2009 Chrysler 300

Introduction

 Smooth, quiet operation, tight handling, space, luxury: The Chrysler 300 sedan has it all, at attractive prices. The Chrysler 300 nameplate includes a wide range of engines and amenities, from a frugal V6 to the powerful SRT8.The base model comes well-equipped for less than $25,000 MSRP. Long-wheelbase models are also available that some families may find appealing. The Chrysler 300 is rear-wheel drive, and we consider that a benefit.

Rear-wheel drive adds to the pleasure and excitement of driving this big sedan, and that's partly why luxury sedans and sports cars continue to use it. The Chrysler 300 models are comfortable. They're also responsive for large cars. Then there's the styling. The 300s are good, appealing cars, and they've set the benchmark for Detroit's car builders.

Trims and Styling

For 2008, Chrysler added several features and tweaked the interior and exterior design. New features include adaptive cruise control, Sirius Backseat TV and Chrysler's MyGig, a 20-gigabyte hard drive that holds songs, pictures, and navigation system map information. Chrysler's UConnect hands-free cell-phone link has been upgraded with an integrated iPod interface. Outside, the front and rear fascia, grille, decklid, and side moldings are updated. Base models are now called LX.

The 2008 Chrysler 300 lineup includes seven models: two V6 engines, two V8s, all-wheel drive, and two long-wheelbase models. The Chrysler 300 LX ($24,595) has a 2.7-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 generating 178 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque and matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. It's equipped with cloth upholstery, power driver's seat, cruise control, solar-control glass and 17-inch steel wheels with hub caps. It has 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 ($31,445) is identically equipped. The 300 Limited ($31,620) 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 ($35,395) features a 5.7-liter overhead-valve V8 (Hemi), delivering 340 horsepower and a substantial 390 pound-feet of torque. It also has a power tilt/telescoping steering column, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, remote starting, and rain-sensing wipers.

 An SRT Design Group option ($1,495) 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 ($41,385) features a 425-hp, 6.1-liter Hemi V8 with loads of performance tweaks, 20-inch wheels, and unique design features. Safety features include multi-stage front airbags. Curtain-style head protection airbags for outboard passengers and torso-protecting front side-impact airbags are optional. Other safety-related options include rear obstacle detection, high-intensity discharge headlamps, a tire-pressure monitor, and all-wheel drive.

The W.P.Chrysler Executive Series, or long-wheelbase option ($10,600), is offered on the 300 Touring and 300C with rear-wheel drive. One of the most popular is Protection Group II ($890), which adds curtain-style head-protection airbags, torso-protecting front side airbags, rear park assist, self-sealing tires and cabin air filtration.

The current Chrysler 300 is just as bold. The Chrysler 300 looks dramatic in profile because its rear-wheel-drive layout allows a distinctive shape. The wheelbase is long but the overhangs are short, offering a visual sense of power. The modifications are more than aesthetic: The front and rear ends direct air flow through unique ducts that cool the brakes, while a specially designed rear spoiler increases rear down force by 39 percent, helping keep the rear tires firmly planted at high speed without increasing drag. Yet the coolest thing about the SRT8 might be its 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and asymmetrical high-performance tires. The Executive Series package, or long-wheelbase version, adds six inches to the standard wheelbase, all behind the front doors, and provides more than 46 inches of rear legroom inside.

Chrysler Style Inside

The Chrysler 300 was among the first to adapt an increasingly popular high seating position, with seats that rise several inches above those in the typical sedan. Visibility is also blocked to the right rear by a large rear pillar. The adjustable pedals are welcome in this car, because the steering wheel also telescopes. The newly available MyGig radio is available in two iterations: the MyGig Entertainment System and the MyGig Multimedia Infotainment System. Both have 20 gigabytes of hard drive space, but the Multimedia option includes a navigation system with real-time traffic and voice activation. California walnut trim is an option. The wheels are pushed to the corners, and the long wheelbase leaves 106.6 cubic feet inside. The Chrysler 300 models offer a relaxing 40 inches of rear legroom and outboard passengers will find plenty to like, including a folding center armrest with integra.

First Drive

From the driver's seat, the Chrysler 300 is one of the better big American sedans we've tested, and certainly the most interesting. To be sure, that view is colored by a preference for rear-wheel drive. Chrysler has done a fine job of tuning the traction and stability electronics. We'd recommend either an all-wheel drive model or a good set of snow tires for drivers that often encounter snow. The Chrysler 300 LX base model drives nice. The dual-overhead cam 2.7-liter V6 engine delivers 178 horsepower, enough to handle big-city rush-hour traffic. On the road, the Chrysler 300 feels as solid as it looks, having inherited significant mechanicals from Chrysler's former parent company, Mercedes-Benz. From a handling standpoint, the 300 is heavily and positively influenced by a design borrowed from the Mercedes E-Class: five-link rear suspension mounted to a sub frame, and the short-arm/long-arm front suspension, modified for the 300's longer wheelbase, wider track and bigger wheels. In short, it doesn't drive big.

 The 300C handles well for a car its size. Chrysler has gotten the rack-and-pinion steering right. The front brakes on the 300C are bigger and better than those on the V6 models; antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, which balances brake force front and rear, are standard on all but the base 300 LX. The Chrysler 300 delivers bold styling. We prefer the Touring and Limited models, with their more powerful V6 and higher levels of features. The SRT8 delivers outstanding performance in civilized style at a price that's hard to beat.Visit the official site of the 2009 300 for more information.

Conclusions

The Chrysler 300 delivers bold styling. It's smooth and quiet, with a great ride and tight handling. Getting in and out is easy, and it's roomy inside. Models are available for all tastes and budgets. 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. We prefer the Touring and Limited models, with their more powerful V6 and higher levels of features. 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. Research the Chrysler 300 more with another review.