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2009 Chrysler 300 Full Review
Date Published: 6/28/08
Also in the 2009 Chrysler 300 Review:
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6.
Chrysler 300 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Chrysler 300
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Chrysler 300 should see no major changes after its 2008 freshening. This large car shares its basic design with Dodge's Charger sedan. Available trim levels should 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. Available on the Touring and 300C is the Walter P. Chrysler Executive Series package that increases the vehicle's overall length by 6 inches. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Chrysler 300.
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2009 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
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 seconds 0-60. 300C is responsive at any speed; 6.3 seconds 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 seconds 0-60 claim. No extended-length 300s have been made available for us to test.
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 3 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
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 seconds 0-60. 300C is responsive at any speed; 6.3 seconds 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 seconds 0-60 claim. No extended-length 300s have been made available for us to test.
Fuel Economy
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. 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.
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4.3 |
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. 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
The 300's ride is generally smooth, though some of our testers complain of annoying jiggling on rippled freeways. SRT8 is impressively smooth, despite 20-inch tires and performance suspension tuning.
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.6 |
The 300's ride is generally smooth, though some of our testers complain of annoying jiggling on rippled freeways. SRT8 is impressively smooth, despite 20-inch tires and performance suspension tuning.
Steering/Handling/Braking
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.
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 6.9 |
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.
Quietness
V6s cruise quietly but roar noticeably during acceleration. V8s have a throaty, subdued growl. Tire thrum is evident, but not objectionable. Wind rush rises with speed but doesn't interfere with conversation.
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.4 |
V6s cruise quietly but roar noticeably during acceleration. V8s have a throaty, subdued growl. Tire thrum is evident, but not objectionable. Wind rush rises with speed but doesn't interfere with conversation.
Controls
We have not had an opportunity to evaluate the 2008 300's revised dashboard, but it shouldn't differ much from previous versions. Those cars had 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.
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.9 |
We have not had an opportunity to evaluate the 2008 300's revised dashboard, but it shouldn't differ much from previous versions. Those cars had 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
Chrysler says interior materials have improved across the 2008 300 lineup, including the addition of more soft-touch surfaces. This would be an improvement, as some budget-grade plastic trim pieces could be easily found on previous 300 models we've tested. Most of the decor, however, was in line with the 300's upscale positioning.
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Chrysler says interior materials have improved across the 2008 300 lineup, including the addition of more soft-touch surfaces. This would be an improvement, as some budget-grade plastic trim pieces could be easily found on previous 300 models we've tested. Most of the decor, however, was in line with the 300's upscale positioning.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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 rear pillars reduce the driver's aft visibility. Thick front pillars interfere with the view to the corners.
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
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 rear pillars reduce the driver's aft visibility. Thick front pillars interfere with the view to the corners.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Lots of headroom. There's plenty of legroom, even with the front seats fully back. Good foot 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.
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Lots of headroom. There's plenty of legroom, even with the front seats fully back. Good foot 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
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.
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
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.
Value within Class
Acceleration with the 2.7-liter V6 is weak, but the boldly styled 300 is otherwise a 2008 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.
| LX | AWD Touring | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 7.9 |
Acceleration with the 2.7-liter V6 is weak, but the boldly styled 300 is otherwise a 2008 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 |
| 65 | 73 | 72 | 71 | 71.1 |
Scores for all Large Cars
| Low Score | 65 | |
| Average Score | 71 | |
| High Score | 75 |
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2009 Chrysler 300 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
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
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 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. |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Chrysler 300 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chrysler 300 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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