2008 Chrysler 300

*Est. $25,150 to $42,405

Distinctive styling, roomy interior
Fairly economical price
Competent handling
Available all-wheel drive (AWD)

Weak base engine (V-6)
Poor fuel economy with V-8
Impaired visibility (especially for shorter drivers)
Lack of manual transmission

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Our Analysis

The 2008 Chrysler 300 fits many different market segments thanks to multiple engine/trim options. In base V-6 form, it's a roomy, comfortable family sedan, while the V-8-powered 300C (*est. 35,395 to $37,495) models are sportier. The 300C earns praise for its comfortable ride, acceleration and cornering, and the 300 is noted for its bold style and attitude. The Chrysler 300's short windows and high beltline, however, have been reported to make outward visibility a problem, and trunk space is only average at 15.6 cubic feet. Government crash-test ratings for the Chrysler 300 are among the best, though some reviews criticize the standard safety features: base models come with only two air bags and four-wheel disc brakes. In comparisons against family sedans, the 2008 Chrysler 300 holds its own against the 2008 Buick Lucerne (*est. $26,755 to $38,630) and is a sportier, less pricey alternative to the highly rated 2008 Toyota Avalon (*est. $27,075 to $34,415). As sports sedans go, the 300's platform sibling, the Dodge Charger (*est. $22,510 to $37,215), and the highly rated Pontiac G8 (*est. $26,910 to $29,310) are potential alternatives, according to reviews.

Edmunds.com offers the best general description and review of the 2008 Chrysler 300 that is also the most comprehensive and well balanced. Consumer Reports also gives a solid summary of the 300 sedan along with valuable reliability data. ConsumerGuide.com puts the 300 on its "Best Buy" list while Kelley Blue Book calls it "recommended." AOL Autos lists the Chrysler 300 as one of its top picks for a family sedan.

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2008 Chrysler 300

Our Sources

1. Edmunds.com

Editors provide a well-balanced description of the Chrysler 300, noting its strengths and weaknesses. The 300 is said to combine good looks, performance, practicality and value, but the base V-6 is noted as a negative. The review also indicates that poor outward visibility can be an issue, especially for shorter drivers.

Review: 2008 Chrysler 300 Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors of Consumer Reports base this road-test review of the Chrysler 300 on a 2005 300C, which is similar to the 2008 model. Data on historical reliability obtained from owner surveys is also offered.

Review: 2008 Chrysler 300 Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

3. The Car Family

The four members of "The Car Family" evaluate cars and comment on dozens of 2008 models, including the 2008 Chrysler 300. The 300's handling, power and design are noted as pluses while visibility and headroom problems due to low roof height are concerns. Fuel economy is also mentioned as an issue.

Review: Buyer's Guide to Family Sedans: Best Cars by Price, Value, The Haskvitz Family, Mar. 21, 2008

4. New Car Test Drive

This lengthy review gives a solid description of the Chrysler 300 lineup, along with opinions and driving impressions of each available engine. Editors mention "smooth, quiet operation, tight handling, space, luxury," all at attractive prices.

Review: 2008 Chrysler 300 Review, Editors of NewCarTestDrive.com

5. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

While somewhat dated, this head-to-head comparison of the 2006 Chrysler 300 Touring and the Buick Lucerne and Mercury Montego is one of the best in regard extensive road testing (none of these cars have undergone really meaningful revisions). The 300 won handily here.

Review: Road Test Comparison: 2006 Buick Lucerne CXL vs. 2006 Chrysler 300 Touring Vs. 2006 Mercury Montego Premium AWD, Bob Nagy

6. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com gives the Chrysler 300 its "Best Buy" rating in the large-car class. Editors put four 300 variants through test procedures and give a numerical rating and short description of each aspect of the test cars. Concern about the build quality of one of the test vehicles is expressed.

Review: 2008 Chrysler 300 Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 30, 2008

7. Kelley Blue Book

The Chrysler 300 earns a spot on Kelley Blue Book's "recommended" list for midsize sedans starting at over $20,000. The rating is based largely on the 300's balanced combination of interior space, comfort and value. Editors call it "a family car with attitude," and praise its dynamics.

Review: 2008 Chrysler 300 4-door 300C Sedan Review, Editors of Kelley Blue Book

8. Cars.com

Cars.com provides a summary review of the V-8-powered Chrysler 300C and a separate listing for the V-6 models. Attributes noted include "near-perfect" automatic transmission operation, quietness and interior space. Dislikes include the lack of front grab handles and the grille, which is noted to be vulnerable when parallel parking.

Review: 2008 Chrysler 300C Review, Editors of Cars.com, Sept. 1, 2007

9. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

This article is not a true comparison test, but rather a description of 10 of the most powerful sports sedans on the market, including the BMW M3 and M5, the Mercedes-Benz AMG and the Cadillac CTS-V and STS-V. Also included is the 425-horsepower Chrysler 300C SRT8, which is called "a screaming, muscle-bound bargain with well-rounded dynamic capabilities."

Review: Competitors in the Crosshairs, Steve Siler, Feb. 2008

10. Kelley Blue Book

Though not a formal comparison, this resource provides price-based lists of editors' top picks for family sedans. Vehicle-specific reviews offer comprehensive, easy-to-read, consumer-friendly information about each model's performance and value can be accessed.

Review: Recommended Shopping Lists: Mid-Size Sedans, Editors of Kelly Blue Book

11. AOL Autos

Editors at AOL Autos focus primarily on styling, value, performance and reliability when composing their annual list of top picks. In the 2007 sedan category, several of the choices are high-end luxury, but many others -- including the Chrysler 300 -- represent viable options for the average car shopper.

Review: Editors' Picks: Top Sedans, Kevin Ransom