2008 Chrysler 300 Review

Chrysler's full-size 300 sedan receives a palette of new colors for 2008, as well as tweaked styling for the front and rear. The 300 comes with a choice of two V-6s, while Hemi V-8 power comes in the 300C. The 300 is offered in LX, Touring and Limited trim levels for rear-wheel-drive models, and Touring and Limited for the all-wheel-drive 300. Both the front and rear of the 300 have been "refreshed" for 2008, but the changes are minor between the 2007 and 2008 models. The 300 is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. An optional long wheelbase rear-wheel drive model is available that allows for a rear seat area much larger than the standard car.  New bodyside moldings have also been added. Models are available for all tastes and budgets, from a base model, to an executive class long wheel version. The Chrysler 300 stands out with bold, imposing styling reminiscent of an art deco look of years past. Its strong lines give off a sense of power and refined stature.

Chrysler 300 Power

The Chrysler 300 delivers bold styling. It's smooth and quiet, with a great ride and tight handling. A 2.7-liter V-6 produces 178 horsepower in the base sedan; it teams with a four-speed automatic transmission. Other models get a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and a five-speed automatic. Both the 300 Long Wheelbase and all-wheel-drive 300 come equipped with the latter setup. Its traction and stability electronics work well, but buyers who want to be prepared for bad weather should opt for all-wheel drive. The base 300 is a lot of car for the money, with a proven V6 that has adequate power for many drivers. The 300C comes with a Hemi V8 that can dust expensive luxury cars in performance and value. The SRT8 delivers outstanding performance in civilized style at a price that' s hard to beat. To counteract concerns that the rear-drive 300 won't handle properly on snow and ice, Chrysler offers an all-wheel-drive version of the 300 as well as an electronic stability system in upper-end models. The 300 steers easily and demands just enough effort to impart a semi-sporty sensation. You can expect a confident feel through winding roads. Performance in snow and ice is amazing because of the Electronic Stability Program. Even if you tromp the gas on a snow-packed curve, the system kicks in immediately to keep the car on course.

Design of the 300

The 300 looks bold and imposing, flaunting a distinctive shape and riding a 120-inch wheelbase. Aluminum is used for the hood and deck lid. Sizable wheel openings encircle either 17- or 18-inch tires, and chrome wheels are included on the 300 Limited and all-wheel-drive 300. An extended-length 300 Long Wheelbase version is available and adds 6 inches to the 300's wheelbase for more interior room. The 300 Long Wheelbase is available in two editions, the 300 Touring Long Wheelbase and 300C Long Wheelbase. A discerning eye is needed to tell the difference between a regular- and long-wheelbase 300; at 202.8 inches overall, the stretched version measures just 6 inches longer. The extra length occurs just aft of the B-pillar and results in longer back doors. The result is well-proportioned and eliminates some of the snub-tail look of the regular 300. The long-wheelbase model is about 100 pounds heavier, and a wide range of paint colors is available.

2008 Chrysler 300 Cabin

 The cabin of the 300 was updated for 2008 with a new instrument panel, instrument cluster and center console. Getting in and out is easy, and it's roomy inside. The 300 can seat five passengers, and trunk volume totals 15.6 cubic feet. In the long-wheelbase edition, rear legroom has grown about 6 inches and measures 46 inches. Legroom in the back is vast, and right rear passengers can increase theirs with optional controls for the front passenger seat. Though special interior panels have been designed to fit the longer rear side doors, they have a low-quality appearance. Besides writing tables in the long wheel base model, options include footrests, illuminated vanity mirrors, adjustable reading lights and 12-volt power plugs for charging mobile electronic devices. The seats are reasonably supportive and comfortable. Abundant glass and large mirrors help visibility. Backseat space is abundant.

300 Lineup for 2008

The Chrysler 300 LX is equipped with cloth upholstery, power driver's seat, cruise control, solar-control glass and 17-inch steel wheels with hub caps.

The 300 Touring upgrades to a five-speed automatic transmission with Chrysler's AutoStick manual-shift feature. The Touring comes with leather seating, 17-inch aluminum wheels and fog lamps. The all-wheel-drive Touring AWD  is identically equipped.

The 300 Limited adds 18-inch chrome wheels, a slightly firmer Touring suspension, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, automatic headlamps, automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, an electronic vehicle information center, and one year of Sirius satellite radio.

The 300C features a power tilt/telescoping steering column, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, remote starting, and rain-sensing wipers. An SRT Design Group option for the 300C adds many of the SRT design cues, 20-inch wheels, and more significantly, engine tweaks and special exhaust that raise the output to 350 horsepower.

The SRT8 features a 425-hp, 6.1-liter Hemi V8 with loads of performance tweaks, 20-inch wheels, and unique design features.

Conclusions

Chrysler sporadically marketed automobiles under the "300" designation for half a century. In its 1999 to 2004 iteration, the Chrysler 300M was a front-wheel-drive sedan with V-6 power. Read a Chrysler 300 review from Left Lane News for a closer look. A completely different 300 sedan joined Chrysler's lineup for 2005, with rear-wheel drive. For safety, SmartBeam headlights automatically dim when they sense approaching traffic, while adaptive cruise control can maintain a pace based on the speed of the vehicle in front. Both features are optional. Antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are included on all but the base sedan. Front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are optional. For more research on this model, read a 2008 Chrysler 300 Bottom Line from Car Connection.