Driving Impressions

From the driver's seat, the Chrysler 300 is one of the better big American sedans we've tested, and certainly the most interesting. To be sure, that view is colored by a preference for rear-wheel drive. Yet more than that, the 300 has created a new definition for the Detroit sedan. With its size, styling and design features, it retains characteristics that might be described as uniquely American. But it also has an international quality, measured by its responsiveness and efficiency. We tested a 300C in typical Detroit winter slop, and found it worked well in most situations. Chrysler has done a fine job of tuning the traction and stability electronics. With all-season tires, the 300C got through typical snow and slush just fine, but an unplowed alley proved to be a problem. We'd recommend either an all-wheel drive model or a good set of snow tires for drivers that often encounter snow. The Chrysler 300 LX base model drives nice. The dual-overhead cam 2.7-liter V6 engine delivers 178 horsepower, enough to handle big-city rush-hour traffic. It's a frugal choice, both in terms of fuel cost and the purchase price. Some drivers may find themselves working this engine hard, however, and wishing for a little more power. Also, the four-speed automatic transmission lacks the responsiveness and flexibility of a five-speed automatic. The 3.5-liter V6 in the 300 Touring and 300 Limited will work better for most buyers. We found the power better than adequate, even after driving the powerful 300C. We also liked the smooth and quick-shifting five-speed automatic, which is based on a Mercedes design, though it's built in Kokomo, Indiana. At idle, we could feel the pulse of the engine. On the road, the Chrysler 300 feels as solid as it looks, having inherited significant mechanicals from Chrysler's former parent company, Mercedes-Benz. From a handling standpoint, the 300 is heavily and positively influenced by a design borrowed from the Mercedes E-Class: five-link rear suspension mounted to a subframe, and the short-arm/long-arm front suspension, modified for the 300's longer wheelbase, wider track and bigger wheels. The ride is smooth, but solid enough to prevent wallowing. We wouldn't change much. This is a large car, to be sure. It has a longer wheelbase (120 inches) than the Chrysler 300s from the 1950s, yet its overall length is shorter, and it doesn't feel balky or cumbersome. In short, it doesn't drive big. It feels a bit heavy, but also very secure, confident and responsive. It rides well, even the sportier 300C. The 300 is reasonably easy to park despite its size. However, only the upper models have rear obstacle detection, which beeps an audible tone, increasing the frequency as you back toward an object. The 300C handles well for a car its size. We found it maintained a fairly even keel when driven hard through switchback turns. Body lean was well-checked. The weight of the car became apparent in transient maneuvers, as it could be felt transitioning from one side to the other. The cornering is good enough that the all-season tires don't really do it justice. We think the 300 would respond very well to a set of summer performance tires, with a set of winter tires on a second set of wheels. Chrysler has gotten the rack-and-pinion steering right. It has just the right amount of weight, and it delivers a secure feeling. We like its accuracy. The brakes are excellent. Driving a 300C hard over some twisty mountain roads, the big Bosch-built brakes really did the job, inspiring surprising confidence in a car that weighs over 4000 pounds. The front brakes on the 300C are bigger and better than those on the V6 models; antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, which balances brake force front and rear, are standard on all but the base 300 LX. Its brakes and 390 pound-feet of torque from the Hemi V8 deliver surprising towing capacity for a s

Final Word

The Chrysler 300 delivers bold styling. It's smooth and quiet, with a great ride and tight handling. Getting in and out is easy, and it's roomy inside. Models are available for all tastes and budgets. Its traction and stability electronics work well, but buyers who want to be prepared for bad weather should opt for all-wheel drive. The base 300 is a lot of car for the money, with a proven V6 that has adequate power for many drivers. We prefer the Touring and Limited models, with their more powerful V6 and higher levels of features. The 300C comes with a Hemi V8 that can dust expensive luxury cars in performance and value. The SRT8 delivers outstanding performance in civilized style at a price that's hard to beat. NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Kirk Bell reported from Detroit, with Tom Lankard in Northern California.