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2009 Chrysler 300-Series Safety Review

February 19, 2009

SAFETY | 5 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, front impact; four stars, side driver impact; five stars, side passenger impact
NHTSA

Good," frontal offset impact; "Poor," side impact
IIHS

Poor visibility for shorter drivers
Edmunds

The fact that some critical safety features are optional instead of standard hurts the 2009 Chrysler 300 in both crash tests and overall safety scores, and TheCarConnection.com can’t help but share the disappointment in a sedan where there’s otherwise a lot to like.

In NHTSA tests, the 2009 Chrysler 300 earned quite acceptable crash scores, with five-star results in frontal impact and a mix of four- and five-star results in side impact. The IIHS confirms the 300’s good showing in frontal protection, but gives it their worst possible score, "poor," for side impacts. Even with the optional side airbags, the score improves to a still-inadequate "marginal" rating.

According to reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, standard safety equipment varies considerably across the 2009 Chrysler 300 lineup. Edmunds reports that the base model “doesn't get much in the way of standard safety equipment, but antilock brakes and stability and traction control are at least optional." ConsumerGuide states that the base model offers standard "four-wheel disc brakes" and "dual front airbags," while the Chrysler 300 Touring adds "antilock four-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, [and] antiskid system." Cars.com reviewers also point out that Chrysler 300C models come with "adaptive cruise control [that] regulates speed based on the distance to the vehicle ahead," while "optional side curtain and side-impact airbags" are available.

Visibility is another area of concern regarding the 2009 Chrysler 300, according to some professional reviewers. Cars.com reports that "visibility can be hampered at times," and ConsumerGuide says that "a tall tail and wide rear pillars reduce the driver's aft visibility." Other problem areas, according to ConsumerGuide, are the corners, since the "thick front pillars interfere with the view" to both sides.

Conclusion

It’s buyer beware in this category, with disappointing side-impact protection and the lack of many safety features that are standard on virtually all rivals.

SAFETY | 5 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, front impact; four stars, side driver impact; five stars, side passenger impactNHTSAGood," frontal offset impact; "Poor," side impactIIHSPoor visibility for shorter driversEdmunds The fact that some critical safety features are optional instead of standard hurts the 2009 Chrysler 300 in both crash tests and overall safety scores, and TheCarConnection.com can’t help but share the disappointment in a sedan where there’s otherwise a lot to like. In NHTSA tests, the 2009 Chrysler 300 earned quite acceptable crash scores, with five-star results in frontal impact and a mix of four- and five-star results in side impact. The IIHS confirms the 300’s good showing in frontal protection, but gives it their worst possible score, "poor," for side impacts. Even with the optional side airbags, the score improves to a still-inadequate "marginal" rating. According to reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, standard safety equipment varies considerably across the 2009 Chrysler 300 lineup. Edmunds reports that the base model “doesn't get much in the way of standard safety equipment, but antilock brakes and stability and traction control are at least optional." ConsumerGuide states that the base model offers standard "four-wheel disc brakes" and "dual front airbags," while the Chrysler 300 Touring adds "antilock four-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, [and] antiskid system." Cars.com reviewers also point out that Chrysler 300C models come with "adaptive cruise control [that] regulates speed based on the distance to the vehicle ahead," while "optional side curtain and side-impact airbags" are available. Visibility is another area of concern regarding the 2009 Chrysler 300, according to some professional reviewers. Cars.com reports that "visibility can be hampered at times," and ConsumerGuide says that "a tall tail and wide rear pillars reduce the driver's aft visibility." Other problem areas, according to ConsumerGuide, are the corners, since the "thick front pillars interfere with the view" to both sides. ConclusionIt’s buyer beware in this category, with disappointing side-impact protection and the lack of many safety features that are standard on virtually all rivals.  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 ...

Read More of this Review:

  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:

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