2008 Chrysler 300: Road Test
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2008 Chrysler 300 ▼
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- MSRP: $24,695 -$41,905
- Invoice: $22,958 -$38,945
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Our road test for the 2008 Chrysler 300 includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Chrysler 300 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Chrysler 300, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Chrysler 300 help you decide if a 2008 Chrysler 300 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 6.4 |
Tepid acceleration with the 2.7 V6 supports Chrysler's slow 11.0-second 0-60 mph quote. Touring's 3.5 V6 is adequately quick, even with AWD; Chrysler quotes 9.0 second 0-60. 300C is responsive at any speed; 6.3 second 0-60, says Chrysler. Both transmissions suffer some lag before downshifting, but the 5-speed's manual shift gate helps. Brawny SRT8 lends credence to Chrysler's 5.0 second 0-60 claim. No extended-length 300s have been made available for us to test.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 4.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 300s with the 3.5 V6 averaged 19.5 mpg in rear-drive form, 19.7-19.9 with AWD. Test 300C averaged 14.4 mpg in mixed driving, 17.9 mpg with more highway use. Test AWD 300C averaged 16.8 with a slight highway bias. Test SRT8 averaged 15.5 mpg. Chrysler recommends 87-octane gas for the 2.7 V6, 89 octane for the 3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, and 91 octane for SRT8.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6.6 |
The 300's ride is generally smooth, though some of our testers complain of annoying jiggling on rippled freeways. Ride is less composed on AWD models, with sharp pounding over road imperfections. SRT8 is impressively smooth, despite 20-inch tires and firmer suspension tuning.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.6 |
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. The steering is linear with good road feel. SRT8 is sportier still, with reduced lean in corners and firm, direct steering. The brakes offer solid stopping power but suffer from occasional mushiness.
QUIETNESS
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.8 |
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.
CONTROLS
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
Large, clear gauges, but some testers found nighttime legibility compromised because full instrument faces are backlit, rendering markings indistinct. All controls were within easy reach. The navigation system was relatively simple to use, despite a small screen.
DETAILS
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Chrysler says interior materials have improved across the 2008 300 lineup, including the addition of more soft-touch surfaces. The cabin is modestly improved, as some budget-grade plastic trim pieces have been retained. Note that 300 prices climb quickly with options, and what passes for acceptable at $30,000 seems inappropriately cheap on cars loaded to $45,000. One test 300 suffered from misaligned body panels and improperly assembled interior trim pieces.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.9 |
Lots of headroom and legroom, though AWD versions have a slightly narrower passenger footwell. Flat seat bottoms cause passengers to slide during aggressive cornering except in SRT8, which has grippy suede seat inserts. A tall tail and wide pillars reduce visibility, leaving some testers feeling claustrophobic. Thick front pillars interfere with the view to the corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Lots of headroom. There's plenty of legroom, even with the front seats well back. Good toe space under the front seats. Seat bottoms provide adequate thigh support, but the central rider straddles the driveline hump. Long-wheelbase version adds 6 inches of legroom, fold-down footrests, and a passenger-side tray table.
CARGO ROOM
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
300 has a large, deep trunk. Hinges don't intrude, but liftover is fairly high, and the opening is too small to load large cargo. Decent cabin storage abetted by numerous cubbies and roomy center console.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 7.2 |
Acceleration with the 2.7-liter V6 is weak, but the boldly styled 300 is otherwise a Best Buy blend of performance, roominess, and value. The startling SRT8 outpowers cars costing twice as much with little compromise of the 300's other virtues.
Total Score
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 70 | 69 | 67 | 69 |
Total Score: 68
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