Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Key Differentiation:
Rear-wheel drive platform (shared with Mercedes-Benz E-Class), powerful V8 HEMI engine option, distinctive retro-inspired styling, spacious interior.
Competitors:
Ford Five Hundred/Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne, Lincoln LS, Cadillac DTS.
Design Philosophy:
Bold, assertive styling reminiscent of classic American luxury cars with a modern interpretation.
Powertrain Options:
Available with a 3.5L V6 and a powerful 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, offering a balance of comfort and performance.
Interior Appointments:
Premium materials, spacious cabin, comfortable seating, available luxury features.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (3.5L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, automatic transmissions (W5A580, 42RLE), driveline components (rear-wheel drive, optional all-wheel drive).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear discs, ABS, ESP), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), power accessories (windows, locks, seats), audio system, navigation system, comfort controls (HVAC), airbags, anti-theft system, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, noise insulation.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid), spark plug replacement, belt replacement, tire rotation and pressure checks, battery maintenance.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using scan tools, electrical diagnostics, mechanical diagnostics.
Repair:
Engine component removal and installation (e.g., cylinder heads, oil pan), transmission overhaul and replacement, brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), suspension and steering component repair, electrical component replacement (alternator, starter, sensors), body panel repair and replacement.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding/overhaul.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance and fluid changes to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork.
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.5 Liters
Engine 1 Configuration:
3.5L SOHC V6
Engine 1 Horsepower:
250 hp @ 6400 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year)
Engine 1 Torque:
250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year)
Engine 2 Displacement:
5.7 Liters
Engine 2 Configuration:
5.7L OHV V8 HEMI with Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
360 hp @ 5150 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year)
Engine 2 Torque:
390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Cooling System:
Pressurized, liquid-cooled with electric cooling fan
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Length:
Approximately 196.1 inches
Width:
Approximately 74.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 58.4 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 120.0 inches
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 106.3 cubic feet
Curb Weight V6:
Approximately 3900-4100 lbs
Curb Weight Hemi:
Approximately 4100-4300 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
Good (5-star)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
Good (5-star)
NHTSA Side Crash Front Seat:
Good (5-star)
NHTSA Side Crash Rear Seat:
Good (5-star)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Advanced multi-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts
Infotainment System:
Available MyGIG infotainment system with navigation, hard drive, and voice command (UConnect).
Audio Options:
Available premium audio systems (e.g., Boston Acoustics, Infinity).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional on some trims.
Bluetooth:
Available through UConnect system.
Climate Control:
Available dual-zone automatic climate control.
Seating Features:
Available heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable driver and passenger seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approximately 100,000 miles (using iridium-tipped plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement Hemi:
Approximately 100,000 miles (using iridium-tipped plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific recommendation and inspection).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant (Mopar part number 05010885AA or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), wheel bearings, brake pads/rotors, water pump, radiator fan assembly.
Common Powertrain Issues:
Oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan, potential transmission issues (e.g., solenoid packs, torque converter shudder), HEMI MDS system lifter tick.
Common Electrical Issues:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor issues, UConnect system glitches (if equipped).
Brand History:
Chrysler has a long history of producing American luxury and performance vehicles, aiming to blend style, comfort, and power.
Generation:
First Generation (2005-2010)
Design Inspiration:
The Chrysler 300 was heavily influenced by the classic Chrysler 300 letter series cars of the 1950s and early 1960s, featuring a distinctive grille and upright stance.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the LX platform, which was co-developed with DaimlerChrysler and shared components with Mercedes-Benz E-Class and M-Class vehicles of the era.
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly, Ontario, Canada
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varies by year and specific configuration, generally rated as average or below average in some consumer reports during its lifecycle.
Initial Reception:
Received critical acclaim for its bold styling, rear-wheel-drive platform, and the availability of the HEMI V8 engine, reviving Chrysler's image as a maker of desirable American sedans.
