2008 Chrysler 300C: big cars aren't done

Chrysler's large, powerful model succeeds in providing value and performance

Nov 01, 2008

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Special to the Star

You'd think, after three model years, that a car that's relatively common on the street wouldn't warrant a second glance.

And yet, in a week with the 300C – albeit with bright-red paint and 20-inch rims – I still garnered my share of looks and a couple of thumbs-up. When Chrysler set out to make a statement with this car, it certainly succeeded.

You'd even think the bloom would be off the rose, given the 300C's size, its V8 engine and what's happening at the gas pumps, but its overall popularity doesn't seem to be in mortal danger; obviously, there are enough buyers who still want a full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan. Considering its comfort and price, this is a benchmark.

The 300 comes with a choice of three engines, starting with a 3.5-litre V6 (base price $27,145) that works very well in this package, to the over-the-top 6.1-litre Hemi V8 in the SRT8 that produces 425 horsepower.

My 300C tester fell in the middle, with a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 that includes a system – the company calls it MDS, for Multi-Displacement System – that seamlessly shuts off four of the cylinders under light load, such as highway cruising, for improved fuel efficiency. ("Hemi" refers to the hemispherical shape of the combustion chambers, where air and fuel are burned to produce power. Chrysler isn't the only one to have used the design, but it's become synonymous with the company and is now trademarked.)

Should you prefer all-wheel-drive, the V6 and the 5.7-litre can be ordered with it; and if the 300's styling isn't to your liking, you can also go for its sister vehicles, Dodge Charger and Challenger (the Dodge Magnum wagon version has been discontinued).

Part of my car's "noticeability" involved its optional SRT Design package, at a price of $1,795, which added such things as the bright 20-inch wheels, performance tires, fake carbon fibre interior accents, front-seat side and curtain airbags (which are an option on all 300 models; anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are standard across the board), exceptionally comfortable sport seats and adaptive cruise control, which monitors the distance to the car ahead and adjusts your speed if you get too close.

I don't care for the system and I'm glad to see that 2009 models so equipped will allow you to dial it back to a regular driver-pay-attention system as well.

The 5.7-litre is smooth and linear from standing stop to highway speeds, quiet under the hood but with a nice burble from the twin exhaust. This powerplant is turning out to be pretty much bulletproof, receiving top reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and being named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines every year from 2003 to 2007.

The 300's big-car-smooth ride is still there, even with the package's sportier suspension and big wheels. It's easier to manoeuvre than its size would suggest (although the thick C-pillar does create a sizeable blind spot) and while the numb steering won't impress sports car drivers, most will find it acceptable for this big boulevard cruiser. This is, after all, luxury on a relatively mid-price budget: the 300C's base $45,195 tag includes automatic temperature control, xenon headlamps that can automatically raise or lower the high-beams, power-folding mirrors that tip down for parking, and power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel.

There's still a lot of plastic in the dash, but almost all of it is either textured or soft-touch, and it's put together very well. Cupholders with illuminated rings are behind the shifter and out of the way.

The automatic climate control uses big, simple dials and includes two speeds on the "Auto" setting, letting you turn down fan noise if desired. Both front and rear passengers have exceptional legroom, which is no surprise given the car's size.

There is also pull-down rear armrest with cupholders, which can be optioned with seat heaters on the 300C models. The spacious trunk, with a length of 115 centimetres, opens to a not-quite-flat 183 cm when rear seats are folded.

It's also possible to pile on options, including the company's MyGIG stereo that stores songs and photos, navigation system, sunroof, a rear-seat DVD player that pops out of the back of the centre console, and a rear park-assist system, which helps when backing the 300's tall trunk into a tight spot.

Should you just want the envelope without all of the bells and whistles, though, the base V6 model still has enough to keep most buyers happy, while retaining the same levels of comfort and roominess.

For all the cars I drive, there are only a few that meet enough of my automotive needs and desires that I'd actually spend the money to put them in my driveway. Based on what I've seen here, the 300 definitely rates a spot in the garage.

Toronto Star