2006 Chrysler 300C Reviews

Mainstream sedans are traditionally on the sedate side in style and are aimed at sensible souls who don't want to stand out from the crowd. Not so the Chrysler 300C, this big American machine is aimed at grabbing attention from any angle and it comes as no surprise it's been labelled 'gangsta car'. Now approaching its

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used Chrysler 300C.

Chrysler 300C is a big, bold, very American machine with aggressive styling that explains its nickname of ‘the gangster car’.

There was a time when American cars reigned supreme over the Australian motoring landscape. It was a time when bigger was believed better and the biggest was best, when automotive prestige was measured by the metre.It’s not so long ago the local market was split into two camps, the British and the American, from which the locally built Holden and Falcon both sprung.British cars were typically small, cramped and underpowered, and regarded by many as unreliable, whereas American cars were large and comfortable with slow-revving, understressed engines that were able to cover long distances with ease, and they were reliable.Many Australians in the 1940s and ’50s aspired to own an American car of the sort that was being built and sold by Holden and Ford. But by the time Chrysler released the 300C in 2005, there had been a seismic shift in the local market and American cars were largely regarded as massive gas guzzlers that were poorly built and less refined than those built by the Europeans and Japanese that had come to dominate the market.But the 300C had a number of things going for it that would help it find its niche in the market. American cars still had a following here, even if it was relatively small, it was built and backed by DaimlerChrysler, and it was very distinctively styled.MODEL WATCHThere has been a lot of discussion about styling in recent times. It centred on the criticism that all cars looked similar, if not the same.It was a fair cop, although designers would argue that the demands for fuel-efficiency and effective packaging locked them into a certain style that meant all cars would resemble each other to some degree.Then along came Chrysler with a different set of styling rules, one that said a car could look different and still meet the demands for aerodynamics and packaging.The 300C was a surprising hit. With its big, bold chrome grille, tall slab sides and chopped roofline it could only have come from America, but it caught the imagination of a section of the local motoring public.Time spent in a 300C and it quickly became evident that it was a head turner. People might not necessarily have known what it was, but they sure took notice of it and wanted to find out.The 300C was a big car in the true American style, but it wasn’t typical of the big cars that once defined, and almost destroyed, the American car industry.This one had Mercedes-Benz stamped all over its mechanical package, if not its styling. Benz owned Chrysler at the time and there was plenty of cross-pollination going on, even if there were few parts that could be interchanged between the brands.Mercedes’ influence was largely behind the scenes in the way things were done rather than a direct parts swap. As a result the 300C boasted more sophistication than most other American cars could.Chrysler was aiming to steal a slice of the big car market from the likes of the Fairlane/LTD and Statesman/Caprice with the 300C, and it succeeded mostly to the detriment of the big Fords.Under the bonnet was either a 183 kW 3.5-litre single overhead camshaft V6 or a 250 kW 5.7-litre Hemi V8 that boasted cylinder deactivation to save on fuel bills.When appropriate the V8 engine’s electronics would switch off a number of cylinders and the engine would cruise on four cylinders. Plant the foot and all eight cylinders would answer the call with a howl that gladdened the heart of any old-time petrolhead.The aim of the cylinder deactivation – it was called MDS – was to save fuel and Chrysler claimed it was good for 10 to 20 per cent.The V6 model was given a four-speed auto, but the V8 got a five-speed auto with a slapstick manual change,On the road the 300C was surprisingly un-American in its dynamics. Instead of the expected sloppiness it steered with precision and feel, braked confidently, and the handling was well balanced and reassuring.Not such a surprise was the 300C’s ride, which was comfortable and absorbent with good isolation and little noise intrusion, even on its 18-inch wheels and tyres.Inside, the 300C was reserved, well laid-out, nicely finished and easy to use. It was also relatively roomy and very well equipped.Standard equipment included climate controlled air, cruise, fog lamps, CD stacker, remote central locking, full electrics and full leather trim.IN THE SHOPIt’s early days in the lifespan of the 300C, but owners report few problems so far. Nothing major has come to light; the issues owners have reported are fairly minor and have been quickly addressed by Chrysler.The build quality is of a much higher standard than expected, no doubt the result of Mercedes-Benz setting a high benchmark for its then-American offshoot.From all reports the 300C appears robust and reliable so simply drive the car and note any noises, vibrations or odours that don’t seem as through they should be there.The softish ride can result in damage to the underbody and suspension if driven too fast over speed humps so make note of any knocks or noise coming from the suspension.Given that a number of 300Cs have been modified, and lowered in particular, check for damage as a result of bottoming-out on the road, kerbs and driveways.Replacing very low profile tyres of the type fitted to large diameter alloy wheels like the aftermarket wheels often fitted by owners can be expensive so check the price of the tyres before deciding on a car with big wheels.IN A CRUNCHMass is a great protector when it comes to a crash and the 300C is well endowed in that area coming in at more than 1800 kg.Being a large car the 300C is not as agile as a smaller one, but its chassis is well balanced with ESP helping out, its brakes, which are ABS-assisted, are powerful, and its steering lets the driver know what’s going on, so it has a powerful primary safety package.Bags all round complete a modern safety arsenal that will provide good occupant protection come crash time.AT THE PUMPA heavy car with a big V8 isn’t a recipe for low fuel consumption so be prepared for a shock at the pump.The cylinder deactivation system on the Hemi V8 is a mitigating factor in the V8’s favour, but the 5.7-litre V8 will still be thirsty.Expect 15 L/100 km around town and 12 on the highway for both V6 and V8 models.OWNER’S VIEWShane Hann first noticed the 300C when on holiday in Canada in 2005. He had no idea what it was, but absolutely loved the look of it with its blunt, aggressive front and chop-top side view. When he returned home he researched the car on the net and determined that he would buy one if Chrysler ever imported it. When they did he was one of the first to place an order. Back then these cars were still relatively unknown, and the amount of looks and comments were astounding, the 300C turned more heads than just about any car on the road. Talk about stroke the ego, he says. He still loves driving it; he loves the attention it gets and the envious looks from P-platers! He has done a few mods to the car, namely changing the exhaust so the Hemi can really sing, fitting 22-inch rims, and dropping the ride height by about 35 mm. The power is plentiful and the car accelerates much quicker than most people expect. It has a very comfortable ride and is actually quite a luxurious and comfortable car inside.Richard Satora loves his 2006 V8 300C. It has real road presence, he says, unlike any car on the street at the moment and sometimes people are mesmerized as you drive by, and it’s not unusual for complete strangers to give you the thumbs up. The cylinder shutout system is now on everyone’s menu and it does make the fuel consumption pretty good for a big car like this. Like Shane, Richard has modified his 300C with a body kit and exhaust system, as well as lowering it and fitting it with 22-inch wheels. Richard says he was always a Holden man, but the Chrysler has won him over for a few more years.Paul Carton is still grinning after two years and 30,000 km at the wheel of a 300C. He says it’s big and comfortable, but oozes power, and he loves driving it. He gets under 15 L/100 km commuting and around 11 on the highway run, and he says he’s happy with that. On the downside he discovered the softness of the front end when he drove over a speed hump for the first time, and there have been a couple of minor issues with the boot lid badge and a sticking door handle, both of which were promptly fixed.LOOK FOR• Plenty of admiring glances• Head turning styling• Hemi V8 performance• reasonable fuel economy for a heavy V8 car• Comfortable ride• Reassuring handlingTHE BOTTOM LINEStriking looks turn heads like no other, but the beauty of the 300C is more than skin deep.RATING79/100

Chrysler assumed true-believer status with the 300C; a big, brash, brute of a car styled with all the subtlety of an apartment block on wheels. Its success, however, has made the 300C a strong advocate for the argument that subtlety may be overrated.The car's in-your-face styling has struck a resonance not even Chrysler could have anticipated. Not only is the 300C selling like hot cakes at home, it is doing significant numbers in overseas markets better known for rejecting rather than embracing excess.With Europe, the home of subtlety, being the next frontier, Chrysler has taken the 300C out of its big-bore V8 petrol comfort zone and dropped a dinky little 3.0-litre diesel under the bonnet and already the buyers are voting with their wallets.Picking up the aluminium common rail V6 from Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler has presented a cogent argument as to why there is a place for oil-burners in large passenger cars.The figures are impressive: 160kW of power and 510Nm of torque allow the 300C CRD to hold its head high against the 5.7-litre Hemi V8, which boasts 525Nm.Where the CRD leaves its petrol stablemate red-faced is that peak push in the diesel is on tap from 1600rpm to 2800rpm. The V8 doesn't hit its straps until 4000rpm and doesn't hold it over such a sustained band.For highway overtaking that equates to almost instant acceleration, to almost always being in the right gear with the meat of the torque curve just a feather of the throttle away.The Benz-sourced five-speed automatic uses exceptionally well-sorted ratios to ensure the 300C's 1800kg mass is kept moving without undue stress.The early arrival of much of the car's maximum torque means that from a standing start only moderate throttle is required to whisk the big sedan away.The four-valve per cylinder engine runs double overhead cams, meets Euro 4 emissions standards and uses an integrated diesel particulate filter to keep the mood green and friendly.Variable-geometry technology on the turbo and precise Piezo injectors helped the 300C CRD maintain a credible 9.7L/100km average on a test drive slanted towards city use.It is not difficult to forget from behind the wheel that the CRD is a diesel. Vibration and noise isolation are at a level that, from inside the cabin, more than one passenger had no idea that the CRD was not a petrol car.Whether it is a toe in the water into subtlety or just a cost-saver, the CRD uses the same white-faced instrument panel as the petrol cars. With no redline marked on the tachometer (calibrated to 7000rpm) it is a little unnerving to see shift changes around the 4000rpm mark.For a big car the CRD has nice balance, something it shares with the petrol models, and you can fire it out of corners on a torque surge. The rest of the CRD experience is pretty much common with the remainder of the 300C family.The high-waisted cabin and low roofline give an impression of snugness but it never tumbles over into feeling cramped.Vision is reasonable out the front of the car, but not so great out of the rear, where the small window and substantial C-Pillars impede. Expansive wing mirrors are a plus.Rear parking sensors aid with keeping track of the car's rear and a set on the front wouldn't go astray.The seats are a capable compromise between comfort and support. They lean more towards the European than the historical American preference for armchairs.Among the standard safety features are dual front and full-length, side-curtain airbags, switchable stability control and anti-lock brakes.Comfort features include rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, six-speaker sound system, cruise control, trip computer and auto-dimming rear-vision mirror.Steering adjustment is tilt-only and the plastic tortoiseshell treatment at the top of the wheel is tacky. Stick with the leather.It's the subtle thing to do.

The Chrysler 300C is selling up a storm in Australia, often topping its class in the upmarket sales stakes, so it makes sense for it to offer a model with a turbo-diesel engine.

Let's talk about the styling first, because we’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t want to discuss it in detail as soon as they see this new Chrysler.

Customisers love adding to it with even bigger wheels and outrageous interiors. Chrysler's 300C travels on its own moving catwalk, always on display and admired by other road users.This is no getaway car, nor one to blend into beige or grey traffic in dull, peak-hour motion.The 300C's retro design, with its high waistline and low-profile roof, may make for restricted view from the glasshouse, but the only real cause for concern is when using the sun visors — if they're left in the halfway-down position, there's absolutely no view of the road ahead.Accommodation is very pleasant, with armchair-comfortable seating all round. The driver and front passenger get electric items (with memory on the driver's side) that can be set to move backwards on entry and exit.On long hauls, there's nothing to complain about. Once the the road begins to bend, though, there's only a slight curve in the cushion to prevent you slipping and sliding across the front pews.But this car isn't really made for sharp corners; it's meant to go hard in a straight line, using its 250kW and 525Nm of torque.The 5.7 Hemi heads for the hills as fast as the local heroes from Holden and Ford, although its growl was a little too muted for my liking.The soft-tone exhaust is balanced by a concert-hall-quality sound system from Boston Acoustics. This seven-speaker, 368-watt (including subwoofer) set-up puts you right back in gangsta mode.There's enough thump and rumble from inside the cabin to make you forget you're driving a V8 Hemi.MDS technology bought open-road fuel economy down to 11litres/100km from 16.1 in stop-start city driving. This was on a sustained Sunday run along freeways and coastal roads — not bad from a car lugging 1810kg around.Equipment levels are high in the 300C. As well as leather trim and the aforementioned sound system, you get some nice-looking woodgrain decoration on the wheel and console, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors that ... um, made no sound.There's your regular host of aids and co-pilots, in the shape of ESP, brake assist with ABS, an automatic headlamp levelling system and "arriving lights" that switch on when the car is unlocked.Strangely, though, there are no automatic headlights — although they do apparently have a wash function that I was unable to locate.The smooth, five-speed auto gearbox has an old Mercedes-style sideways manual-shift mode. It was unnecessary, as you never felt it register until you pushed or toggled back to second gear.With its outre styling and quality Germanic interior, you could feel a little confused driving this car.Looking at the 300C's high waistline and stubby glasshouse reminded me of that '80s one-hit wonder Vanilla Ice, with his flat-top haircut and high pants pulled way up past his waist.Let's hope the 300C doesn't go the way Vanilla Ice's career did. It's way too individual for that.And don't we all try to be individuals? After all, who wants to be seen in just another car?

The chopped-top Chevy, the product of an unprecedented yet short-lived time of post-war expressionism, looked mean and threatening.The 300C of today has the same attitude. It's just that once inside, this one is a pussycat. Ford, who went on to bigger things, would be right at home.The 300C marks Chrysler's return to a rear-wheel-drive large-car platform. It is yet another vehicle to benefit from the Mercedes-Benz-Chrysler merger. In fact, about 20 per cent of its parts are Mercedes-sourced, including the multi-link rear suspension, steering column, and the five-speed auto transmission from the E-Class.It's also the second model, after the Grand Cherokee, to arrive here with the big-bore 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine. If that's too big and thirsty, there is a smaller 3.5-litre V6 engine that is cheaper. But, externally the car is the same.Clearly, the look of the 300C is the key to its success. In January, the 300C outsold (133 cars) its class rivals, the Holden Statesman (120) and Ford Fairlane (55).Forget the fuel crisis. The reason the Yank won this race is because it is distinctive. Nothing shares its styling and, as buyers seek to stamp their individuality on their possessions, wacky things like the 300C have become popular.Don't forget it's pretty good value for money, especially if you put a price on being different.The V8 costs $59,990, while the V6 is $6000 cheaper, at $53,990.Standard in the V8 are leather upholstery, electric front seats with memory, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, climate control, rear-park assist and six airbags.The more lavish V8 also has a premium seven-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system.The only options for the V8 are premium paint ($370), and electric sunroof ($2430), with possibly a satellite-navigation system added to that list in the future.The interior has strong overtones of the 1950s and 1960s, not necessarily in styling, though there are hints of yesteryear, but more in cabin space.The seats are thick and armchair-like, the side windows narrow to create an impression of intimacy, and chrome highlights reflect luxury.Comfort is first-class for the passengers, though the driver may have to battle to get comfortable behind a steering wheel that has no telescopic adjustment.It has an attractive instrument layout and, tilt the head slightly upwards and there's a broad bonnet. Seeing a bonnet from the driver's seat of a car built in the third millennium, is like a country lad seeing the ocean for the first time.As you would expect, the ride comfort is first-rate, with the big chairs and compliant suspension providing a smooth journey.Surprisingly, this big US lump actually handles well through bends. What could have rivalled jelly for cornering, is more like a fruity, firm Christmas cake.There is understeer, but that's found at relatively higher speeds.Its handling is helped by a good list of safety gear, including Electronic Stability Program, Emergency Brake Assist, Traction Control System and ABS brakes.Throw the 300C into a corner and the ESP shows it is working by some noisy clunks under the body and noticeable retardation of the engine.It's a nice, safety feature that goes with features such as the six airbags, side mirrors that dip when reversing and the ultra-bright xenon headlights.Yes, the V8 is pretty much out of the dark ages, but it performs as good as a more modern engine.It is helped by some electronic aids and the silky five-speed auto gearbox.It's quick off the mark, responsive for overtaking, and quiet when treated gently, but sounds magnificent when on song. It is also thirsty.A combination of city, suburbs and country saw the test car clock 13.9 litres/100km. After a track session it was in the 16s.Apparently you can save fuel by taking it easy and the ability to cut fuel to four cylinders when idling or coasting also helps.It didn't help me much, though I'd be prepared to pay the fuel bill just to enjoy the car.I like this car — a lot! But why the hell is there a space-saving tyre in a car competing against big Aussie saloons? Simply ridiculous.Without a proper spare, I'd be reluctant to take it too far into the country, which is a pity because this would make a superb cruiser. Maybe it's best suited just to city cruising, with Harrison Ford at the wheel . . .

The big, hot rod-looking limo ticks all the right boxes and is set to put the Chrysler brand back on the map in this country.In fact, almost overnight, it has become the biggest selling model in the Chrysler range – and it's not hard to see why?We covered the international launch of the 300C almost two years ago and predicted then that the car was likely to give the likes of Ford and Holden a real "shake up", provided the price was right.Chrysler is targeting the car at the prestige Ford Fairlane/LTD and Holden Statesman/ Caprice and at just $59,990 for the V8 model, the price is more than just right.Not only does it undercut the competition, it's also staggeringly good value for money, considering its gorgeous lines and long, luxury equipment list.Given the choice, which would you buy?We renewed our acquaintance with the 300C over the holiday break, clocking up 10 days and more than 800km behind the wheel.We're can report that it's not just us who thinks this is a stunning looking car.Wherever we ventured the big, slab-sided V8 caused a stir, with plenty of pointing and questions.Dealers we are told have already sold out of stocks of the V8 with sales of the cheaper V6 model starting to pick up.A diesel and touring wagon are due mid year, with a high performance SRT version slated for April-May.However, at a time when the price of fuel is on the way up, the 300C's 5.7-litre HEMI V8 employs clever technology that shuts down half the engine when full power is not required, so you can have your V8 cake and eat it too.The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) transforms the engine temporarily from a V8 to a V4, shutting down two cylinders on either side and reaping the benefits of reduced fuel consumption in the process.Hit the go fast pedal and it takes just 40 milliseconds for V8 power to kick back in again.Does it work?Well, out on the freeway, the 300C returned as little as 12.0 litres per 100km and probably would have done even better had out trip taken us further.Others have reported even better figures than this.Dashing to and fro about our south coast retreat over a week, consumption hit a high of 14.5 litres per 100km, before finishing up on 13.2L/100km.That's a fraction more than the six-speed auto Ford Territory in which we started the break.With 250kW of power and 525Nm of torque on tap, the 300C certainly gets mobile quickly for a big car, at just under 5 metres in length and close to two tonnes.The HEMI V8 is hooked up to a five-speed sequential auto and dispatches the dash from 0-100km/h in just 6.4 seconds.After extolling the virtues of the 300C, we asked a group what they thought the car might cost?With six airbags and electronic stabily and traction control, the car has a five-star safety rating.Standard equipment includes leather up- holstery, twin zone climate airconditioning, power operated and heated front seats, six airbags, electronic stability control and high powered xenon headlights – to name a few.Some members of the group put the figure well in excess of $100,000 which is testament to the fine job that Chrysler has done. The car is put together in Austria and although it is a little rough around the edges, there's not much to dislike.You only get a space saver spare wheel and some felt a bit claustrophobic in the rear seat because of the narrow windows and high waisted sides, but that's part of the appeal.The steering wanders off centre and the suspension is harsh at times (too soft at others) and could do with some local tuning.The felt lining of the huge boot is also easily dislodged as is the scuff trim on the door, but for the most part these are minor misgivings.