In 2005, the redesigned Chrysler 300 signaled everything that was right about Chrysler and its marriage to Daimler-Benz. It was hailed as a beautiful sedan, hearkening back to the heritage of historical 300 models while at the same time evoking the lines and presence of Bentleys and Rolls Royces. It employed then discarded yet perfectly serviceable Mercedes technology from the 1996-2002 E-Class, and returned a rear-drive sedan to the Chrysler lineup. And it was an affordable family car with more than a hint of luxury. Add the magic of a “Hemi” V-8 engine and instant acceptance with icons of popular culture, and the Chrysler 300 was a smash success.

Though continually improved over the ensuing five years, today’s Chrysler 300 is essentially the same as that ground-breaking 2005 version. Because the 300 ranked among the best cars in its class in the most recent J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, we borrowed a 300C Heritage Edition for this review.

Highlights of the 2009 Chrysler 300 include:

• New-generation 5.7-liter V-8 engine with more power and better fuel economy
• Final year of Lifetime Powertrain Warranty coverage
• All-wheel-drive models have an Active Transfer Case in tandem with a Front-axle Disconnect feature that allows the system to reduce frictional power losses for improved fuel economy when AWD is not required
• Chrysler 300 LX model discontinued mid-year, making the Touring model the base trim level
• Chrysler 300 Limited gets same exterior treatment as Chrysler 300C
• Chrysler 300C adds a normal cruise control mode in addition to Adaptive Cruise Control mode when the Luxury Group option package is ordered
• Chrysler 300C Heritage Edition gets a new chrome mesh grille, 20-inch chrome wheels, and the same performance-tuned suspension, steering, and shocks as the Dodge Charger R/T Daytona
• Chrysler 300 SRT8 gets a new mesh grille and standard equipment including a sunroof and Uconnect tunes
• Chrysler 300 SRT8 suspension, braking, and stability control systems are recalibrated
• Lower gas guzzler tax on Chrysler 300 SRT8 thanks to improved fuel economy
• All Chrysler 300 trunks are spruced up with grocery bag hooks, a cargo net, a scuff plate, and a lid liner. The Limited, 300C and SRT8 also have a reversible trunk mat
• Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat (seen on review vehicle) replaces Steel Blue Pearl Coat

Chrysler sells the 300 in Touring, Limited, 300C, and SRT-8 trim levels. The Touring model includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, a 4-speaker stereo with a CD player, an 8-way power driver’s seat, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, and electroluminescent gauges.

The Limited model is the one most people will want to buy. It adds a larger and more powerful V-6 engine, anti-lock brakes, and a stability and traction control system. It’s also equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats, an 8-way power front passenger’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a touch-screen stereo with a CD changer, six speakers, a free one-year subscription to Sirius satellite radio, and controls on the steering wheel. Other standard features on the Limited model include 18-inch chrome wheels, automatic projector-beam headlights, fog lights, and tortoise-shell interior accents and steering wheel trim. The Limited also includes a trip computer, a compass, an exterior temperature display, heated side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Homelink universal remote, and power adjustable pedals.

Stepping up to the Chrysler 300C means a 5.7-liter V-8 engine and an automatic transmission with manual shift capability. The 300C also includes a bright-tipped dual exhaust, bigger brakes, SmartBeam auto-dimming headlights, rain-sensing wipers, remote starting capability, a tire pressure monitoring display, and a Boston Acoustics premium audio system. The 300C also includes heated side mirrors that dip in reverse gear, and a memory function for the side mirrors, driver’s seat, stereo settings, and adjustable pedals.

The Chrysler 300 SRT8 is the performance version of this car. It’s got a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter V-8 engine; performance suspension, steering, brakes, and tires; forged 20-inch wheels; a 180-mph speedometer; Xenon HID headlights; severe-duty engine cooling; brake cooling ducts; an anti-spin rear differential axle; and a rear lip spoiler. It also includes an exclusive reconfigurable display system, rear park assist system, a power sunroof, power folding side mirrors, graphite pattern interior accents, preferred suede seat inserts, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. And when buyers select the SRT8, the purchase includes a free SRT Track Experience driving school session with instructors from the Richard Petty Racing School.

Available options for the 2009 Chrysler 300, depending on trim level selected, include Uconnect phone technology with Bluetooth; Uconnect tunes technology with a 30-gigabyte hard drive that can store up to 6,700 songs, display photos uploaded to the system, and play DVD movies when the car’s transmission is in Park; Uconnect GPS navigation with real-time traffic reporting; and a rear seat entertainment system with gaming jacks and optional Uconnect studios Sirius TV programming (Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network).

Chrysler also offers a Protection Package with side-impact and side-curtain airbags combined with Uconnect phone Bluetooth technology and an iPod interface, a power sunroof, and a Luxury Group option package with Adaptive Cruise Control technology, heated rear seats, and other upgrades. Unique to the SRT8 model are a Kicker sound system and Goodyear F1 summer tires. Additional options are available for the 300 depending on trim level – for more information, visit Chrysler’s web site.

The 2009 Chrysler 300 is equipped with the buyer’s choice between four different engines: a 2.7-liter V-6, a 3.5-liter V-6, a 5.7-liter V-8, or a 6.1-liter V-8. Specifications are as follows:

• 2.7-liter V-6: 178 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 190 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm
• 3.5-liter V-6: 250 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,800 rpm
• 5.7-liter V-8: 360 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 389 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm
• 6.1-liter V-8: 425 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm

Notably, the 5.7-liter V-8 is equipped with Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which shuts half the cylinders down under low-load conditions, such as when cruising on the highway, descending hills, or approaching stop signs or signals. This helps the 300 to conserve fuel. Furthermore, the Chrysler 300 can be equipped with an all-wheel-drive system when the 3.5-liter V-6 or 5.7-liter V-8 is selected. A four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the V-6 engines while a five-speed automatic with manual gear selection is included with the V-8 engines.

Chrysler recommends regular unleaded for the 2.7-liter V-6, mid-grade unleaded for the 3.5-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter V-8, and premium fuel for the 6.1-liter V-8. Fuel economy ranges from a low of 13 mpg in the city for the Chrysler 300 SRT8 to a high of 26 mpg on the highway for the Chrysler 300 Touring with the 2.7-liter V-6.

Our review vehicle, a 300C Heritage Edition with the 5.7-liter V-8 engine, is rated by the EPA to get 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. We averaged 21.1 mpg during 1,400 miles of primarily highway driving with two adults, three children, and a full trunk. Combined with the 300’s standard 19-gallon fuel tank, this actual fuel economy figure results in an approximate 400-mile highway range between fill-ups.

Standard safety equipment on every 2009 Chrysler 300 includes dual front airbags. That’s it. Side-impact airbags for the front seat occupants, side curtain airbags for both rows of seats, four-wheel-disc ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, a stability control system, and traction control require the purchase of a higher-priced trim level or an option package. There’s also an available rear parking assist system, an Adaptive Cruise Control system, self-sealing tires, and side mirrors that have embedded turn signal indicators.

J.D. Power and Associates says the 2009 Chrysler 300 competes against other large cars such as the Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Azera, Mercury Sable, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8, and Toyota Avalon.

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