, the 300C is a legitimate alternative to Cadillac's CTS and STS. The Chrysler's driving dynamics and quality are also comparable to those of the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, although the 300 feels heftier in tight corners. When one remembers that the 300 was developed when Chrysler was owned by Mercedes-Benz, the 300C's competitiveness is less of a surprise and more of a reasonable conclusion. The Bottom Line:Still turning heads after five years on the road, the 2009 Chrysler 300 is one of the kings of cool in the large sedan market. TheCarConnection.com has researched a range of reviews relevant to the 2009 Chrysler 300. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have also driven several different Chrysler 300 models, including the Hemi V8-powered 300C and ultra-high-performance 300 SRT8 edition, and bring their observations ...

Other Choices:

In its current form, the 2009 Chrysler 300 faces off against a variety of sedans. The base, Limited, and Touring models of the 300 can be compared to domestic competitors, including the Mercury Montego and Buick Lucerne. Compared to the Chrysler, these domestic sedans are wallflowers, while there’s a certain presence on the outside and a classy feel inside that still distinguishes the 300. Dynamically, the 300 feels more athletic than these cars as well. Of particular interest to some, the Montego offers all-wheel drive, and while the Buick doesn't, it is available with V-8 power. If you are considering the 2009 Chrysler 300C, the list of competitors changes dramatically. With its HEMI V-8, tighter suspension, and premium interior, the 300C is a legitimate alternative to Cadillac's CTS and STS. The Chrysler's driving dynamics and quality are also comparable to those of the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, although the 300 feels heftier in tight corners. When one remembers that the 300 was developed when Chrysler was owned by Mercedes-Benz, the 300C's competitiveness is less of a surprise and more of a reasonable conclusion.

Next Steps:

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See the Chrysler 300-Series in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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