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Like the
Dodge Charger, the Chrysler 300 (3.5-liter V6) and 300C (5.7-liter V8) has won
praise for expressive styling and the presence of the much-hyped Hemi. But
despite their higher prices than comparable Chargers, these Chrysler can come
out ahead by succeeding better as family sedans, rather than relying
exclusively on the Hemi. With a more comfortable ride and rear seating, and a
nicer interior than the Dodge models, the 300 V6 can be more readily excused
for failing to be sporty, and the 300C is more than a one-trick pony. But, the
300 V6 does not stand out in this group in any significant way, coming off as
decidedly average across the board (still beating its comparable Charger
model, which was decidedly below-average in many areas), and the 300C is quite
pricey, still neither rides nor handles especially well, and still gets poor
gas mileage.
The 300 has
a much more comfortable ride than the Charger, still well-controlled but more
absorbent. Several competing models still handle bumps better, however. The
300C’s ride is stiffer, but still more comfortable than either Chargers’. The
Charger has a bit less body lean in cornering than either Chrysler, but they
have a similar feel, and more steering heft and feedback. The 300C has sharper
steering than the 300, but not enough handling difference to justify the
decrease in ride quality. The 300’s 3.5-liter V6, as in the Charger SXT,
provides adequate but uninspiring acceleration, while the 300C’s V8 provides
quicker and more enjoyable acceleration. Fuel economy isn’t bad at all with
the V6, but it is with the V8 despite its cylinder-deactivation system.
Inside, the
300 and 300C are identical except for a few negligible upgrades to the
higher-end model’s interior trim. The wide, flat front seats offer good leg
and head space, and are comfortable despite a lack of lateral support. Unlike
the V8-powered Charger, well-bolstered sport seats are unavailable except on
the $40,000 SRT-8 model. The seats aren’t as unyieldingly firm as the
Charger’s, either, though they are by no means soft. The rear seat is roomy
and well-shaped, though it could be higher. There is also more headroom than
in the Charger, and passengers can see out better, but the vehicle still
stands out in neither area. The
dash uses higher-quality materials than the Charger, and maintains solid panel
fit, though the interior isn’t as opulently decorated and finished as some
competitors’. The gauges are large, but the Charger’s have better contrast.
Neither the 300’s manual and the 300C’s automatic climate control systems are
difficult to use, despite a low placement on the center stack. Drivers sit
very comfortably, but the high beltline and thick roof pillars contribute to
poor visibility, though at least the windowline does not constrict further
towards the rear of the car as it does in the Charger. Entry/exit is easy
enough. The trunk isn’t very roomy for a large sedan’s, and the opening could
be larger, but it is at least well-shaped.
The 300 has
done very well in crash testing. It earned a Good in its IIHS offset crash
test, and its head restraints were rated Acceptable. The IIHS has not
subjected the 300 to its side-impact crash test. The 300 earned five stars for
both the driver and for the front passenger in its NHTSA frontal crash test,
as well as four stars for the driver and five for the rear passenger in its
NHTSA side crash test, even without the optional side airbags.
The 300
reviewed here was rather pricey by this group’s standards, at $31,167, and the
300C scraped the price ceiling at a whopping $35,034. At that price, both cars
include all expected safety and luxury features (except for the V6’s lack of
an available automatic climate control system), as well as such extras as a
tire pressure monitor, power-adjustable pedals, and UConnect hands-free
cellular telephone linkup. The 300C also has power adjustments for the
tilt/telescoping steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers, which help alleviate
some concerns about its steep price, which was the highest in this group by a
margin of nearly $2,500.
Overall, the
300 V6 is not an outstanding car, and scores as high as it does here more for
the other cars’ flaws than its own merits. It is reasonably roomy and
comfortable inside, and rides and handles reasonably well, but is not as
luxurious or refined as many other cars here, and it isn’t inexpensive,
presenting little reason to choose it over similar but less-expensive
competitors. It is more of a nice family car than the luxury sedan it ought to
be at its asking price. The 300C doesn’t ride as comfortably and gets rather
poor gas mileage, but the combination of interior room and comfort, luxury
features, and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 at least adds something unique to this
group, which still cannot entirely offset the steep pricing, especially when
considered alongside its other flaws.
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