2009 Chrysler 300 Road Test

2009 Chrysler 300 Review
2009 Chrysler 300 Prices
2009 Chrysler 300 Competition
2009 Chrysler 300 New Car Quote

Driving the Chrysler 300
Aside from more power from the revised 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, the 2009 Chrysler 300’s performance will be essentially unchanged from the 2008 model.

The Chrysler 300 SRT8 model has a 425-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine and special trim.
This big sedan feels solid and corners predictably with little body roll. While some criticize rear-wheel drive cars for less traction on wet or snowy roads, the excellent traction control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) help negate these issues. ESP senses and corrects sideways sliding by applying brakes on individual wheels. The 300’s ESP may kick in sooner than expected in spirited driving, but the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

All-wheel drive models have an even more-aggressive ESP setting, and are only an advantage over the rear-wheel drive in the snowiest climates. The exception is the 300C SRT8, which won’t do well on snow because of its performance tires.

Riding in the Chrysler 300
As one might expect, the suspension settings get stiffer as the trim levels go up and engine size increases. The 300C model crosses the line from soft luxury to a firm though not-objectionable ride. Think European-inspired sports sedan rather than cushy cruiser.  The SRT8 rides hard, as would be expected for high performance suspension tuning and low profile tires.

Headroom and legroom is generous front and rear. Seating is on the firm side, with adequate support.

Chrysler 300 dashboard and controls
Chrysler 300s received a subtly refreshed dashboard for 2008. While the basic layout is unchanged, most noticeable is extra accent trim added above the glovebox and to the revised center console for a more elegant look.

Controls are easy to see, and generally straightforward and easy to use. Below an analog clock at the top center, the radio and navigation system has a 6.5-inch touch screen in the middle. Some audio controls are also on the steering wheel. Recently added soft touch surfaces on the interior help make it feel more luxurious.

Chrysler 300 fuel economy
Don’t expect more than one extra mile per gallon from the revised 5.7 Hemi. With a light foot, 24 mpg should be attainable on the highway at steady, reasonable speeds, where the cylinder deactivation system excels. Real-world mixed driving will probably come in at 13-15 mpg. Carried over V-6 mileage will be unchanged, averaging around 19 mpg.

Chrysler 300 safety
Chrysler 300s fare well in frontal crash tests, earning highest ratings from both Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS.) These tests were done without side air bags, and the front passenger side crash rating is four out of five stars from NTSA and “poor” from IIHS. Side seat-mounted and side curtain airbags are optional and recommended on all trim levels.

Chrysler 300 quality and reliability
J.D. Power and Associates, the leading customer-satisfaction ratings firm, report that Chrysler 300 initial quality has been above average and gradually rising, though it did take a dip in 2007.  Study directors speculate this may be a temporary condition as Chrysler sorts out issues brought on by the transition to new ownership.

While it’s still too early for long-term reliability ratings on the current Chrysler 300, J.D. Power and Associates says reliability has increased on Chrysler vehicles, including the last generation 300M, by about 20% since 2003.