2005-2007 Chrysler 300 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Chrysler 300. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Chrysler 300.

2005-2007 Chrysler 300 Review

Chrysler christened a new flagship for 2005, switching from the front-wheel-drive V6-powered Chrysler 300M to an entirely new car that offers a choice of rear-drive and all-wheel drive, plus V8 power. The luxury-oriented 300 sedan shared its platform with the Dodge Magnum wagon and Dodge Charger sedan. Four models of the 300 were offered: base, Touring, 300C, and 300C SRT-8. The base had a 190-hp V6, the Touring a 250-hp V6. The high-performance 300C and SRT-8 got V8s bearing Chrysler's Hemi badge. The 300C had a 340-hp 5.7-liter, the SRT-8 a 425-hp 6.1. Exclusive to the 5.7 V8 was Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which deactivates four cylinders under cruise conditions to save fuel. AWD was available on Touring and 300C models. Rear-drive V6 models had a 4-speed automatic transmission. AWD and V8 versions used a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard. The SRT-8 had Brembo-brand brakes, sport suspension, and special seats and trim. ABS and traction/antiskid control were optional on the base 300, standard on the others. Tilt/telescope steering wheel and power driver seat were also standard. The SRT-8 had 20-inch wheels, the 300C and AWD Touring 18s, the others 17s. Available features included curtain side airbags, adjustable pedals, satellite radio, and Chrysler's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free, wireless link to cell phones.

Year to Year Changes

2006 Chrysler 300: Chrysler's 300 continued unchanged in 2006.

2007 Chrysler 300: Chrysler adds a long-wheelbase body style to this luxury-oriented sedan for 2007. Touring and 300C models are also available with all-wheel drive. Optional for those models is the W.P. Chrysler Executive Series package that includes the long-wheelbase body. It adds 6 inches to wheelbase and to rear seat leg room. Also new for '07 are available heated rear seats and adaptive cruise control.

2005-2007 Chrysler 300 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride/handling	Rear visibility

Passenger room	Acceleration (2.7 V6)

Acceleration (300C)	Fuel economyv (300C)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration with 2.7-liter V6 feels tepid; Chrysler says 11.0 sec 0-60 mph. Touring adequately quick, even with AWD; Chrysler quotes 9.0 sec 0-60. V8-powered 300C responsive at any speed; 6.3 sec 0-60, says Chrysler. Brawny SRT8 lends credence to Chrysler's 5.0 sec 0-60 claim. Both transmissions suffer some lag before downshifting, but the 5-speed's manual shift gate helps. Test Touring models averaged 19.5 mpg in rear-drive form, 19.7 with AWD. Test 300C averaged 14.4 mpg in mixed driving, 17.9 mpg with more highway use. Chrysler recommends 87-octane fuel for the 2.7 V6, 89 octane for the 3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, 91 octane for SRT8. Independent rear suspension patterned on a design from parent-company Mercedes-Benz helps deliver smooth ride, though some testers complain of annoying jiggling on rippled freeways. SRT8 impressively smooth, despite 20-inch tires and firmer suspension tuning. 300 feels stable at highway speeds, with good balance and grip in turns, though not as agile as similarly sized European sedans in quick changes of direction. SRT8 sportier still, with reduced lean in corners and firm, direct steering. V6s cruise quietly, roar noticeably during acceleration. V8s have throaty, subdued growl. Tire thrum evident, but not objectionable. Wind rush rises with speed, but doesn't interfere with conversation. Large, clear gauges, but some testers find nighttime legibility compromised because full instrument faces are backlit, rendering markings indistinct. All controls within easy reach, though steering-column stalk for cruise control easily confused with turn-signal/wiper stalk. Despite small screen, navigation system relatively simple to use. Cabin has some budget-grade plastic trim, but most materials look and feel upscale. Lots of head and leg room, though AWD versions have slightly narrower passenger footwell. Flat seat bottoms cause passengers to slide during aggressive cornering except in SRT8, which has grippy suede seat inserts. Tall tail, wide rear pillars reduce driver's aft visibility. Thick front pillars interfere with view to corners. Large, deep trunk. Hinges don't intrude, but liftover is fairly high, and opening too small to load large cargo.

Value for the Money
Acceleration with the 2.7-liter V6 is weak, but the boldly styled 300 is an otherwise Best Buy combination of performance, roominess, and value. The startling SRT8 outpowers cars costing twice as much with little compromise of the 300's other virtues

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Chrysler 300C w/navigation system	Rating

Performance	8

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	7

Steering/Handling/Braking	7

Quietness	7

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	7

Room/Comfort (rear)	7

Cargo Capacity	5

Value within Class	9

Total:	68

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

2005-2007 Chrysler 300 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The A/C may gradually get warmer while driving in hot, humid weather because the evaporator ices up and blocks airflow. This requires reprogramming the automatic temperature control unit. (2006)

Air conditioner: The A/C may gradually get warmer while driving in hot, humid weather, or there is a hot blast of air when the car is first started, requiring replacement of the manual control unit. (2006)

Starter: The remote starter may not work because of a failed hood switch. (2005)

Steering problems: Power steering additives containing Teflon that can plug up the filter in the fluid reservoir. (2004-05)

Transmission leak: The transmission solenoid/pressure switch leaks fluid causing a check engine light requiring replacement of the solenoid and electrical connector. Fluid may also leak from the electrical connector guide on the right front corner of the transmission. (2005)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$1,050

Alternator	$830

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$4,120

Brakes	$350

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing

Constant Velocity Joints	$3,240

Exhaust System	$920

Radiator	$740

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,650

Timing Chain or Belt	$740

NHTSA Recall History

2005 300: Bulkhead-mounted battery-cable fasteners could come loose and cause an instrument-panel fire. Dealers will tighten the fastener to proper specification.

2005 300: Certain vehicles may lack a spot weld on the rear floorpan reinforcement, which could cause seatbelt anchors to separate in a crash and lead to occupant injury. Dealers will inspect rear floorpan reinforcement and install structural rivets if necessary.

2005 300: Front seatbelt-loop bolts may not have been properly tightened, possibly causing seatbelts to fail in a crash. Dealers will tighten shoulder-belt adjuster-loop bolts to proper specification.

2005-06 300 w/ 42 RLE Automatic Transmission: Improperly installed cup plug on 42RLE automatic transmission could prevent transmission from shifting into Park. Dealers will install a bracket on affected vehicles.

2006 300 w/2.7-liter V6: Improper spacing between rear brake tubes and EGR tube could lead to break-fluid leak resulting in decrease in braking performance. Dealers removed and replace damaged tubes and install a retaining clip to maintain proper clearance.

2007 300 long wheelbase model: The park brake cable could lose tension. Should this cable fail, the park brake will not adequately hold the vehicle in all circumstances. Dealers will replace the park brake cable.

2007 300 w/automatic: The powertrain control software can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 mph and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive. If the drive wheels locked up, loss of vehicle control could occur. Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge.

2007: The antilock brake system control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning. Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control unit.

2005-2007 Chrysler 300 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2005
300	$15,800-20,000	$14,400-18,200	$10,100-12,800
300C	$22,000-24,000	$20,200-22,100	$14,300-15,600
300C SRT-8	$29,500-31,000	$27,400-28,800	$20,400-21,400

2006
300	$17,800-22,000	$16,400-20,200	$11,400-14,100
300C	$24,500-26,500	$22,800-24,600	$15,900-17,200
300C SRT-8	$32,500-34,500	$30,200-32,100	$22,800-24,200

2007
300	$20,000-25,500	$18,400-23,500	$13,000-16,600
300C	$28,000-30,000	$26,000-27,900	$19,000-20,400
300C SRT-8	$36,500-38,500	$33,900-35,800	$25,900-27,300

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

2005-2007 Chrysler 300 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	120.0

Overall Length, in.	196.8

Overall Width, in.	74.1

Overall Height, in.	58.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	3712

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.8

Rear Head Room, in.	38.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	40.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

The base had a 2.7-liter 190-hp V6, the Touring a 3.5-liter 250-hp V6. The 300C had a 340-hp 5.7-liter V8, the SRT-8 a 425-hp 6.1-liter V8. Exclusive to the 5.7 V8 was Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which deactivates four cylinders under cruise conditions to save fuel. AWD is available on Touring and 300C models. Rear-drive V6 models have a 4-speed automatic transmission. AWD and V8 versions use a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc V6	2.7 / 167	190	190	4-speed automatic: 21/28	4-speed automatic: --

ohc V6	3.5 / 215	250	250	4-speed automatic: 19/27	4-speed automatic: 19.5

ohv V8	5.7 / 345	340	390	5-speed automatic: 17/25	5-speed automatic: 17.9

ohv V8	6.1 / 370	425	420	5-speed automatic: 14/18	5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	2005 300

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Canada

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive

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Also in the 2005-2007 Chrysler 300 Review:

Chrysler 300

Chrysler 300 Road Test

Chrysler 300 Reliability

Chrysler 300 Prices

Chrysler 300 Specs & Safety

Chrysler 300 Photos

Chrysler 300 Full Review