Think “cool, low and boxy”—and think a modern version of what the Green Lantern would drive. That’s how I like to describe the Chrysler 300 sedan. Since it was introduced in 2005 the fresh and distinctive style has only grown better with age. In other words, it is still a head-turner!
The 2010 Chrysler 300 is classified as a large car and with Ford retiring the Crown Victoria soon, the 300 will be one of the few large rearwheel drive vehicles left standing. Behind the wheel the width of the 300 clearly dictates that you are in a large car; however, the tight handling and road-hugging suspension, convince your senses that you are strapped into a sport sedan.
2010 introduces us to some minor styling upgrades, including chrome door handles and front and rear fascia accents for the 300 Touring model. Side airbags are now standard on all models. For 2010, the five-passenger 300 is available in eight model trim variations that are grouped into four trim categories: Touring, Limited, 300C and SRT8. The Touring trims are: Touring Sedan ($28,010), Touring
Signature RWD ($32,635) and Touring Signature AWD ($34,700). The Limited is available in both RWD ($36,675) and AWD ($38.980). The 300C is equipped with the 5.7L V8 Hemi and available in both RWD ($37,760) and AWD ($40,800). The SRT8 is the high performance 425 HP version ($47,366).
So many cars these days get lost in the blur of sheet metal that covers the parking lots and highways of our cities. One of the few cars that really stand out is the Chrysler 300 with its long sculptured body that sits low and rides heavy. The large grille begins the montage of chrome attributes including side mirrors, door handles, badges, and bumper trim. The front grille and fascia is square and in your face. The high beltline gives the impression the top has been chopped and lowered. The back window is steeply raked forward creating a sense of motion. The end result is the 300 is a real looker.
The interior was upgraded in 2008 to a premium level as a reaction to the cars biggest complaint. Cheap hard points and plastics have been replaced with soft materials, silver trim, and tortoise shell accents on the 300C and SRT8. The interior is sporty and elegant at the same time. The seats are comfortable and the instruments and gadgets are easy to use.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT:
- Base 300 lacks anti-lock brakes as a standard feature
COOL FEATURES:
- The super-hero exterior design
- The female navigation voice sounds like a live person talking to you
- Large Navigation/Media Center Screen
- Power Adjustable pedals with memory
The 300 is a very high-tech vehicle loaded with advanced features.
The 300C AWD model we tested included some of the following equipment:
Rain-sensitive windshield wipers, Electronic Stability Program, Heavy Duty Anti-lock 4-Wheel disc brakes, Remote Start System, Remote Proximity Keyless Entry System, SIRIUS Radio, front heated and
powered seats, illuminated front cupholders, and Halogen Projector Headlamps with Smartbeam.
IN SUMMARY:
If you are looking for a vehicle that makes a statement, is blessed with power and comfort and is packed with cool features, then you need to get behind the wheel of a 2010 Chrysler 300. Its styling has remained relevant and impressive and if fuel mileage is more important than performance then the 300 Touring sedan with a 2.7-liter V6 gets 18 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway. My personal choice of a good blend between economy and power is the 300C. Either way, take the 2010 Chrysler 300 for a test ride and prepare to be impressed.
2010 CHRYSLER 300C AWD
BASE PRICE: $40,050
AS DRIVEN: $45,475 (INCLUDING DESTINATION)
ENGINE: 5.7-LITER 8-CYLINDER
HORSEPOWER: 360 @ 5150
TORQUE: 389 POUND-FEET @ 4250 RPM
TRANSMISSION: 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC WITH OVERDRIVE &
AUTOSTICK
DRIVE: ALLWHEEL-DRIVE
SEATING: 5-PASSENGER
TURNING CIRCLE: 38.9 FEET
CURB WEIGHT: 4280 POUNDS
CARGO SPACE: 15.6 CUBIC FEET
FUEL CAPACITY: 19 GALLONS
EPA MILEAGE: 23 HIGHWAY, 16 CITY
WHEEL BASE: 120 INCHES
WARRANTY: 5 YEARS/100,000 MILES POWER LIMITED
ALSO CONSIDER:AUDIO A6, BMW 5-SERIES, BUICK LUCERNE,
CADILLAC CTS,AND FORD TAURUS
FUTURE CHANGES: REFRESHED IN 2008