Large car; Built in Canada
  • 4-door sedan
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $7,500 – $31,500*


2005 Chrysler 300


2005 Chrysler 300


2005 Chrysler 300


2005 Chrysler 300

Pros:
  • Acceleration (300C)
  • Passenger room
  • Ride/handling
Cons:
  • Acceleration (2.7 V6)
  • Fuel economyv (300C)
  • Rear visibility

Acceleration with the 2.7-liter V6 is weak, but the boldly styled 300 is an otherwise Best Buy combination of performance, roominess, and value. The startling SRT8 outpowers cars costing twice as much with little compromise of the 300’s other virtues

Overview

Chrysler christened a new flagship for 2005, switching from the front-wheel-drive V6-powered Chrysler 300M to an entirely new car that offers a choice of rear-drive and all-wheel drive, plus V8 power. The luxury-oriented 300 sedan shared its platform with the Dodge Magnum wagon and Dodge Charger sedan.

Four models of the 300 were offered: base, Touring, 300C, and 300C SRT-8. The base had a 190-hp V6, the Touring a 250-hp V6. The high-performance 300C and SRT-8 got V8s bearing Chrysler’s Hemi badge. The 300C had a 340-hp 5.7-liter, the SRT-8 a 425-hp 6.1. Exclusive to the 5.7 V8 was Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System, which deactivates four cylinders under cruise conditions to save fuel. AWD was available on Touring and 300C models. Rear-drive V6 models had a 4-speed automatic transmission. AWD and V8 versions used a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard. The SRT-8 had Brembo-brand brakes, sport suspension, and special seats and trim. ABS and traction/antiskid control were optional on the base 300, standard on the others.

Tilt/telescope steering wheel and power driver seat were also standard. The SRT-8 had 20-inch wheels, the 300C and AWD Touring 18s, the others 17s. Available features included curtain side airbags, adjustable pedals, satellite radio, and Chrysler’s UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free, wireless link to cell phones.

Yearly Updates

2006 300
Chrysler’s 300 continued unchanged in 2006.
2007 300
Chrysler added a long-wheelbase body style to this luxury-oriented sedan for 2007. Touring and 300C models also became available with all-wheel drive. Optional for those models was the W.P. Chrysler Executive Series package that included the long-wheelbase body. It added 6 inches to the wheelbase and more rear-seat legroom. Also new for ’07 was available heated rear seats and adaptive cruise control.
2008 300
The 2008 Chrysler 300 got slightly freshened exterior and interior styling. All 2008 300 models got a revised dashboard and front-end appearance.
2009 300
The only change of note was that the 300’s optional Hemi V8 gained 19 hp for a total of 359.
2010 300
The 2010 Chrysler 300 lineup gained two new models: the mid-line Touring Plus and the sport-themed 300S.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive

The base had a 2.7-liter 190-hp V6, the Touring a 3.5-liter 250-hp V6. The 300C had a 340-hp 5.7-liter V8, the SRT-8 a 425-hp 6.1-liter V8. Exclusive to the 5.7 V8 was Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System, which deactivates four cylinders under cruise conditions to save fuel. AWD is available on Touring and 300C models. Rear-drive V6 models have a 4-speed automatic transmission. AWD and V8 versions use a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate.

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.7/167
Engine HP 190
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 190
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

21/28

ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/215
Engine HP 250
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 250
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
19/27
17/24
19.5
19./
ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.7/345
Engine HP 340
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 390
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

17/25

17.9

ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.1/370
Engine HP 425
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 420
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

14/18

Road Test

Acceleration with 2.7-liter V6 feels tepid; Chrysler says 11.0 sec 0-60 mph. Touring adequately quick, even with AWD; Chrysler quotes 9.0 sec 0-60. V8-powered 300C responsive at any speed; 6.3 sec 0-60, says Chrysler. Brawny SRT8 lends credence to Chrysler’s 5.0 sec 0-60 claim. Both transmissions suffer some lag before downshifting, but the 5-speed’s manual shift gate helps. Test Touring models averaged 19.5 mpg in rear-drive form, 19.7 with AWD. Test 300C averaged 14.4 mpg in mixed driving, 17.9 mpg with more highway use. Chrysler recommends 87-octane fuel for the 2.7 V6, 89 octane for the 3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, 91 octane for SRT8.

Independent rear suspension patterned on a design from parent-company Mercedes-Benz helps deliver smooth ride, though some testers complain of annoying jiggling on rippled freeways. SRT8 impressively smooth, despite 20-inch tires and firmer suspension tuning.

300 feels stable at highway speeds, with good balance and grip in turns, though not as agile as similarly sized European sedans in quick changes of direction. SRT8 sportier still, with reduced lean in corners and firm, direct steering. V6s cruise quietly, roar noticeably during acceleration. V8s have throaty, subdued growl. Tire thrum evident, but not objectionable. Wind rush rises with speed, but doesn’t interfere with conversation.

Large, clear gauges, but some testers find nighttime legibility compromised because full instrument faces are backlit, rendering markings indistinct. All controls within easy reach, though steering-column stalk for cruise control easily confused with turn-signal/wiper stalk. Despite small screen, navigation system relatively simple to use. Cabin has some budget-grade plastic trim, but most materials look and feel upscale.

Lots of head and leg room, though AWD versions have slightly narrower passenger footwell. Flat seat bottoms cause passengers to slide during aggressive cornering except in SRT8, which has grippy suede seat inserts. Tall tail, wide rear pillars reduce driver’s aft visibility. Thick front pillars interfere with view to corners. Large, deep trunk. Hinges don’t intrude, but liftover is fairly high, and opening too small to load large cargo.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Chrysler 300C w/navigation system

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 8
80%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 7
70%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 5
50%

Other

Value - 9
90%

Total: 68

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
120.0 196.8 74.1 58.4
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
15.6 18.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.7 38.0 41.8 40.2
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 300 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: The A/C may gradually get warmer while driving in hot, humid weather because the evaporator ices up and blocks airflow. This requires reprogramming the automatic temperature control unit. (2006)
Air conditioner
Description: The A/C may gradually get warmer while driving in hot, humid weather, or there is a hot blast of air when the car is first started, requiring replacement of the manual control unit. (2006)
Air conditioner
Description: The air conditioning may not work after the engine is started even though the switch is turned on, but will work if the switch is turned off and on due to a software glitch. (2007-08)
Starter
Description: The remote starter may not work because of a failed hood switch. (2005)
Steering problems
Description: Power steering additives containing Teflon that can plug up the filter in the fluid reservoir. (2004-05)
Transmission leak
Description: The transmission solenoid/pressure switch leaks fluid causing a check engine light requiring replacement of the solenoid and electrical connector. Fluid may also leak from the electrical connector guide on the right front corner of the transmission. (2005)
Water leak
Description: The front floor may get wet due to a water leak in a cowl seam near the hood hinge(s). (2006-07)
Windows
Description: The express up feature of the power windows may stop working due to defective window modules in the doors. (2005-07)
Electrical problem
Description: The oil warning light may come on or flicker due to its wire chaffing on the air conditioner compressor pulley on the 3.5L engine. (2007)
Transmission problems
Description: Vibration that feels like driving over rumble strips while driving at a steady speed is caused by defective transmission torque converter. (2007)

Recall History

2005 300
Description: Certain vehicles may lack a spot weld on the rear floorpan reinforcement, which could cause seatbelt anchors to separate in a crash and lead to occupant injury. Dealers will inspect rear floorpan reinforcement and install structural rivets if necessary.
2005 300
Description: Front seatbelt-loop bolts may not have been properly tightened, possibly causing seatbelts to fail in a crash. Dealers will tighten shoulder-belt adjuster-loop bolts to proper specification.
2005 300
Description: Bulkhead-mounted battery-cable fasteners could come loose and cause an instrument-panel fire. Dealers will tighten the fastener to proper specification.
2005-06 300 w/ 42 RLE Automatic Transmission
Description: Improperly installed cup plug on 42RLE automatic transmission could prevent transmission from shifting into Park. Dealers will install a bracket on affected vehicles.
2006 300 w/2.7-liter V6
Description: Improper spacing between rear brake tubes and EGR tube could lead to break-fluid leak resulting in decrease in braking performance. Dealers removed and replace damaged tubes and install a retaining clip to maintain proper clearance.
2007 300 w/automatic
Description: The powertrain control software can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 mph and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive. If the drive wheels locked up, loss of vehicle control could occur. Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge.
2007
Description: The antilock brake system control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning. Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control unit.
2007 300 long wheelbase model
Description: The park brake cable could lose tension. Should this cable fail, the park brake will not adequately hold the vehicle in all circumstances. Dealers will replace the park brake cable.
2008
Description: Improperly manufactured rear axle hub nuts could loosen, causing the vehicle to lose power and result in a crash without warning. Dealers will replace the rear axle hub nuts.
2009
Description: The tire pressure monitor sensors may not transmit the actual tire pressure. This could result in the driver not being aware of low tire pressure. Dealers will replace the TPM sensors.
2010
Description: These vehicles may have been built with a wireless ignition node (WIN) module exhibiting a binding condition of the solenoid latch. The result of the defect could lead to a condition where the key may be removed from the ignition switch (WIN module) prior to placing the shifter in park. This could result in the potential for unintended vehicle movement and could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the WIN module free of charge.
2010 300
Description: Some of these vehicles may experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly. Leaked power steering fluid onto hot engine components could cause a fire. Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

Share this: