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2008 Chrysler 300 Full Review
Date Published: 7/16/08
2008 Chrysler 300 Review
The 2008 Chrysler 300 gets slightly freshened exterior and interior styling. This large car shares its basic design with Dodge's Charger sedan and Magnum wagon. Available trim levels include LX, Touring, Limited, 300C, and 300C SRT8. All are available with rear-wheel drive. Touring, Limited, and 300C are available with all-wheel drive. LX versions have a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine. Touring and Limited use a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6. The 300C and SRT8 use 5.7- and 6.1-liter versions of Chrysler's "Hemi" V8, with 340 hp and 425 hp, respectively. Exclusive to the 5.7 V8 is Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. The 300 LX and rear-drive Touring and Limited have a 4-speed automatic transmission. All others use a 5-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. All 2008 300 models get a revised dashboard and front-end appearance. Optional on the 300C is Chrysler's MyGIG Multimedia system, which includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive for storing pictures or digital music files. Available on the Touring and 300C is the Walter P. Chrysler Executive Series package that increases the vehicle's overall length by 6 inches.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large inside and out, they offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.

Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, and Toyota Avalon. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.

New for 2008 is the Pontiac G8.

The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable replace the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, and both models have more power and have been restyled for 2008.
News
We hear the 300 and counterpart Dodges will be "restyled and reengineered" for 2009, which likely means a full makeover. Also expected for Chrysler's LX-platform trio is more parts-sharing with the C- and E-Class lines at corporate cousin Mercedes-Benz. This is said to involve a new electronics "architecture" and, from model-year 2010, new "modular" V6 engines tuned to suit each brand.

Though a rumored 4-dr 300 convertible is apparently dead, Chrysler is still said to be mulling a luxury-class sedan patterned on the 2005 Imperial concept. If approved, this car would be basically a stretched 300 with "neoclassic" lines a la Rolls-Royce. It would mark the Imperial nameplate's third resurrection since 1975.
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2008 Chrysler 300 Road Test
Pros Cons
Ride/handling Rear visibility
Passenger room Acceleration (2.7 V6)
Acceleration (300C) Fuel Economy (300C)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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 6.7

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 8

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 7.1

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 68.9
Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score
58
Average Score
68
High Score
77
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2008 Chrysler 300 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
LX 4-door sedan $24,695 $22,958 $700
Touring 4-door sedan $28,960 $26,859 $700
AWD Touring 4-door sedan $31,815 $29,429 $700
Limited 4-door sedan $32,090 $29,676 $700
AWD Limited 4-door sedan $34,285 $31,652 $700
300C 4-door sedan $35,715 $32,939 $700
AWD 300C 4-door sedan $37,815 $34,829 $700
300C SRT8 4-door sedan $41,905 $38,945 $700
Price note: SRT8 adds $2163 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
300 (excl. SRT 8 and 300C) $2000-$3000 cash back or 0%-7.9% financing. Customer 07/31/08
300C $4000-$4750 cash back or 0%-5.9% financing. Customer 07/31/08
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
2.7-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/65R17 tires, wheel covers.
Touring adds to LX:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, 225/60R18 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
Limited adds to Touring:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, satellite radio, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires, chrome alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
300C adds to Limited:
Powertrain
5.7-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/radio controls, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel, pedals), Boston Acoustics sound system, tilt-down back-up-aid mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, remote engine start, outside-temperature indicator, rain-sensing wipers, self-dimming headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: leather-wrapped steering wheel.
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
300C SRT8 adds to 300C:
Powertrain
6.1-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes, rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/suede upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights w/washers, performance suspension, 245/45ZR20 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Great American Quick Order Pkg. 23F
LX
$1,565
$1,440
Traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, interior air filter, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, illuminated visor mirrors, upgraded floormats, bodyside moldings, alloy wheels.
Signature Series Quick Order Pkg. 26P
Touring
$4,330
$3,984
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, navigation system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, hard drive, traffic information, digital-media-player connection, heated front seats, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, automatic day/night rearview mirror, unique interior and exterior trim, touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires, chrome alloy wheels. NA AWD.
DUB Edition Quick Order Pkg. 26J
Touring
$5,005
$4,605
Uprated brakes, leather upholstery, upgraded sound system, hard drive, digital-media player connection, unique interior and exterior trim, sport suspension, 245/45R20 tires, chrome alloy wheels. NA AWD.
Quick Order Pkg. 26/27L
Limited
$2,830
$2,604
Power sunroof, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, hard drive, wood interior trim, additional interior lights, remote engine start, self-dimming headlights, rain-sensing wipers,
W.P. Chrysler Executive Series Quick Order Pkg. 26/29Z
Touring
$820
$754
300C
$340
$313
6-inch longer wheelbase, rear-obstacle-detection system (300C), heated front seats (Touring), power passenger seat (Touring). Requires a $10,865 conversion fee plus variable destination charge. NA AWD. NA w/power sunroof.
Executive Group
Touring
$1,045
$961
Upgraded leather upholstery, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, wood interior trim. Requires W.P. Chrysler Executive Series Pkg. NA AWD.
Heritage Quick Order Pkg. 29R
300C
$3,925
$3,611
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, performance steering, adaptive cruise control, heated rear seats, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, upgraded Boston Acoustics sound system, hard drive, power-folding mirrors w/turn signals, wood interior trim, unique interior and exterior trim. NA AWD.
SRT Design Group Quick Order Pkg. 29S
300C
$2,905
$2,673
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, performance exhaust system, high-speed engine controller, leather/suede upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, unique interior and exterior trim, performance suspension, 245/45R20 tires, bright alloy wheels. NA w/xenon headlights. NA AWD.
Luxury Group II
300C
$945
$869
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated rear seats, wood interior trim, power-folding mirrors w/turn signals. NA w/SRT Design Group.
SRT Option Group I
SRT8
$640
$589
Curtain side airbags, front side airbags, interior air filter.
SRT Option Group II
SRT8
$1,200
$1,104
Navigation system, satellite radio, hard drive, wireless cell phone link. Requires power sunroof.
Navigation and Sound Group I
Touring
$2,180
$2,006
Navigation system, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, hard drive, satellite radio, traffic information, wireless cell phone link. Requires W.P. Chrysler Executive Series Pkg. NA AWD.
Navigation and Sound Group II
300C
$2,035
$1,872
300C w/Protection Group
$1,725
$1,587
Navigation system, upgraded Boston Acoustics sound system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, hard drive, traffic information, digital-media player connection.
Sound Group
LX
$1,140
$1,049
LX w/Great American Pkg.
$740
$681
Touring
$1,245
$1,145
Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, hard drive (Touring).
Sound Group II
300C
$1,135
$1,044
300C w/MyGIG Multimedia
$485
$446
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded Boston Acoustics sound system, hard drive.
Protection Group
LX, Touring, Limited, 300C
$1,080
$994
300C w/SRT Design Group
$1,275
$1,173
LX w/Great American Pkg.
$595
$547
Touring w/W.P. Chrysler Executive Series Pkg.
$795
$731
Touring w/Signature Series Pkg.
$250
$230
300C w/Heritage Quick Order Pkg.
$610
$561
300C w/W.P. Chrysler Executive Series Pkg.
$360
$331
Curtain side airbags, front side airbags, rear-obstacle-detection system (300C), interior air filter, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, 215/65R17 self-sealing tires (LX, 2WD Touring), 225/60R18 self-sealing tires (AWD Touring). Curtain side airbags, front side airbags not included when ordered w/W.P. Chrysler Executive Series Pkg.
Comfort Convenience Group
Touring
$855
$787
Heated front seats, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals.
Electronic Stability Program
LX
$1,025
$943
Traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
MyGIG Multimedia
Touring w/Sound Group, Limited w/Pkg. 26/27L
$900
$828
Touring, Limited, 300C
$1,550
$1,426
Limited/300C w/Protection Group
$1,240
$1,141
AWD Limited w/Pkg. 26/27L and Protection Group
$590
$543
RWD 300C w/Pkg. 29R
$1,200
$1,104
RWD 300C w/Pkg. 29R and Protection Group
$890
$819
Includes navigation system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3, satellite radio, hard drive, digital-media player connection, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror. Touring requires W.P. Chrysler Executive Series Pkg.
DVD entertainment system
Touring, Limited, 300C
$1,460
$1,343
SRT8
$1,150
$1,058
Includes mobile satellite TV (Touring, Limited, 300C), satellite radio. Touring, 300C require a package that includes AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Touring, Limited 300C require a pkg. that includes AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. SRT8 requires upgraded sound system. NA AWD Touring.
Mobile satellite TV
SRT8
$470
$432
Requires DVD entertainment system.
Power sunroof
Touring, Limited, 300C, SRT8
$950
$874
Power-adjustable pedals
LX, Touring
$125
$115
Touring requires W.P. Chrysler Executive Series Pkg.
Upgraded sound system
SRT8
$695
$639
Satellite radio
Touring
$195
$179
NA AWD.
Hard drive
SRT8
$300
$276
Wood interior trim
300C
$560
$515
Includes wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.
Adaptive cruise control
300C
$595
$547
Requires Luxury Group II.
Upgraded floormats
LX
$30
$28
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
300C, LX, Limited, Touring
$40
$37
NA SRT8.
Xenon headlights
300C
$695
$639
Includes headlight washers.
Bodyside moldings
Base
$100
$92
Special paint
300C, LX, Limited, Touring
$150
$138
NA SRT8.
Premium paint
300C, 300C SRT8, LX, Limited, Touring
$225
$207
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2008 Chrysler 300 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chrysler 300 4-door sedan Chrysler 300 4-dr. sdn W.P. Chry. Exec. Sr.
Wheelbase, in. 120.0 126.0
Overall Length, in. 196.8 202.8
Overall Width, in. 74.1 74.1
Overall Height, in. 58.4 58.4
Curb Weight, lbs. 3725 3863
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.6 15.6
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.0 18.0
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.7 38.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.8 41.8
Rear Head Room, in. 38.0 38.0
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 40.2 46.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V6 sohc V6 ohv V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.7 /167 3.5 /215 5.7 /345 6.1 /370
Horsepower @ rpm. 178 @ 5500 250 @ 6400 340 @ 5000 425 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 190 @ 4000 250 @ 3800 390 @ 4000 420 @ 4800
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
4-speed automatic 18/26 17/24 --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic --/-- 17/24 15/23 14/20
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chrysler 300 4-door sedan Chrysler 300 4-dr. sdn W.P. Chry. Exec. Sr.
4WD Rollover 4 NA
Front Impact, Driver 5 NA
Front Impact, Passenger 5 NA
Rollover Resistance 4 NA
Side Impact, Driver 4 NA
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5 NA
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain Lifetime/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --