2008 Chrysler 300 Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices and Photos (2023)

Martin Padget Editor-in-Chief

July 23, 2008

Likes

• Styling has aged well
• Improved interior
• The hum and power of the V-8 engine
• Detroit attitude
• Available options

dislikes

• HEMI hat Durst
• stiff ride
• Anti-lock brakes are optional

buying tip

Since you can afford a 2008 Chrysler 300, you can afford to go all the way to anti-lock brakes and optional airbags.

Features & Specifications

Looking at the 2008 Chrysler 300, it's easy to say that this car is one of the best things to come out of the troubled relationship between Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler. Introduced in 2005, the Chrysler 300 reintroduced Americans to a domestically built, full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan. The car was an instant hit.

Some TheCarConnection.com editors wondered aloud at the car's debut how long the Chrysler 300's crouched styling would remain popular. The high-waisted, low-roofed look has actually aged well, and the car continues to turn heads – something that can't be said of its traditional full-size domestic competitors.

The 2008 Chrysler 300 hits the road with several key improvements for the year. Starting with the exterior, you'll find new front and rear aprons, a new grille and taillights. These in no way detract from the retro-modern style of the 300.

Inside, the 300 gets a new instrument cluster and revised dashboard, as well as new door panels and a reorganized center console. New soft-touch materials, new upholstery and a repositioned cruise control lever also make the cut for 2008.

The standard engine of the 300 with rear wheel drive is a 2.7 liter V6 engine with 178 hp. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard, but oddly enough, anti-lock brakes aren't (though they should be). A 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission are included in the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Touring models and the Limited package. The 300C is equipped with the 5.7 liter HEMI V8 engine with 340 hp, five-speed automatic and either rear or all-wheel drive. The great-'em-stomp-'em SRT8 version of the 300C continues for '08, offering a 425-hp 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, sport suspension, 20-inch wheels and other upgrades.

On the road, the 2008 Chrysler 300 offers a good driving experience with its rear-wheel drive chassis. At Chrysler, the 2008 models differ significantly in ride comfort. The Base, Touring and Limited 300 editions offer a softer ride. The 300C and 300 SRT8 target performance enthusiasts with powerful HEMI engines and stiffer suspension. Stepping up to the 300 SRT8 nets brings drivers muscle car performance in the form of sub-14 second quarter mile times and a top speed of over 150 mph.

As you'd expect, traction control and side and curtain airbags are optional. Equipped with the optional passive safety devices, the 300 performed well in state crash tests. Some of the less plebeian options include Bluetooth connectivity with iPod connectivity; a six-disc changer; a MyGIG audio entertainment system; a speaker package from Boston Acoustics; Sirius backseat TV; remote start; and adaptive cruise control.

All of this equipment works well in the 2008 Chrysler 300. The interior update looks and works well, and quality remains high. You'll notice upscale accents everywhere, from the chrome accents to the soft-opening glove box. You have to get used to the narrow greenhouse, but once you're used to it, the view outside doesn't bother you.

When you consider the 2008 Chrysler 300C, the list of competitors changes dramatically. With its HEMI V-8, stiffer suspension and premium interior, the 300C is a legitimate alternative to Cadillac's CTS and STS. The driving dynamics and quality of the Chrysler are also comparable to the BMW 5 series and the Audi A6. Considering the 300 was being developed when Chrysler was owned by Mercedes-Benz, the 300C's competitiveness is less of a surprise and more a reasonable conclusion.

2008 Chrysler 300

Styling

The 2008 Chrysler 300 strikes a retro chord with its exterior design and nods to Chryslers of the 1950s and 1960s.

The 2008 Chrysler 300 hits the road with several key improvements for the year. Starting with the exterior, you'll find new front and rear aprons, a new grille and taillights. These in no way detract from the retro-modern style of the 300.

Car and Driver praises the 300 SRT8's "new front and rear styling", describing it as "Bentley-like lines" and "bold". Edmunds says the styling of the 2008 Chrysler 300 is "unmistakably American...the big chrome grille, dual-lens headlights, high waistline, bulging fenders, and big wheels give it a strong presence on the road." Why Kelley Blue Book advises, "If you're looking for something understated, say for staking, the [2008] Chrysler 300 may not be your best option."

Inside, the 300 gets a new instrument cluster and revised dashboard, as well as new door panels and a reorganized center console. New soft-touch materials, new upholstery, and a relocated cruise control lever also make the cut for 2008. While some might consider the 2008 Chrysler 300's interior styling conservative, ForbesAutos thinks it's "set". Edmunds tries to give it a positive spin: "The overall interior design was described as simple but elegant...the dashboard area effectively combines sporty, semi-retro and luxury themes." Kelley Blue Book, on the other hand, warns that "some might find the interior color choices drab...despite the somewhat drab interior of the 300 SRT8, exquisite details, such as the tortoise shell steering wheel on the 300C, add a touch of individuality and elegance."

2008 Chrysler 300

Performance

The 2008 Chrysler 300 is best enjoyed in its V-8 forms, where tremendous power and crisp handling more than live up to its visual appeal.

Four engines are offered in the Chrysler 300 line. The standard engine of the 300 with rear wheel drive is a 2.7 liter V6 engine with 178 hp. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard, but oddly enough, anti-lock brakes aren't (though they should be). A 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission are included in the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Touring models and the Limited package. The 300C is equipped with the 5.7 liter HEMI V-8 engine with 340 hp, five-speed automatic and either rear or all-wheel drive. The great-'em-stomp-'em SRT8 version of the 300C continues for '08, offering a 425-hp 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, sport suspension, 20-inch wheels and other upgrades.

Cars.com reports that the 2008 Chrysler 300 "comes with a choice of two V-6s, while Hemi V-8 power comes in the 300C." Car and Driver notes that "real speed from its optional 340-horsepower Hemi V" makes the 300 SRT8 run "like a greased lightning bolt," but adds that "V-6 models are less exciting." ConsumerGuide agrees here: “The tepid acceleration with the 2.7 V6 supports Chrysler's slow 11.0-second 0-60 mph quote...the Touring's 3.5 V6 is reasonably quick, even with AWD; Chrysler quotes 9.0 seconds 0-60. 300C responds at any speed; 6.3 seconds 0-60." SRT8 versions were clocked at around 5.5 seconds to 60 mph; stepping up to the 300 SRT8 nets brings drivers muscle car performance in the form of sub-14-second quarter mile times and a top speed of over 150 miles per hour.

Cars.com reports that the 2008 Chrysler 300 V-6 model "teams with a four-speed automatic transmission," while "other models get a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and a five-speed automatic." ConsumerGuide notes that "Both transmissions experience some lag before downshifting, but the 5-speed gate's manual shift gate helps."

The 300 SRT8 is thirsty, of course; Car and Driver comment that "fuel disappears quickly," but notes that "four of the Hemi's cylinders shut down seamlessly to save fuel when not needed to save time, [which] reduces fuel economy on the EPA city cycle." increased by 10 percent.” Those EPA estimates for the 2008 Chrysler 300 are 14/20 mpg for the less powerful V-8 and 18/26 mpg for the V-6.

On the road, the 2008 Chrysler 300 offers a good driving experience with its rear-wheel drive chassis. At Chrysler, the 2008 models differ significantly in ride comfort. The Base, Touring and Limited 300 editions offer a softer ride. The 300C and 300 SRT8 are aimed at performance enthusiasts with their powerful HEMI engines and stiffer suspension.

Out on the open road, Car and Driver reports that the 2008 Chrysler 300 "swallows both freeways and switchbacks with precise steering and good body control" and "turns like a dancing debutante," but notes a "slightly caked suspension." ConsumerGuide notes that "the 300's ride is generally smooth, although some of our testers complain of annoying wobble on undulating freeways" although "the ride on AWD models is less smooth, with sharp pounding over road imperfections." Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2008 Chrysler 300's suspension "isn't readily reminiscent of a European sports sedan, but the firm and genuine steering makes you feel like you're in control of what is admittedly a large vehicle. " ForbesAutos reports that "handling is decent for this size vehicle and the ride is smooth."

2008 Chrysler 300

comfort & quality

The 2008 Chrysler 300 allows passengers to ride comfortably and quietly, despite some cheap-looking interior materials.

Car and Driver reports "ample interior space...when used for seating, both the front and rear seats indulge the Keister with a simple but effective bolster pattern and slightly firmer foam than the usual household pudding." ConsumerGuide notes, "Lots of headroom and legroom, although AWD versions have slightly narrower passenger footwell. Flat seat bottoms let passengers slide during aggressive cornering, except on the 300 SRT8, which has grippy suede seat inserts." Edmunds says, "Cab dimensions are generous in all directions, and the 300 offers more legroom than most of its competitors," while Kelley Blue Book claims that the front bucket seats on the 2008 Chrysler 300 "provide excellent lower back and thigh support." offer and feature an adjustable lumbar support for both driver and passenger. Legroom is plentiful throughout, as is headroom front and rear.”

In terms of cargo space, ConsumerGuide finds "decent cabin storage, aided by numerous cubbies and a roomy center console." Trunk space in the 2008 Chrysler 300 is unspectacular and difficult to access; It's a "big, deep trunk...Hinges don't dig in, but the rollover is pretty high and the opening is too small to load big cargo." According to Edmunds, "The trunk capacity of the [2008 Chrysler] 300 measures a modest 15.6 cubic feet."

The revised interior has improved equipment quality, but it's still not world-class. Edmunds describes "new soft-touch surfaces on the armrests and door panels along with a redesigned and relocated cruise control stalk complement that feel." According to ConsumerGuide, "Special interior panels have been designed to match the longer rear side doors of the 2008 Chrysler 300, [but] they have an inferior appearance." However, according to Car and Driver, they are an improvement; The 300 SRT8 features "updated interiors with better quality materials...comfort and luxury at a low price."

Noise levels are acceptable: ConsumerGuide claims, “V6s drive quietly, noticeably roaring under acceleration. V8s have a throaty, muffled growl...tire squeal is obvious but not objectionable. Gust increases with speed but does not interrupt conversation.”

2008 Chrysler 300

Security

The 2008 Chrysler 300 scores impressively in crash tests, but some safety equipment is optional on select models.

The 300 received top ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) (five stars for frontal impact protection, four for side impact and rollover resistance) and the more demanding Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) standards ("good" for frontal offset crashes). ).

Cars.com states that "anti-lock brakes, traction control, and an electronic stability system are included in all but the base sedan [2008 Chrysler 300]," but notes that "side airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags are optional." This omission in the safety features of the 2008 Chrysler 300 is a cause for concern since most accidents involving personal injury are caused by side impacts. Edmunds reports that "ABS, traction control and stability control are optional on the base [2008 Chrysler] 300 LX but standard on all other models," although they confirm that "side airbags in the front seats and full-length side airbags are optional on all [ Chrysler 300 2008] models" - including the 300C SRT8.

All of these models, including the 300C SRT8, have vision issues, according to Cars.com, which reports that "vision can sometimes be obstructed." However, Cars.com says that "plenty of glass and large mirrors improve visibility."