2010 Chrysler 300 Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
After six years on the market, the 2005 Motor Trend Car of the Year is ready for replacement. Fortunately, there's a substantially new 2011 Chrysler 300 waiting in the wings. Unfortunately, Chrysler's recent unpleasantness combined with its careful, guarded new Fiat management led by Sergio Marchionne have conspired to keep the new car under wraps for now.
We can tell you that the 2011 Chrysler 300 will remain a rear-wheel drive based fullsize sedan with longitudinally mounted DOHC V-6 or Hemi V-8 engine options and that the first all-new Chrysler model since Daimler AG sold the company to Cerberus (one owner ago) -- the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee -- bodes well for the new 300. And the 2011 Chrysler 300 will nicely refine the styling of the 2005-10 model 300 with a much improved interior.
As for the 2010 Chrysler 300, if you've always wanted one, you're in luck. Dealers will seriously discount the 300. Chrysler didn't build any of these cars during its bankruptcy though, so there aren't as many leftovers as you'd think.
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan.Engines: 2.7L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 5.7L V-8, 6.1L V-8 Transmission: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic.Models: Touring, Touring Signature, Limited, Limited AWD, C, C AWD, SRT-8
The car we're waiting for is the 2011 300 . In the meantime, the 2010 Chrysler 300 is still using E-Class components from Chrysler's days under Daimler. The next 300's LY platform, shared with the next Dodge Charger, replaces the LX platform (Challenger). The aging 2.7-liter and single overhead cam 3.5-liter V-6s will be replaced with the new double overhead cam, variable valve timing all aluminum 60-degree Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6.
The design, either "poor man's Bentley" or "modern gangster car", looks so 2005 now. Still, it is a classic design. If you don't like subtle styling, grab a 2010 300 before the '11 model takes over.
Touches like a tortoise shell steering wheel rim accent have defined the 300's modern, elegant interior for six model years. A long wheelbase package adds six inches to the big, 120-inch wheelbase for livery services.
The 360 horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi hits the sweet spot for this large sedan's performance. It's smooth and powerful, without overwhelming the car or sucking too much gas. The SRT-8's 425-horsepower Hemi adds Mercedes AMG-like performance, but with a stiffer, harsher chassis and poor fuel economy. The lame duck 3.5-liter V-6 is marginal, and the base 2.7-liter should have put out to pasture long ago.
The 300 features advanced multi-stage airbags, supplemental side-curtain airbags, standard electronic stability control, interior head-impact protection and a ParkSense rear park assist system. Expect the next 300 to add to the list of safety features.
Touring, Touring Signature, Limited (2.7L): 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway Touring, Touring Signature, Limited (3.5L): 17 mpg city/25 mpg highwayLimited AWD: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highwayC: 16 mpg city/25 mpg highwayC AWD: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highwaySRT-8: 1
- In-your-face styling
- Large car comfort
- Optional Hemi performance
- Attitude
- Aging styling
- Maneuverability
- Fuel mileage
- Four-speed automatic
- Plastic interior
A favorite sedan, aging gracefully
- Hyundai Genesis sedan
- Infiniti M37/M56
- Lexus GS 350/530
- Cadillac CTS
- Ford Taurus
