2011 Chrysler 300

The new 300 fixes most of what was wrong with the old one, reviewers say. For one thing, the interior now whispers "quality," rather than screaming "rent-a-car."

"Gone is the center stack that resembled a desktop computer tower. Gone is the enormous four-spoke steering wheel removed from the U.S.S. Constitution. Gone are the Indiglo gauges and the brittle plastic switchgear," Edmunds.com says. Critics still notice a little cheap plastic here and there, but the new soft dash, pretty gauges and other classy materials drown it out: "The difference is really night and day compared to last year's car."

"The new interior improves on the old one to a degree that is nearly impossible to overstate," says Car and Driver's Jared Gall, "and the new V-6 does something similar for the engine lineup."

Modern, powerful new base V6 is the smart pick

The new base 3.6-liter V6 engine boasts 292 horsepower – enough that experts now recommend sticking with the base Chrysler 300, which runs from $27,170 to $31,170, instead of paying extra for the big 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the Chrysler 300C, substantially more expensive at $38,170 to $40,320. The 363-horsepower Hemi is a "thrill ride," Car and Driver says, but thirsty. The EPA estimates drivers will see around 21 mpg with the rear-wheel-drive-only base Chrysler 300 (18 mpg city/27 mpg highway) – a couple mpg less than the six-cylinder Toyota Avalon. Overall fuel economy drops 2 mpg with the Chrysler 300C's V8, and another 1 mpg if you opt for all-wheel drive. All Chrysler 300s get a five-speed automatic transmission, which seems "easily confused" while hunting for gears in Autoblog.com's test. An advanced and more efficient new 8-speed transmission is in the works for both the Chrysler 300 and its Dodge sibling, the Charger.

Most critics are pleased that Chrysler kept the 300's muscular styling, but smoothed and refined it a bit. The cabin still has plenty of room for five adults, and the "cavernous" 16.3-cubic-foot trunk offers "enough storage area for everyone's luggage should you decide to pack the family in for a trip cross-country," Autoblog.com says.

Notable features and amenities

The base Chrysler 300 comes with an 8.4-inch touch screen to run the entertainment system (including satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and iPod/USB interface), keyless ignition and entry, cruise control, heated mirrors, automatic dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 17-inch wheels and more. The 300 Limited gets 18-inch wheels, a rearview camera, heated front seats, remote ignition, Bluetooth, an upgraded audio system and more. The 300C, in addition to its standard Hemi V8, tacks on several features that are optional on the lower trims, including navigation, leather seats, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, heated and cooled cup holders, a power rear sunshade and power adjustable pedals.

Good scores in independent crash tests

The 2011 Chrysler 300 had not yet been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but is named a 2011 Top Safety Pick after getting the highest possible ratings in all crash tests at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction and stability control and front, front-side, curtain and driver-knee airbags.

Reliability has been below average for Chrysler vehicles in recent years, according to one source, although the 2011 Chrysler 300 is too new to have any reliability history itself. It carries three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties.

Research sources

Edmunds.com, Car and Driver and Kelley Blue Book all publish in-depth reviews of the 2011 Chrysler 300, covering both the V6 and V8 versions and offering clear buying advice. Autoblog.com's thorough test concentrates on the V6 version, and ConsumerReports.org's first drive covers the V8. The 2011 Chrysler 300 had not yet been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration when we checked, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives it perfect crash ratings. FuelEconomy.gov lists official fuel-economy estimates for the 2011 Chrysler 300.