2008 Chrysler 300 Review

What the reviewers like:
The chief components of the 2008 Chrysler 300's appeal are its unique, boxy styling and relatively economical price tag. The 300 also offers some options that aren't found on most other full-size sedans, like a longer-wheelbase version and available all-wheel drive. Its government crash-test scores are among the best.

What the reviewers don't like:
The 2008 Chrysler 300's styling impairs outward visibility, headroom and trunk space, reviewers say. With regard to performance, the V6 engines available on lower trim levels disappoint testers. The lack of an available manual transmission and standard safety features is disappointing to some reviewers, as is the look and feel of some of the interior plastics. Reliability ratings are somewhat inconsistent.

2008 Chrysler 300 review highlights

The Chrysler 300 is notable primarily for its roominess and aggressive design; it actually straddles the line between family cars and sports sedans. The rear-wheel drive Chrysler 300 has two available engines and three available trim levels, and comes in all-wheel drive versions as well. Reviews say body control is a plus and steering is precise. Government crash-test ratings are among the best. In reviews, the Chrysler 300 gets major points for exterior styling. But several sources point out that the distinctive silhouette compromises outward visibility, trunk space and head room. Some reviewers dislike the Chrysler 300's stingy standard safety features; base models come with only two airbags and four-wheel disc brakes. In reviews, 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).

The eye-catching Chrysler 300 captured a lot of attention following its 2005 model-year debut, and sales have been impressive in spite of the cooling reviewer response of the past few years. We were able to find solid reviews at the website of The Car Family (an auto blog), Consumer Reports and Consumer Guide, where editors offer road-testing analysis that shows how the 2008 Chrysler 300 ranks against other vehicles or against the large-sedan segment as a whole. Motor Trend publishes results of head-to-head road-testing from the 2006 model year, while reviewers at Edmunds.com and Car and Driver provide comprehensive single-car reviews for the 300. The Chrysler 300 also makes the list of recommended midsize sedans at Kelley Blue Book, while editors at AOL Autos select the 2008 300 as one of their top sedan picks.

Also see full report: Family Sedans

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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2008 Chrysler 300 Review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports tests just about every family sedan, including the Chrysler 300. Consumer Reports provides helpful reliability predictions based on past-model-year reader-survey data. Reliability, ride quality, handling and safety are the main focuses here.

2. The Car Family
The Compleat Guide to Family Sedans
The Haskvitz Family
Mar. 21, 2008

Each member of "The Car Family" evaluates 2008 cars from a unique perspective. In this article, family members comment on dozens of 2008 cars, including the 2008 Chrysler 300, concluding that handling, power and its design are pluses, but visibility and headroom problems due to the low roof height are concerns. Fuel economy is low.

3. Consumer Guide.com
2008 Chrysler 300 Review
Editors at ConsumerGuide.com
Mar. 13, 2008

Consumer Guide performs road-testing on a slew of vehicles, including the 2008 Chrysler 300, ranking its performance compared to its peers. The numerical reporting format at Consumer Guide can be tough to read, but the thorough analysis and editors' recommendations are still valuable. The Chrysler 300's overall score is a bit below average for its market segment, but it still receives Consumer Guide's "Best Buy" label – mostly on the strength of its ride quality and passenger capacity.

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

While somewhat dated, this head-to-head comparison of the 2006 Chrysler 300 Touring to the Buick Lucerne and Mercury Montego is one of the best with regard to the extensive road-testing. The Montego was freshened and renamed the Mercury Sable for 2008, but none of these cars have undergone really meaningful revisions since this test so it's still a helpful resource for shoppers. The 300 won handily here, as judges concluded that this large sedan "offers the most well-rounded combination of style, personality, and performance for the money."

5. Edmunds.com
2008 Chrysler 300 Review
Editors at Edmunds.com

Editors here evaluate the 2008 Chrysler 300's safety, interior design and driving experience. They note that this car's distinctive styling and high value quotient are the keys to its popularity with consumers, especially in the traditionally conservative large-sedan segment.

6. Car and Driver
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2008 Chrysler 300 Review
Editors at Car and Driver

This write-up from Car and Driver focuses primarily on new features and developments for the 2008 Chrysler 300, but editors also include links to single-car and comparative road evaluations involving earlier models of this large sedan.

7. KBB.com
Recommended Shopping Lists: Mid-Size Sedans
Editors at KBB.com

Though not a formal comparison, this resource provides price-based lists of editors' top picks for family sedans. Vehicle-specific reviews offering comprehensive, easy-to-read, consumer-friendly overviews of each model's performance and value are accessible from here.

8. AOL Autos
Editors' Picks: Top Sedans
Kevin Ransom

Editors at AOL Autos focus primarily on styling, value, performance and reliability to compose their annual list of top picks. In the sedan category, several of the choices are high-end luxury cars priced well out of our affordable "family car" range, but many others – most notably the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu and Chrysler 300 – represent viable options for the average car shopper. This list is for the 2007 model year.

Also see full report: Family Sedans