The Chrysler 300 was named the car of the year in 2005 and it has not had many changes since then. 2011 will prove to be a big year of change for this full size Chevy sedan. The new model will still be rear wheel drive and will still have the DOHC V-6 engine with the option to upgrade to a Hemi V-8. There are some major body changes that are expected and some new interior upgrades that will make this vehicle ready to compete with other sedans offering all the latest gadgetry. There are some other design changes taking place on the interior that will give more room in the cabin of the Chrysler 300.
The 2010 Chrysler 300s will most likely be available at a cut rate very soon, now that there are big changes coming to the 300. Dealerships will be ready to give some real deals to those who are O.K. with settling for last year's model. The 2011 Chrysler 300 will most likely be a huge hit, its predecessors have been warmly accepted and now with even more interior room and some new exterior design.
The Range
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan.
Engines: 2.7L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 5.7L V-8, 6.1L V-8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic.
Models: Touring, Touring Signature, Limited, Limited AWD, C, C AWD, SRT-8
What's New
The car we're waiting for is the 2011 300. In the meantime, the 2010 Chrysler 300 is still using E-Class components from Chrysler's days under Daimler. The next 300's LY platform, shared with the next Dodge Charger, replaces the LX platform (Challenger). The aging 2.7-liter and single overhead cam 3.5-liter V-6s will be replaced with the new double overhead cam, variable valve timing all aluminum 60-degree Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6.
Exterior
The design, either "poor man's Bentley" or "modern gangster car", looks so 2005 now. Still, it is a classic design. If you don't like subtle styling, grab a 2010 300 before the '11 model takes over.
Interior
Touches like a tortoise shell steering wheel rim accent have defined the 300's modern, elegant interior for six model years. A long wheelbase package adds six inches to the big, 120-inch wheelbase for livery services.
Performance & Handling
The 360 horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi hits the sweet spot for this large sedan's performance. It's smooth and powerful, without overwhelming the car or sucking too much gas. The SRT-8's 425-horsepower Hemi adds Mercedes AMG-like performance, but with a stiffer, harsher chassis and poor fuel economy. The lame duck 3.5-liter V-6 is marginal, and the base 2.7-liter should have put out to pasture long ago.
Safety
The 300 features advanced multi-stage airbags, supplemental side-curtain airbags, standard electronic stability control, interior head-impact protection and a ParkSense rear park assist system. Expect the next 300 to add to the list of safety features.
EPA Fuel Economy
Touring, Touring Signature, Limited (2.7L): 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Touring, Touring Signature, Limited (3.5L): 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
Limited AWD: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway
C: 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway
C AWD: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
SRT-8: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway
You'll Like
- In-your-face styling
- Large car comfort
- Optional Hemi performance
- Attitude
You Won't Like
- Aging styling
- Maneuverability
- Fuel mileage
- Four-speed automatic
- Plastic interior
Sum Up
A favorite sedan, aging gracefully
If You Like This Vehicle
- Hyundai Genesis sedan
- Infiniti M37/M56
- Lexus GS 350/530
- Cadillac CTS
- Ford Taurus