2007 Chrysler 300 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
The CarGurus verdict
The Chrysler 300 is more than Detroit’s answer to German luxury sedans. It’s a great value that shows what can be accomplished with a large car when a company listens to its customers.
Since its arrival three years ago, the Chrysler 300 has been the company’s flagship sedan, and as such, it is available with a long list of luxury features and amenities. Even though this generation is now showing its age, the 300 stands up well to competition from Europe and elsewhere, and it offers a performance SRT8 trim that makes it downright rowdy.
Thanks to its roots as a DaimlerChrysler-era car and the fact that it shares a platform with a Mercedes E-Class of the era, the 300 has a composed rear-drive platform and lively handling that makes it feel and drive like a smaller car.
The Chrysler 300 is aimed at car buyers that are looking for a luxurious car that won’t break the bank, as base trims start at under $25,000. There are five trims in all: Base, Touring, Limited, 300C, and Hemi-powered SRT-8. The price tops out at just over $40,000, which undercuts comparably equipped European luxury sedans.
Engine choices start with a 190-hp 2.7-liter V6 in the base trims. From there, a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 is available, as are a 340-hp 5.7-liter V8 in the 300C and a 425-hp 6.1-liter V8 in the SRT-8. Either a four-speed or a five-speed automatic transmission is available.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
The Chrysler 300’s old school styling and big-car aesthetic make it one of the most distinctive cars on the road today. The front end is decidedly Bentley-esque and features a large grille with a sloping hood that gives the 300 a muscular stance. Slab sides and a squared-off rear complete the look, though the car avoids looking boxy. Chrysler offers a variety of wheel sizes for the car, up to 20 inches, which can add a real “pop” to the 300.
The high-performance SRT-8 trim has functional air ducts to direct airflow toward the brakes, and a functional rear spoiler adds some degree of downforce to the rear of the car. The SRT -8’s 20-inch wheels are staggered in size for a true performance look, as the rears are slightly wider than the tires in the front.
Inside, the cabin is styled in much the same way, though with more purpose and function. The seats are positioned high, and though the car’s roof slopes gently, all passengers maintain a decent amount of headroom. The dash and all controls are styled in such a way as to be upscale but clean, with almost no unnecessary decoration to clutter the look.
Performance
The Chrysler 300’s draw goes further than its styling. The car is one of the more engaging performers of any American sedan of its era, regardless of size or price. It’s certainly got the right layout to be an enthusiast’s car, and though rear-wheel drive may not be the best pick for people living in places where it snows, the 300 does well with the right tires.
In its most basic form, the Chrysler 300 performs admirably. Its 2.7-liter V6 isn’t going to raise any eyebrows with its performance, but it’s more than powerful enough to make the 300 a competent commuter. As buyers step up through the powertrain levels, the car gains power and performance but doesn’t become a true performer until one of the two available V8 engines are optioned in.
Handling is surprising for a car of the 300’s size. It maintains a high level of composure during spirited driving, and can even be a weekend thrill ride for someone wanting to carve up a canyon road. Thanks to its Mercedes E-Class roots, the ride is smooth but controlled, and the steering is weighted just right to make the car feel responsive.
Form & function
The biggest problem with the 300 is that the interior can’t cash the checks that the exterior appearance writes. Premium cloth seats are standard, but that’s not the problem. The car’s cabin is built for function, but people buying this near-luxury sedan will likely want more than what the 300 can deliver.
The dash and all controls/gauges are easily visible and clearly labeled, and the center stack is functional without much in the way of decoration. Fit and finish is not cheap, but the lack of anything that isn’t completely functional is disappointing when the rest of the car is quite good. The four-spoke steering wheel is accented with wood trim, almost like those found in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Leather seats are optional, and they’re soft and luxurious when equipped, and the SRT-8 trim has suede inserts that help grip passengers’ backsides as the vehicle is tossed around.
The interior is quiet and calming, as it should be in a car that has such luxurious aspirations. Wind and road noise are all but squashed, and the long wheelbase gives the car a wealth of space inside. Back-seat passengers have a generous 40 inches of rear legroom and can enjoy amenities like a folding armrest with cupholders. Large door openings make entering and exiting the rear seat very easy, and give parents an extra few inches to load car seats. The driveshaft tunnel cuts into that oasis a bit, but the outboard back seats are large and easily accessed.
Technology
Safety
The 300 comes standard with front seatbelt pretensioners, rear-door child safety locks, child seat anchors, and a passenger-sensing airbag system. Optional features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, fog lights, stability control, an anti-theft alarm, four-wheel ABS, ventilated disc brakes, automatic headlights, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2007 Chrysler 300 Good for moderate overlap front crashworthiness, Marginal for side crash tests, and Marginal for the head restraints and seats. It’s worth noting that side crashworthiness is rated Poor without the optional side airbags.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the 300 five stars in both front crash test categories, four stars for driver-side crashworthiness, five stars on the passenger side, and four stars for rollover resistance.
Cost-effectiveness
Value runs strong with the Chrysler 300. Its starting retail price of less than $25,000 is noteworthy, not just for the car’s standard feature set, but also because of how comfortable and composed it is on the road. Not many cars are on the same level, even for much more money. Stepping up through the trim levels is a gradual process, jumping between $3,000 and $5,000 for each trim. The Chrysler 300 SRT-8, at just over $40,000, brings muscle car performance, an intoxicating sound, and all the luxury that the rest of the 300 lineup brings, and does so in style.
If there are any weak spots in the 300’s armor, it’s the fuel economy. Full-size cars deliver full-size gas mileage, but the Chrysler 300 delivers near-SUV mileage.
The base model, equipped with the 2.7-liter engine, the Chrysler 300 is rated at 18/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined, which is the most respectable mileage of the model line.
Both the 3.5-liter engine and Chrysler 300c with a 5.7-liter V8 are rated at 15/22/18 mpg city/highway/combined, so if there’s anything impressive to say about the 300’s fuel economy, it’s that the large V8 gets V6-level gas mileage.
The SRT-8 gets 13/18/15, which isn’t surprising when you consider how large the engine is and how much power it puts down.
Gas mileage aside, the Chrysler 300 makes for a compelling alternative to more expensive offerings from BMW or Cadillac, though newcomers like the Hyundai Azera bring some competition to the segment. The good news for Chrysler is that Chevrolet, Ford, and other popular automakers like Toyota and Nissan don’t have a comparable car in their lineups.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2007 Chrysler 300 generally appreciate its smooth ride, spacious interior, and stylish design. Many enjoy the powerful performance, especially with the HEMI V8 engine, making it a fun car to drive. However, some drivers have noted concerns about fuel economy, handling, and the interior build quality not being on par with other luxury brands."
I enjoy driving this car everyday. Wonderful for a large family. Good on gas mileage and sits high off the road. Could use more power but you can always go for the V8. Nice car, made me a fan! Solid car.
August 27, 2012I love everything about my car, the comfort, luxury and colour. It rides smoothly, never given me problems except for the brakes which need to be replaced every 3 months. Its good on gas mileage and I keep it well maintained. Over all I would recommend this car to anyone who likes luxury and smooth riding.
September 28, 2009The car is superb and excellent with very little flaws. It compares with the modern sports cars with power to weight ratio. The 5.7L HEMI is so reliable and durable. I would definately recommend it to my friends to get one if they were looking for a new car.
September 13, 2012What owners say
I enjoy driving this car everyday. Wonderful for a large family. Good on gas mileage and sits high off the road. Could use more power but you can always go for the V8. Nice car, made me a fan! Solid car.
August 27, 2012I love everything about my car, the comfort, luxury and colour. It rides smoothly, never given me problems except for the brakes which need to be replaced every 3 months. Its good on gas mileage and I keep it well maintained. Over all I would recommend this car to anyone who likes luxury and smooth riding.
September 28, 2009The car is superb and excellent with very little flaws. It compares with the modern sports cars with power to weight ratio. The 5.7L HEMI is so reliable and durable. I would definately recommend it to my friends to get one if they were looking for a new car.
September 13, 2012I have only had this car for a little over a year now, but so far I love it. It is very comfortable and smoth, you barly notice the bumps in the road. Mine only has the V6 in it and yet if feels like it has more power then needed, it surprized me alot since it is a very heavy car. So far no problems yet.
September 7, 2010The performance of the car is great altough it is a diesel powered. But the Mercedes 3.0 liter V6 engine puts out 217hp and torque of 510nm. It moves this big car from 0-100km/h in 7,8 seconds and still the consuption is quite low taking only 7-8 liters in 100km. Outside apperance is pretty much different compared to anything else on the road these days. There's no other car like it on the road. Interior is a little more conventional but it does the job :) The car is based on Mercedes E-Class, sharing the same engine, automatic gearbox and chassis, it gives a smooth ride. It's not a sporty car to drive but it's not made to be driven like a sportcar.
December 2, 2009This 6.1 litre V8 powered beast was a joy to drive on the open road with plenty of power on tap when required. With its brash and bold styling, it has plenty of presence and certainly attracted a set of admirers when I pulled up at the service station. I didn't get to explore its handling capabilities but suspect it won't handle like a Ferrari.
August 2, 2009This 300C has it all, power, looks, and a GREAT ride
January 29, 2008it is fun to drive and comfort and fast and has a good acceleration and handling, and nice interior leather , and a good engine 3.5 , , so cold ac ,and a very good exterior style, Performance, maintenance ,Fun Factor ,horsepower every think is nice in this car
August 2, 2009This car is a beauty. I love the feeling of driving my Hemi. IT is super comfortable to drive. Drove to California a month after getting my 300C and we loved the drive and the gas mileage was great for driving a V8! I love my Chrysler 300C! It rocks!
August 29, 2008The one thing I dont like about this car , but I think all new cars have this dumb feature, when you dont put the gas cap on tight enough or a certain way the check engine light appears. Other then that the car is a great car, its elegant, fast, elaible, sturdy, safe.
July 18, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $35,200 | Seating 5 |
Engine 5.7L 340 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 15.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $24,555 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.7L 190 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 15.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $30,685 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 250 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 15.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $37,275 | Seating 5 |
Engine 5.7L 340 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 15.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $28,685 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 250 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 15.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $41,095 | Seating 5 |
Engine 6.1L 425 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 15.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
