20th Jun 2004, 20:59

In Canada, the base engine is the 3.5L V6 for us.

25th Jun 2004, 19:39

Wow, now I'm impressed! Have had the car for only a week, but it's a real keeper. Wasn't sold on the 'big sedan' thing at first, but what a car to drive. I had to hold off driving the 'C' for fear I'd have that one in the driveway instead. Having said that, the 3.5L. is plenty responsive, and for a sled it handles and corners like a dream. The added bonus is it is a real head turner, and for the money I challenge anyone to find a better buggy.

6th Jul 2004, 14:49

The 3.5L V6 is a good engine, but in 0-60 MPH tests are rather disapointing. 0-60 in 9 seconds is 1 second slower than a Grand Prix which is bigger. If you want power to go with the looks, then go with the HEMI, 0-60 in 6.3 seconds is much better, although Grand Prix GTP is cheaper and gets 0-60 in 6.5 seconds with a V6 and it's the same with the Cadillac CTS and what else is nice about the CTS is that the 3.6L V6 takes regular fuel; yes regular fuel. But if I didn't care about the gas, then I would take the Chrysler 300 as it brings back memories to the old cars from the 60's.

27th Jul 2004, 10:12

If at all possible please update us when the car has about 35,ooo miles. I would like to know how it has held up after that amount of mileage. All cars when they are brand new are nice to drive.

16th Aug 2004, 10:26

A long warranty does not mean the car will hold up.

KIA has a great warranty, but see how many complaints there are on this site about their build quality.

Thanks for that valuable tip about negotiating though.

11th Oct 2004, 18:00

Please post comments after it's been through the winter; how it handles on ice and snow. In Virginia, winters can be rough so I'd like to know how the "Mack Daddy" handles on the ice and snow. I'm seeing more of them on the road and they always turn my head!

23rd Dec 2004, 10:37

I test drove both the base and hemi versions yesterday. The base car 25K, and the hemi at 34K. The base model seems to be a great car for the money. However, the dealer offered no discount beyond $ 1,000 if you financed with Chrysler. The hemi was a demo with 6K miles. Only wanted to discount $2,000. Acted like discount was a very big deal. (it's a used car.)

If I buy one, it will be a base. But I'd have to get a better deal than what that dealer offered me. DPC.

14th Feb 2005, 11:15

Actually, the Hemi-equipped 300C models get halfway decent gas mileage considering the 340 horsepower. They have a cylinder shutoff that cuts out an entire bank when there is not as much power needed, especially while cruising on the highway. The EPA figures for the different engines are:

17/25 for the Hemi

19/27 for the 3.5 liter

21/28 for the 2.7 liter

The EPA does not have the figures for the SRT-8 model on their site (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/), but I have them from Car and Driver magazine. The SRT-8 model has engine modifications that push the horsepower up to 425 (and 0-60 times below five seconds). It also ditches the cylinder shutoff, and that combined with the performance engine parts drops the mileage to 14/19 (into the range that requires gas guzzler tax). It will be interesting to see what kind of mileage the upcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 gets; it might give the H2 and my ancient Toronado a run for their gas money.

5th Jul 2005, 15:21

I own a 300 (just the base), but it is the MP CHRYSLER EDITION, with a sunroof. We have experienced a few minor problems with the car. Just like a person said above, yes there was a notice about the wiring on the car and we had some issues regarding that. we even took it in to get fixed, but the headlights and dash lights still flicker when it is cold out. Also, since we got the sunroof, there is a very annoying rattle right over the back seat. We have taken it in almost 3 times and they still haven't found out what it is. The car itself is a tank. We have had no mechanical problems and for once the air conditioner works in a chrysler. The car is wonderful except for the few minor problems. just a warning, DO NOT GET THE SUNROOF. it is more trouble then it is worth.

28th Jul 2005, 19:01

I have a 300 Limited Edition, with the 3.5L V-6. I took delivery of the car on June 1st, 2004 (my wife’s birthday…she was thrilled). It now has 55,000 kms.

My car pulled slightly to the right and the steering wheel was just slightly off centre. There was a service bulletin to fix this. Apparently, a very small batch of cars left the factory with an alignment issue. This was a simple fix, once the dealer had the bulletin. Less than two hours and I was on my way.

Overall, I just can’t get enough of this car! I love the looks, the “big car feel” and the high level of equipment. Other than the alignment, I have not had any issues and it handles better than my 2001 Concorde did in the snow, also better than other fwd vehicles that I have owned. My comfort level is with the rear wheel doing the driving – just feels natural.

For fun, I have added chrome door handles, a front end cover and added the plush carpets that have the Chrysler logo sewn into them. That spruces up the interior nicely and they are a bargain (under CAD $100).

6th Jan 2006, 18:14

This has got to be the coolest looking car out there! Someone asked about winter driving. Well it's great until you get snow or ice on the road! Got a set of winter tires for $800 and now this thing is rock solid! Has been pulling on the highway since it came off the lot. Took it back to the dealer 3 times, they say its fixed, but it still pulls.

12th Jan 2006, 10:13

I find it quite amusing to read all the comments about how the 3.5 litre V6 is O. K for performance etc.

It is a good engine, but in the U. K the 300C comes with a 3.0 litre CRD diesel which costs the same, does 0-62 in 7.6 seconds as opposed to 9.2 seconds for the petrol and can do 34.9 mpg rather than 25.7 for the 3.5.

Oh-and it has more low down torque than the 5.7 V8 Hemi.

When will you Yanks learn, modern diesels kick arse compared to petrol engines!!

14th Apr 2006, 20:20

I think the 300 is one of Chrysler's best looking cars, it looks a heck of a lot better then the other import cars, and try getting any Toyota or Honda sedans with a HEMI! Among the best looking new cars around! And as far as engines, I would take a HEMI over a "kick arse" diesel any day, or any diesel for that matter, also, can't wait for the new 6.1L HEMI!

20th Apr 2006, 08:40

I agree about what you say regarding looks, but have you actually driven a diesel one.

I sell for a Chrysler dealership in the U. K and can quite safely say that in everyday use there's no noticeable difference between the two in performance, only if you drive flat out everywhere would you notice, and the hemi would be doing about 10 to the gallon!

The 6.1 SRT should really kick arse though and would destroy the diesel, looking forward to it!

22nd Apr 2006, 21:24

The Hemi is a completely Chrysler design mated to a Mercedes 5 speed transmission, there is now Mercedes part in the Hemi completely designed here in the USA (built in Mexico oh well). The 2.7 even with one driver comes no where close to the 3.5. Finally the 0 to 60 of a Hemi equiped 300 is 5.3 seconds not 6.3 even a Jeep with the Hemi is 5.9 seconds.

23rd Apr 2006, 06:04

A car anyone can afford?

You think the kids working minimum wage in a fast-food restaurant can afford one of these?

23rd Apr 2006, 14:07

Logically, no, they can't afford it. But in reality these kids run up massive debt between cell phones, clothes, and everything else they consider "necessary".

Around here you see tons of young kids driving modified cars, meaning they are sinking significant amounts of money into them. Ends up most are still living with their parents and have no "real"expenses (rent, mortgage, children, etc.).

Not my idea of living the good life, but whatever works.

26th Mar 2008, 20:54

Things haven't changed much, have they!! That fuel consumption is appalling for a 21st century car! I had an 81 Chevy Caprice with a 305 V8 that'd do 25 mpg. Still I suppose you don't buy something semi-full size like this for the economy..