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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Chrysler 300

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Overview

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2008 Chrysler 300 Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2008 Chrysler 300 sedan has succeeded where many of its domestic rivals have not. While it's true that Americans have flocked to the 300 chiefly because of its bold styling, the 300 provides a roomy interior, impressive ride and handling, the availability of the well-known HEMI V8 engine and the option of all-wheel drive. The 300 benefited greatly from the now-defunct merger between Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler by receiving a number of German-engineered components, including its rear suspension and five-speed automatic transmission. One might think with so much premium content added to the mix that the 300's price tag would also surge, but V6 models start around $25,000. Thanks to the 300's popularity among the tuner crowd, there are plenty of aftermarket parts, allowing owners to customize their cars to their hearts' content.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're searching for a family sedan with attitude but need to keep your spending in check, you'll find the 2008 Chrysler 300 hard to ignore.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for something inconspicuous, say, for a stakeout, the Chrysler 300 might not be your best option. Car enthusiasts will lament the absence of a manual transmission and some may find the interior color choices drab.

What's New for 2008

2008 sees modest but important changes. The cruise control stalk has been relocated to the four o'clock position where it won't be confused with the turn signal, and the dash receives a minor freshening. New options include MyGIG multimedia audio system and remote start

Driving the 300

Driving Impressions We drove the powerful 300C model that Chrysler claims accounts for almost half of all 300 models sold. With its 340-horsepower HEMI V8, the 300C provides an impressive blend of...

power and grace, thanks in part to its sophisticated traction and stability controls. The V8's MDS (Multiple-Displacement System) improves economy by cutting fuel to four of the eight cylinders when their output is not required. The suspension doesn't readily evoke that of a European sport sedan, but tight and true steering keeps you feeling in control of what is admittedly a large vehicle.

Favorite Features

HEMI Engine
The available 5.7-liter V8 HEMI with 340 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque delivers terrific straight-line performance.

All-Wheel Drive
An option not available on many sedans in its price range, the 300's all-wheel-drive system promises to provide increased stability and traction in all driving conditions.

2008 Chrysler 300 Details

Interior

The 300's attractive instrument panel and interior design is in line with its high-style exterior, though some of the plastics lack the precise color-matching and touch-friendly feel of some top-notch luxury sedans. Despite the 300's somewhat colorless interior, exquisite touches, such as the faux tortoise shell steering wheel on the 300C, add an air of individuality and elegance. We are also fond of the instrument cluster, which features white-faced gauges with art-deco fonts. The front bucket seats provide excellent lower back and thigh support, and feature adjustable lumbar support for both the driver and passenger. Legroom is abundant throughout, as is headroom both front and rear.

Exterior

Large slab-side panels, a high "belt-line" and narrow side windows give the 300 an appearance reminiscent of a custom chop-top cruiser. Big 17- or 18-inch wheels are standard, but the 300's large wheel wells allow space for aftermarket wheels as large as 22 inches. The gaping grille&#151an exaggerated version of those seen on other Chrysler vehicles&#151is flanked by two hefty headlamps balancing out the aggressive styling of the front end. The rear end, while handsome, is more conservative and the trunk's tall lid makes gauging reverse parking maneuvers a bit of a guessing game.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2008 Chrysler 300 LX features a 2.7-liter V6 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with CD and auxiliary input jack, power locks, power windows, 60/40 split rear seat, driver- and passenger-adjustable lumbar support, power driver's seat, four-wheel disc brakes, remote keyless entry, speed control, rear defrost, dual power mirrors and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

Optional Equipment

Features available only on select trim levels or as stand-alone options include all-wheel drive, five-speed AutoStick transmission, leather seating, power sun roof, heated front seats, heated rear seats, Adaptive Speed Control, adaptive headlamps, 18-inch wheels, side-curtain and seat-mounted airbags, rear object detection, power-adjustable pedals, Boston Acoustics eight-speaker sound system, GPS navigation system with integrated six-disc CD/MP3 player, remote start, MyGIG audio and entertainment system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and xenon headlamps with high-pressure washers. Powerplant options include a 3.5-liter V6 engine and the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, the latter available only in the top-of-the-line 300C.

Under the Hood

The base 2.7-liter engine is advisable only if a low sticker price is your primary motivator. The 3.5-liter V6 is more powerful, but still somewhat unrefined when pressed hard. The HEMI V8 truly brings the 300C to life, transforming it into a world-class performer wrapped in uniquely American sheetmetal.

2.7-liter V6
178 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
190 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26

3.5-liter V6
250 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
250 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (RWD), 15/22 (AWD)

5.7-liter HEMI V8
340 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
390 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23 (RWD), 15/22 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chrysler 300 vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Chrysler 300 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 771 Ratings for the 2005 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.4/10

Good from the start, fell apart as time went on.

By me (MA) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 59,550

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Nice to drive, excellent mileage."

Cons: "Too many minor problems and saleperson."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"Found out too late the new car was sold as used (72 miles.) Warrenty runout at 26 months. Could not use key to open doors, alarm sounded, dealer couldn't fix. Transmission leak,3 mos, seats started to rip and split, seat never seem to be in the same position after leaving car, upper raidal arms replaced, dealer couldn't fix problem local shop fixed, tryrod replaced, tires and brakes replace at 35,000 mile. Egr valve replace 40,000+/-, upper stoplight unit replaced 42,000,"

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this is a dream car....it ride so nice

By karen (CA) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 89,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive very confortable..."

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"i own this car and i love it but there has been an illness in our family so i need the money...this car is a dream car....it has duel exhaust that special add-on tinted windows....beautiful chrome rims and tires and a kenwood sound system that is awesome...."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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my favorite vehcile I have ever owned.

By moparsteve (IN) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 90,680

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great Price & is a great driving car"

Cons: "too much hard plastic in the interior"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This has been an extremely reliable auto which has yielded very decent mileage for a full size auto-17.5-18.5city/27.5-31.5 high."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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A first class gem!

By Commander (TX) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 77,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Pristine jewel of a car..so much fun to drive."

Cons: "None!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"One owner. Garaged for life of car Looks and performs as NEW!See it! Drive it yourself! Be impressed!"

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Very sporty & powerful yet good on gas

By casterfank (AR) on Thursday, April 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "good price, good looks, wonderful power"

Cons: "I have found nothing wrong with any aspect of 300"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my car for 1.5 years & absolutely love it. The sleek sporty look & comfort of a sedan is perfect when i am alone or with my grandkids. Love it"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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My 2nd 300

By 300 fan (NE) on Thursday, April 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Price, comfort, power"

Cons: "gas millage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am now on my second 300 C (300 S) and I love the car. It has great comfort and style. I think for the price their is not a better luxury car out there."

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See all 771 reviews