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2009 Chrysler 300

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Chrysler 300

Overview

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2009 Chrysler 300 Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

The 2009 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 2009 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 narrow windows confining and the interior color choices drab.

What's New for 2009

All-wheel drive models receive a new Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect which helps improve fuel economy by disconnecting the front axles and transfer case when not in all-wheel-drive mode. The HEMI V8 sees improvements in horsepower and fuel economy, while the LX trims receive 17-inch machined aluminum wheels and the 300C Heritage gets 20-inch wheels and a new grille.

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 360-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 360 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.

2009 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 competitors such as the Volkswagen Passat and Honda Accord. 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, and the LED lighting inside the cup holders and door pockets. 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, (20s on the Heritage) but the 300's large wheel wells allow space for aftermarket wheels as large as 22 inches. The gaping grille – an exaggerated version of those seen on other Chrysler vehicles – is 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 2009 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- and 20-inch wheels, side-curtain and seat-mounted airbags, rear object detection, power-adjustable pedals, Boston Acoustics eight-speaker sound system, uconnect GPS navigation system with integrated six-disc CD/MP3 player and real-time traffic updates, 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 @ 5500 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: 17/25 (RWD), 17/23 (AWD)

5.7-liter HEMI V8
360 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
390 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 (RWD), 16/23 (AWD)

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Buying this car?

2009 Chrysler 300 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 743 Ratings for the 2005 - 2010 Chrysler 300 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

Best quality auto ever owned

By wllycov (WA) on Monday, May 14, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Handles, drives, rides excellently"

Cons: "No place for litter bag in front"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"All experiences have been great. Wonderful road car. Handles and drives well in town. Gas milage good."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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WORST CAR I EVER OWNED!!!!!

By Mark (MA) on Friday, May 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 49,700

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great riding car, handles awesome, comfortable"

Cons: "Poor quality mechanically, gas guzzler"

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

"The design, ride and comfort is awesome. Mechanically, it is the worst car I ever had. Power steering rack gone at 40,000 miles, transmission gone at 49,000 miles, moon roof stopped working, My GIG entertainment system no longer works, engine knocks constantly."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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