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2009 Chrysler 300-Series Review

February 19, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Interior features a simple but elegant layout
Edmunds

Bold and imposing
Cars.com

Americans have flocked to the 300 chiefly because of its bold styling
Kelley Blue Book

If you want to make an impression and regularly carry more than one passenger, there's not much better way to do it for under $50,000 than with the 2009 Chrysler 300. The big, retro-themed Chrysler sedan has been around for a couple years, but it still turns heads with its strong and imposing styling that harkens back to the Chryslers of the 1950s and 1960s.

The 2009 Chrysler 300 doesn't change much for this model year since going through a refresh for 2008. Trim levels abound on the 2009 Chrysler 300, and Edmunds reports that the Chrysler 300 "is a full-size sedan available in LX, Touring, Limited, 300C and SRT8 trim levels." There's not a lot to distinguish the trims from the exterior, since they all feature what Kelley Blue Book describes as "large slab-side panels, a high 'belt-line' and narrow side windows [that] give the 300 an appearance reminiscent of a custom chop-top cruiser." One of the more unusual features of the 2009 Chrysler 300, according to Edmunds, is the "Walter P. Chrysler Executive Series long-wheelbase package available on Touring and 300C trim levels," which "adds 6 inches to the standard wheelbase to increase rear seat legroom."

Cars.com notes that the exterior of the 2009 Chrysler 300C offers "standard chromed door handles [and] 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels," while there is a "new chrome grille and 20-inch aluminum wheels on [the] Heritage edition." All that chrome and other flashy styling elements lead Kelley Blue Book to advise that "if you're looking for something inconspicuous, say, for a stakeout, the Chrysler 300 might not be your best option."

The interior was redesigned for 2008, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com definitely appreciate the styling improvements. Cars.com reports that the Chrysler 300's "instruments have a watch-face style, and 300C drivers get a steering wheel with leather accents." ConsumerGuide appreciates that "all controls are within easy reach" and loves that "the navigation system is relatively simple to use, despite a small screen." Edmunds also favors the "simple but elegant layout that benefited from last year's new instrument panel, center console design and upgraded surfaces." On the negative end of the spectrum, Kelley Blue Book warns that "some may find the interior color choices drab...[but] despite the 300 SRT8's somewhat colorless interior, exquisite touches, such as the faux tortoise shell steering wheel on the 300C, add an air of individuality and elegance."

Conclusion

The 2009 Chrysler 300 lineup offers distinctly American styling.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Interior features a simple but elegant layoutEdmundsBold and imposingCars.comAmericans have flocked to the 300 chiefly because of its bold stylingKelley Blue Book If you want to make an impression and regularly carry more than one passenger, there's not much better way to do it for under $50,000 than with the 2009 Chrysler 300. The big, retro-themed Chrysler sedan has been around for a couple years, but it still turns heads with its strong and imposing styling that harkens back to the Chryslers of the 1950s and 1960s. The 2009 Chrysler 300 doesn't change much for this model year since going through a refresh for 2008. Trim levels abound on the 2009 Chrysler 300, and Edmunds reports that the Chrysler 300 "is a full-size sedan available in LX, Touring, Limited, 300C and SRT8 trim levels." There's not a lot to distinguish the trims from the exterior, since they all feature what Kelley Blue Book describes as "large slab-side panels, a high 'belt-line' and narrow side windows [that] give the 300 an appearance reminiscent of a custom chop-top cruiser." One of the more unusual features of the 2009 Chrysler 300, according to Edmunds, is the "Walter P. Chrysler Executive Series long-wheelbase package available on Touring and 300C trim levels," which "adds 6 inches to the standard wheelbase to increase rear seat legroom." Cars.com notes that the exterior of the 2009 Chrysler 300C offers "standard chromed door handles [and] 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels," while there is a "new chrome grille and 20-inch aluminum wheels on [the] Heritage edition." All that chrome and other flashy styling elements lead Kelley Blue Book to advise that "if you're looking for something inconspicuous, say, for a stakeout, the Chrysler 300 might not be your best option." The interior was redesigned for 2008, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com definitely appreciate the styling improvements. Cars.com reports that the Chrysler 300's "instruments have a watch-face style, and 300C drivers get a steering wheel with leather accents." ConsumerGuide appreciates that "all controls are within easy reach" and loves that "the navigation system is relatively simple to use, despite a small screen." Edmunds also favors the "simple but elegant layout that benefited from last year's new instrument panel, center console design and upgraded surfaces." On the negative end of the spectrum, Kelley Blue Book warns that "some may find the interior color choices drab...[but] despite the 300 SRT8's somewhat colorless interior, exquisite touches, such as the faux tortoise shell steering wheel on the 300C, add an air of individuality and elegance." ConclusionThe 2009 Chrysler 300 lineup offers distinctly American styling.  2009 CHRYSLER 300 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Edmunds: "Interior features a simple but elegant layout" Cars.com: "Bold and imposing" Kelley Blue Book: "Americans have flocked to the 300 chiefly because of its bold styling" If you want to make an impression and regularly carry more than ...

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  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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See the Chrysler 300-Series in Other Years:

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

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