Market Position:
The 2010 Chrysler 300 was positioned as a full-size luxury sedan, offering a blend of American styling, comfort, and available performance. It competed in a segment with vehicles like the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, and import rivals such as the Toyota Avalon and Buick Lucerne.
Competitive Analysis:
The 300's distinctive styling, rear-wheel-drive platform (with optional all-wheel drive), and comfortable ride were key selling points. Higher trims offered V8 engines, enhancing its performance credentials against some competitors.
Key Features:
Iconic bold styling, spacious interior, comfortable ride, powerful V8 engine options (HEMI), rear-wheel-drive architecture, available all-wheel-drive, long-wheelbase variants (300C), and a focus on American luxury.
Coverage Areas:
Covers all standard features, operation, maintenance, safety, and basic troubleshooting for the 2010 Chrysler 300. Includes sections on instrument panel, driver controls, climate control, audio systems, safety and security, seating and storage, driving and operating, maintenance, customer assistance, and warranty information.
Page Count:
Approximately 350-450 pages, typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era.
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Format:
Printed Paperback
Systems Covered:
Engine operation and basic checks, transmission (automatic), braking system, steering system, climate control, electrical system (lighting, power outlets), audio and entertainment systems, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), safety systems (airbags, seatbelts, ABS, Traction Control), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), instrument cluster and warning indicators, fuel system, exterior and interior features.
Procedures Included:
Starting and driving, parking, using climate controls, operating audio systems, adjusting seats and mirrors, using cruise control, checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), changing wiper blades, checking tire pressure, basic fuse identification and replacement, locking and unlocking doors, using keyless entry, emergency procedures (e.g., jump starting, tire changing - if equipped), refueling, understanding dashboard warning lights.
Technical Depth:
Focuses on user operation, routine checks, and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth mechanical diagnostics, component-level repair, or advanced electrical troubleshooting which would be found in a Service Manual.
Primary Engine:
3.5L V6 (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)
Optional Engines:
5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp @ 5150 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - standard on 300C models; 6.1L HEMI V8 (425 hp @ 6000 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm) - for 300 SRT8 variant.
Performance 3.5L V6:
0-60 mph in approximately 7.5-8.5 seconds.
Performance 5.7L Hemi V8:
0-60 mph in approximately 5.5-6.5 seconds.
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for V6, 91 octane recommended for V8s)
Engine Cooling:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with electric cooling fan.
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission (W5A580)
Optional Transmission:
For SRT8, a 6-speed manual transmission (Tremec TR6060) was available in some markets, though the 5-speed automatic was more common across the lineup.
Transmission Features:
AutoStick (manual shift control), electronic range selection, lock-up torque converter.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar)
Exterior Length:
Approx. 200.0 inches (5080 mm)
Exterior Width:
Approx. 74.5 inches (1892 mm)
Exterior Height:
Approx. 58.4 inches (1483 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 120.0 inches (3048 mm)
Interior Front Headroom:
Approx. 39.2 inches (996 mm)
Interior Rear Headroom:
Approx. 38.0 inches (965 mm)
Interior Front Legroom:
Approx. 41.8 inches (1062 mm)
Interior Rear Legroom:
Approx. 40.1 inches (1019 mm)
Cargo Volume Trunk:
Approx. 16.0 cubic feet (453 liters)
Curb Weight Est V6:
Approx. 3900-4100 lbs (1769-1860 kg)
Curb Weight Est V8:
Approx. 4100-4300 lbs (1860-1950 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Typically around 1000 lbs (454 kg) for non-towing configured models; not a primary focus for this vehicle.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x115mm (5x4.53 inches)
Wheel Size Standard:
17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Size Optional:
19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels on higher trims or optional packages.
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger in 2010 model year testing).
IIHS Side Crash Rating:
Good (for 2010 model year testing).
IIHS Roof Strength Rating:
Good (for 2010 model year testing).
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC - often branded as Electronic Stability Program or ESP).
Passive Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear), active head restraints, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.
Security Features:
Remote keyless entry, Sentry Key immobilizer system, optional alarm system.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System:
Standard on most trims, monitors and alerts driver to underinflated tires.
Infotainment System:
Chrysler's MyGIG infotainment system was available, featuring a hard drive for music storage, navigation (optional), voice recognition, and auxiliary audio input. Base models typically had a simpler AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.
Infotainment Display:
6.5-inch touchscreen for MyGIG system.
Audio Options:
Available Boston Acoustics premium audio system.
Driver Assistance Features:
ParkSense® rear park assist system (optional), ParkView® rear backup camera (optional).
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth® hands-free calling (Uconnect® system, optional), USB input for audio (optional), SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Comfort Features:
Power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats (optional), dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start system (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (9,600 to 12,900 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes. Refer to manual for specific recommendations based on oil type.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (9,600 to 12,900 km).
Engine Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Approximately every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or annually, depending on environment.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval V6:
Approximately every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with recommended iridium spark plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Under normal driving, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km), but frequent towing or severe use may require 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20 (for V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8). SAE 0W-40 for 6.1L HEMI V8. Check owner's manual for exact specifications and API service classification.
Coolant Specification:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) is also compatible. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Color is usually orange or pink.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF+4.
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity Hemi V8:
Approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11.5-12.5 quarts (10.9-11.8 liters) depending on engine.
Known Issues Power Steering:
Some owners report issues with power steering pumps or leaks, particularly in earlier models. Regular checks of fluid levels are recommended.
Known Issues Electronic Modules:
Intermittent electrical gremlins or issues with certain electronic modules have been reported by some owners. This can range from minor infotainment glitches to more significant concerns.
Known Issues Suspension Components:
Wear on suspension components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can occur with mileage, leading to knocking noises or steering looseness.
Known Issues Heater Core:
While less common on this specific year compared to some earlier models, heater core leaks can occur over time.
Brand Heritage:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, comfortable American sedans. The Chrysler 300 nameplate has been used intermittently, but the modern iteration launched in 2005 revitalized the brand with its distinctive styling and rear-wheel-drive platform.
Model Evolution First Gen:
The second generation (2005-2010) introduced the iconic '300' styling. It was available in various trims, from the base Touring with a V6 to the powerful 300C with the HEMI V8 and the high-performance 300 SRT8.
Model Evolution 2010 Update:
The 2010 model year represented the final year of the first generation, receiving minor updates like revised badging and feature packaging. It paved the way for the redesigned second generation introduced for the 2011 model year.
Production Plant:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Production Years First Gen:
2005-2010.
Recognitions Safety:
Received 'Top Safety Pick' designations from the IIHS in various years. The 2010 model typically followed this trend with good crash test scores.
Recognitions Value:
Often praised for its value proposition, offering luxury features and powerful engines at a competitive price point compared to European luxury sedans.
Ratings Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings varied by year and specific powertrain, with common points of praise being ride comfort and powertrain performance, while reliability scores were often average or below average for certain components.