2012 Chrysler 300 Limited 3.6 Pentastar from North America

Summary:

Comfortable, good value, strong powertrain

Faults:

- Engine whistling (sounds like a bleed valve of some sort) - no apparent impact, but doesn't sound right. Several things were replaced in an attempt to fix it, but no resolution (I will not say that the things replaced were failures then).

- Backup camera failed.

- Thermometer failure.

- Electronic shiftier recall.

- Takata recall.

- Various electronic glitches, most resolved with software updates.

- Exhaust fume smell in cabin with heavy acceleration (since approx. 110k miles).

General Comments:

- Very comfortable suspension - driver's seat could have more support - noticed on longer trips.

- Love the "bathtub" feel of being deep in the car when driving - but seats are adjustable to overcome that for those that don't like that.

- Good visibility (despite what one would expect).

- Have had several (~4) electrical glitches - none operation critical (besides backup cam failure).

- Good highway mileage (~26mpg), OK city mileage (~18mpg).

- Very reliable powertrain transmission and engine; they have run excellent with only routine maintenance.

- Enough speed for any driving condition - without being "fast". Fast enough to get up to 100MPH if needed. Speed is limited to 120MPH.

- Much more reliable than my previous car (A6 2.7T).

- People say Mopar is not reliable, but this car has defied that expectation, has run with low maintenance cost for 127k miles at time of review.

- RWD offers lower ride height, but in snow it can be paradoxical to have a tank-like vehicle not handle snow well (get good tires to overcome).

- Bluetooth connection SUCKS.

- Great uConnect system, besides Bluetooth.

- Tons of power-ports and cubbies. Cupholders could be bigger.

- Lighting inside and out looks great.

- Intangible: Big RWD American sedan.

- Huge amount of space, have done moves and Costco trips no problem.

- Will be buying another 300 or a Challenger to replace (3.6/ZF powertrain).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2019

2nd Jun 2019, 03:59

Well-balanced review.

2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Economical large car that goes well and turns heads

Faults:

Exhaust vibration at certain revs.

General Comments:

A well equipped car that has all the features that you would normally expect in a more expensive luxury car. The diesel engine has plenty of power but is very economical; it usually gets 700km out of approx 65 litres of diesel.

After getting out of my 14 year old Lexus LS430, I have to say the Chrysler doesn't have the same quality or fit and finish, but as far as features go, it has everything the Lexus had and more. I am quite happy with this car so far, but if the right LS 460 happened to come along, I would probably go back to Lexus.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th October, 2018

2012 Chrysler 300 Limited 3.6 V6 from North America

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This car's design is beautiful.

Inside the seats are comfortable and the interior is very quiet.

It has the best instrument panel, in both looks and ability to read, that I have ever seen.

Engine is quiet and the 8-speed transmission is very smooth.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2012

13th Mar 2012, 09:08

8 speed automatic is one thing, but Chrysler hasn't even fixed their current 6 speed automatic system. Keep us posted on your 300, and let us know how it's doing post 70K miles. Currently the 6 speed only lasts about 50K before they re-install software, because they supposedly 'fixed' the problem.

I'm not bashing Chrysler personally, I'm bashing any auto manufacturing company that make automatics with more than 4-5 gears. People might say it saves fuel, but your fuel saving will be spent on repairing your vehicle and time loss. Ford's not any better.

18th Mar 2016, 20:03

I was a bit nervous about purchasing my wife's 2012 300 with the 8 speed transmission, but 4 years later at 85,000 miles it has performed flawlessly. For a car of this size to regularly obtain 26 MPG with 30 MPG frequently being seen on the highway is incredible. It gets better mileage than my 02 Sentra that I use as a commuter.

Overall the car has had only minor issues (wheel bearings at 70k and rear brake pads hang up in the sliders every 6-8 months and have to be removed and cleaned up).

Without a doubt the most reliable Chrysler we have ever owned.