2008 Chrysler 300: Tester's Comments
2008 Chrysler 300 ▼
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- MSRP: $24,695 - $41,905
- Invoice: $22,958 - $38,945
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2008 Chrysler 300. See if the 2008 Chrysler 300 is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | Chrysler 300C |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | 300C |
| Arrival Date: | 02/28/2008 |
| Engine: | ohv V8 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 37,495 |
| Price as Tested: | 45,370 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 2062 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 2711 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 649 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 38.555 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 16.83 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Protection Group II (Supplemental Front Seat Mounted Side Air Bags, ParkSense Rear Park Assist, Supplemental Side Curtain Front and Rear Air Bags, Cabin Air Filtering System, UConnect Hands Free Communication, Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror w/Microphone), Navigation and Sound Group II (MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System w/Navigation, SIRIUS Traffic w/1 yr. Service, DVD Based Navigation System w/GPS, 7 Boston Speakers), Luxury Group II (California Walnut Interior Accents, Heated Second Row Seats, Wood Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, Multi-Function Fold-Away Power Mirrors, Exterior Mirrors w/Supplemental Signals, Exterior Mirrors w/Courtesy Lamps), Power Sunroof, High Intensity Discharge Headlamps, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Seat Video Entertainment Systems, SIRIUS Backseat TV
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
I tested this AWD 300C immediately after getting out of a Mercedes-Benz C300 Luxury with 4Matic AWD. The cars are in two distinct classes--the Chrysler is a large car and the Benz is a premium compact--but their similar names and shared corporate origins invite comparison. Similarly equipped, the sticker prices of the two are within spitting distance of each other, in the mid-45K range. The C300 felt like a true luxury car; the 300C felt like a mainstream sedan with lots of extra frosting.
Don Sikora
Our Chrysler 300C AWD test car was pleasant enough, but it didn't seem very engaging and it is really hard to justify the uber-loaded test car's $45K+ sticker price. It isn't apples-to-apples because the equipment levels don't match, but this car makes the Pontiac G8 GT look like a steal at less than $33K loaded.
Tom Appel
At up to $35,000, Chrysler's roomy, sporty-handling 300s are Consumer Guide Best Buys. At $45,000, our over-load test car seemed out of its league. Similar coin will get you into the more convincingly luxurious Cadillac DTS, though with a few less options. In truth, the 300's interior appointments are only acceptable at any price, and are certainly disappointing at luxury prices. Looking for a great full-size value? Consider the V6-powered 300 Limited. Looking for an American luxury car? I say check out the Caddy.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Chrysler 300C SRT8 |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | 300C SRT8 |
| Arrival Date: | 04/03/2008 |
| Engine: | ohv V8 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 41,585 |
| Price as Tested: | 49,220 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 5356 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 5853 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 497 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 32.1246 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 15.47 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Inferno Red Exterior Paint, SRT Option Group 1 (Front Side Airbags, Front and Rear Curtain Airbags, Cabin Air Filter), SRT Option Group 2 (Instrument Cluster, MyGig Multimedia w/Navigation System w/Real-time Traffic Updates, Hands-free Communication, Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror w/Microphone), Power Sunroof, 13-Speakers, Rear-seat Entertainment.
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
It's hard to beat the 300C SRT-8's blend of capable handling, decent road manners, and plain ol' barrel-chested brawn. It's also hard to stomach its voracious thirst for premium fuel in a land of near-$4-a-gallon gas.
Don Sikora
The Chrysler 300C SRT8 is wonderfully fast and surprisingly docile when the situation warrants. It's a great sports sedan in the American tradition, but so is a Pontiac G8 GT that will perform much the same in day-to-day use but for more than $15,000 less.
Ed Piotrowski
It's too bad we can't (or at the very least shouldn't) operate vehicles with our eyes closed. In that respect, the 300C SRT8 would make a strong showing. It's well tuned for every sense but sight. The Hemi V8 exhaust burble is intoxicating, the seats feel nice to sit on. Actually having to look at things, though, reveals several flaws. The styling has officially worn out its welcome; our test vehicle suffered from interior rattles and poor overall fit and finish; and the $50,000 as-tested price is enough to make your eyes fall straight out of your skull. This is not a vehicle by which I would want to remember the modern muscle-car era.
John Biel
Even at $49,220 (including destination and Gas Guzzler Tax), the well-optioned 300C SRT8 tested here is something of a bargain considering its interior space and more-than-ample power. Still, that is luxury-car price territory, and from that standpoint, the interior (especially a squeaky one) comes off as a bit downmarket. Sub-13-mpg might also give a shopper pause, but at least he or she will be able to get to the gas station fast in an SRT8.
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