2009 Chrysler 300: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Chrysler 300 gets a more-powerful base V8 engine. This large car shares its basic design with Dodge's Charger sedan. Available trim levels include Touring, Touring Signature, Limited, 300C, and 300C SRT8. All are available with rear-wheel drive. Touring, Touring Signature, Limited, and 300C are available with all-wheel drive. Touring versions have a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine. Touring Signature and Limited use a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6. The 300C uses a 5.7-liter version of Chrysler's "Hemi" V8 with 359 hp, an increase of 19 hp over last year. Exclusive to the 5.7 V8 is Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. The SRT8 uses a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 with 425 hp. 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 Signature and 300C is the 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 the Pontiac G8 and Toyota Avalon. Our Recommended picks are the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, and Mercury Sable.