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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Chrysler 300

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chrysler 300

Overview

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2011 Chrysler 300 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.1

When it burst onto the scene in 2004, the previous-generation Chrysler 300 was both a head-turner and an eye-opener. The gangster-evoking sheet metal was an instant sensation on the road, and it drove unlike any domestic large sedan before it – thanks in no small part to foundational elements contributed by then-partner Mercedes-Benz. Another big domestic sedan sure to be saddled by undulating highway manners, over-boosted steering and hair-trigger tire squeal, the Chrysler 300 instead backed up its progressive design with perception-shattering driving dynamics (we still vividly remember our very first turn in the car). The follow-up isn't as revolutionary, but the Chrysler 300 is once again reason alone for other segment shoppers to consider the large sedan.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're a big fan of peace and quiet you'll love the 2011 Chrysler 300. Not just quieter than key competitors like the Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon and Buick LaCrosse, the new 300 is among the quietest cars you can buy at any price. It's also the only rear-wheel drive car in the group, and has more attitude than all three put together. The competition has never been better, but neither has the Chrysler 300.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Buyers who have to negotiate slick roads might prefer the front-wheel drive setup more common in the category (the 2011 Chrysler 300 does offer all-wheel drive, but only in conjunction with the V8). The Toyota Avalon is a particularly easy car to wheel around, and likely to maintain better resale value.

What's Significant About This Car?

The next-generation 2011 Chrysler 300 is defined by new-but-familiar sheet metal, a totally reinvented interior and a long list of new tech-based features.

Driving the 300

Driving Impressions With rear-wheel drive and powerful V6 and V8 engines, the 2011 Chrysler 300 is the category's most inherently sporty sedan (its 2011 Dodge Charger sibling notwithstanding). And while it does...

indeed have the composure and road-holding abilities to hustle down a canyon road, it doesn't offer the feel and feedback that help define a sport sedan. And that's just fine, because Chrysler's otherwise athletic flagship is really a cruiser at heart. Highlights include responsive steering and throttle action around town, balanced with a smooth and amazingly quiet highway ride. Chrysler says the 300 is as quiet as a Lexus LS 460, and we wouldn't be surprised if it's quieter. The strong Hemi V8 feels native to the big sedan, but we'd recommend the more affordable, more fuel efficient and still abundantly powerful V6 for most buyers. However equipped, the 2011 Chrysler 300 is a pleasure to drive and a clear example of why the large sedan endures.

Favorite Features

The Big Screen
Did you ever use a computer running DOS? Or the Kelley Blue Book website, circa 1995? Chrysler's now-outgoing touchscreen graphics aren't quite that archaic, but they can visually worsen any interior. We haven't spent all the time it takes to really get to know the new system debuting in the 2011 Chrysler 300, but we give it the nod here based on the huge improvement in presentation alone.

Quiet Highway Ride
The 2011 Chrysler 300 offers a bunch of cool tech-based features worth highlighting, but the most memorable first impression was the remarkably quiet cabin.

2011 Chrysler 300 Details

Interior

Although the distinctive sheetmetal was definitely long in the tooth, the Chrysler 300's greatest area of need was its interior. Aside from an attractive gauge cluster and a big touchscreen with a much-needed graphics upgrade, the interior didn't strike us as anything special at first. But the more time we spent in the car, the more we appreciated the materials, design touches and build quality. An exceptionally roomy back seat is a Chrysler 300 plus, while the trunk is on the small side for a large sedan. If you like thick-rimmed steering wheels, you'll be happy to find in the new Chrysler 300 one of the world's thickest.

Exterior

Some of our editors aren't fond of the Chrysler 300's new "noseless" face - the badge disappears into the top of the grille – but most are on board with the look overall. We think the rear end benefited most from the redesign, with more detail and skinnier taillights imparting a more sophisticated personality. Chrysler says owners of the outgoing 300 wanted better outward visibility - a common complaint, in other words – so there's more glass in the new one. Kudos to Chrysler for not visually handicapping the base-price 300, which offers decent-looking 17-inch wheels and few design downgrades.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The entry-priced 2011 Chrysler 300 is a lot of car for the money, featuring keyless entry and start, a big 8.4-inch touchscreen with climate and music controls, USB/iPod connectivity, dual-zone auto climate control, power driver's seat, one-touch up/down windows all around and a full complement of active and passive safety features. Bluetooth phone connectivity is among the few glaring omissions from the standard equipment list.

Optional Equipment

In addition to the 363-horsepower V8 engine, all-wheel drive and usual suspects like a navigation system and leather seats, a loaded Chrysler 300C AWD includes an impressive list of high-tech luxuries: radar-based adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning systems up front, rear cross path sensors out back, and blind-spot monitoring to help out on the side. In-cabin highlights include heated/cooled cup holders and a 506-Watt Alpine sound system.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Chrysler 300's 3.6-liter V6 is the most powerful base engine in the category. The Hemi V8 option falls five ponies short of the Taurus' twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, but it does boast 44 additional pound feet of torque. Both the V6 and V8 are matched with a five-speed automatic transmission, the only such unit remaining in a category full of six-speed boxes. Both engines are strong enough that performance probably suffers little, but a six-speed unit would likely deliver slightly better fuel economy.

3.6-liter V6
292 horsepower @ 6350 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 (gas), 13/19 (E85)

5.7-liter V8
363 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
394 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 (RWD), 15/23 (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.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2011 Chrysler 300 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 40 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.5/10

15000 mile brake problems

By Na Turner (CA) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Good Price, Smooth ride and fun to haul the family"

Cons: "No steering wheel padding and brake issues"

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

"The car was great for the first 15000 miles on the car. Then the brake booster went out and the brake calipers went out. How dangerous is that. My car has been to the shop once for a recall and three times for brake issues. The first time they couldn't find anything wrong and 5 days later I took it back and amazingly it was the brake booster. One day later I took it back for brake problems and then it was the calipers. I'm so mad at this car right now. I'm thinking of trading it. And I told a co-worker looking to buy one to stay clear. Get a more reliable CAR.."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Best Buy in its Class - Love this car

By RP3 (GA) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,600

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: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, fuel economy, technology"

Cons: "Backup camera sensor doesn't have proximity beep"

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

"In one word: Loaded. I will begin by saying I've almost exclusively driven imports (Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes) for the past 15 years. We wanted a full-size family vehicle with luxury options but not ridiculously expensive. I test drove the 2013 Chrysler 300C along with other competitors in the entry-level luxury class many times before purchasing. I was waiting for the 300C Varvatos Luxury model (which is difficult to find) to be released and immediately loved the car. Cool exterior styling. Great power from the Pentastar V-6, outstanding luxury features like bluetooth, Garmin Navigation, heated/cooled cupholders, voice-command, remote start, heated REAR seats, and dozens of other options that you only expect to find in cars that cost thousands more. Test drive this car and you will NOT be disappointed. Save yourself $15-$20G's. Superb build quality and structural rigidity, as well as interior fit & finish. Soft leather, quiet cabin, comfortable suspension that absorbs potholes and road imperfections even with 20" alloy wheels. On a road trip to Florida it got me 32mpg/hwy! The only con I can think of is because the 8" Nav screen is flush-mounted as opposed to recessed into the dash-hood like other cars, sometimes the glare from the sun (only during early morning & late evening when the sun is low and on your right) makes it somewhat difficult to view the screen, but that's a minor issue and has only happened twice. Not only is the 300C one of the best-built American cars, its one of the best cars on the market from any manufacturer, bar none. Detroit is definitely back. Eminem and Clint Eastwood weren't lying to us during the Super Bowl. Hats off to Chrysler."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Good Value for Money-- Some quality issues

By Cullen (OH) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "power, presence, features, value"

Cons: "Quality"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Bought this car a year ago for my mother. She loves the car and I very much enjoy driving it. Far improved over the outgoing model. The new V6 is great, far improved and moves this 2+ ton tank along. Passing power is great and makes freeway entrances a blast. The 8-speed tranny is also a great improvement-- keeps highway revs low and fuel economy up. I will say, the downshift time lags when gunning for a pass-- really annoying at times. Touch screen and infotainment is a breez. Voice control is bad, but I have yet to find a good one (from Acura, Mercedes, Audi, no one has made a good voice control). Cooled seats are awesome. Sunroof is really cool but squeaks at times. The car has been to the dealer for one recall and a few warranty repairs. Rear heated seat went out and they had to replace. After 3 stops to the dealer, also had to replace the catalytic converter. Average 22 MPG in mixed driving. AWD is great for the occasional snow and ice. As a matter of fact, AWD and traction control saved my mother from an accident on an overpass that was covered in ice. Within a blink, the system took over and corrected the car back on course. Overall, I would recommend a buy but look into an extended warranty. I have nothing against Chrysler, I love the company but it is no secret that quality is still an issue-- especially with all of the gizmos of this car."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Gas mileage is mediocre, other than that Amazing

By Bryan L. (CA) on Monday, March 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,800

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Reasonably priced, elegant, sleek, great design"

Cons: "Gas mileage!!!!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I love the 300, however only averaging 13mpg. Everything else is amazing. Not sure how most owners get and avg of 21+"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Best car value ever.

By FoxNC (NC) on Saturday, March 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Unbeliveable bargin."

Cons: "Bad image from advertisements."

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

"Have been driving the 300 for over 18 months and enjoy it more every time I drive it. Hard to believe a 300HP full size car gets 35 to 36 mpg on the highway and averages over 27mpg in mixed use. Oh and did I tell you it will get up and scoot when needed. Fun, comfort, power and great mpg all in one car .....WOW..wish Chrysler would not associate the advertisements with the worst city in the US..... I am sure it is has hurt the image... to bad it is much better then that..."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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An American classic

By Matt (FL) on Sunday, March 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 600

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great price, options, ride quality, quiet"

Cons: "None yet"

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

"Just purchased this 300 the week before last and am delighted with it. Super quiet and smooth ride, well proportioned and balanced so it handles superb for a full size sedan. I have the V6 with the eight speed transmission and it is no slouch. The car can get up and go, passing at highway speed is done with ease and a good punch. The tranny is great, can't feel any shifts and the car has very low roll resistance at any speed. I do about 500 miles a week and during the break-in period I still got 21.6 / gallon driving normally. The technology package with the Beats by Dr. Dre sounds excellent and the voice control system is far superior than the one in my 2009 Maxima which I traded. The Bluetooth works fine and with clarity, no more complaints from people saying they can't hear me when on Bluetooth (as was the case with the Nissan). I highly recommend this car if your 6ft and about 250 you'll love the comfort level and roominess. No more import cars for me. My other car is a C6 Vette and I'm sticking with American from now on. Imported from in Detroit is okay for me: invest in America go with it. This car is roomier than an E350 and quieter running at any speed. Some cars you just know when you get them that they are good this car is great! If your thinking of getting one - just do it. You won't regret it."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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