Chrysler 300

Shopping for a 2012 Chrysler 300? MSRP: $27,470 - $47,470

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The 300 is closely related to the Dodge Charger sedan and Dodge Magnum wagon, as well as the Dodge Challenger coupe, but Chrysler has only offered its version as a sedan.

Originally introduced as a 2005 model, replacing the front-wheel-drive Chrysler LHS and 300M, the Chrysler 300 marked the comeback of rear-wheel-drive cars to Chrysler's lineup. The automaker took advantage of its ownership at the time, borrowing some components from an older version of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Appearance-wide, the 300 and 300C (the more luxurious version) were a breath of fresh air to the Chrysler lineup, with a taller, boxier look overall and a high beltline that gave these models a macho yet classy look. It was a complete about-face compared to the "cab forward" designs that Chrysler had followed through the 1990s and up until then.

Over the years since then, the Chrysler 300 lineup has changed little. Fleet-oriented base models include a 190-horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 that's just barely adequate for the 300; a much better choice is the 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, which can move the 300 with more enthusiasm while not getting any worse real-world mileage. 300C Hemi versions include the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, making 340 horsepower. Both of the V-6 models come with a four-speed automatic, while the V-8s get a five-speed automatic. V-6 and V-8 models were both offered with an available all-wheel drive system.

There's also the performance-oriented SRT-8 (SRT8 in some years), which gets a 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter version of the Hemi V-8 along with upgraded brakes and suspension. Overall, the SRT8—or the 300C—provides the performance of a muscle car, with a gruff, forceful responsiveness to the powertrain and reasonably good handling. You won't find a lot of finesse in the steering, though.

Chrysler sold the 300 and 300C as a premium large car, which is where they have run into trouble. A common criticism is that while the 300 is full-size, its backseat space is more cramped than that of many mid-size sedans. The 300's interior materials have been better than those used elsewhere in the Chrysler lineup, but they haven't quite been up to the standards expected of a model that could sell for well over $40k either. Additionally, the Chrysler 300 has been plagued with recall and assembly-quality issues over the years and it comes up a bit short in terms of safety features and crash-test results in a class of top-rated vehicles.

A substantially redesigned version of the Chrysler 300—including a much-upgraded interior—is expected for 2011.

2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8

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