2007 Chrysler 300-Series Review

The 2007 Chrysler 300C offers a dizzying array of engines reminiscent of the late 1960s. The 2.7L V6 rated at 190 horsepower is the mileage champ (21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway), and is also the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of a 300.

A 250-horsepower 3.5L V6 and a 5.7L HEMI V8 are on offer as well, with the HEMI making 340 horsepower and 390-lb-ft of torque. This engine also has a multi-displacement system that allows the V8 to run on only four-cylinders when under a light load, earning an EPA rating of 17 in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The 300C SRT8 hearkens back to the Chrysler Letter Cars of the 1950s and 1960s, with a 6.1L V8 that produces 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.

The base car is equipped with independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, cruise control, a CD player, air conditioning, and power mirrors, windows, and locks. The Touring trim exchanges the four-speed automatic transmission with a five-speed, and adds traction control, 17-inch alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, fog lamps, heated mirrors, leather seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and a tire pressure monitor system. The Touring trim with all-wheel drive rides on 18-inch alloys.

The 300C can be outfitted with either rear- or all-wheel drive and has dual rear exhaust, rain-sensing wipers, power pedals, automatic air conditioning, Boston Acoustics speakers, an electrochromic rearview mirror, larger brakes, an alarm system, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The marquee trim, the SRT8, adds 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a rear spoiler, parksense, and a six-disc CD changer in addition to the 6.1L HEMI V8.

A long list of packages and options accompany each trim. The Great American Package adds most of the Touring equipment to the base 300, allowing buyers to get the luxury of the up-level models with the fuel efficiency of the 2.7L V6. Likewise, the Limited Package adds much of the 300C equipment to the Touring trim. The Heritage Package adds heated second row seats, a CD changer, and an old-school translucent steering wheel to the 300C.

Aside from the packages, any manner of other luxury equipment can be added individually to the various trims, including a sunroof, BlueTooth, a rear seat video system, air bags all around, high-intensity discharge headlamps, and navigation.

One of our favorite standard features is the tortoise shell style steering wheel. As is the 300C's ability to effortlessly gobble up freeway miles. The level of standard equipment is good for this price class. The seats are very comfortable, and the interior volume means that five adults could travel comfortably, with a reasonable amount of luggage stowed into the trunk.
The Chrysler 300 is a carry-over model for 2007. It is available as both a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, and with all-wheel drive. The 300 continues to offer a sharply designed, remarkably roomy four-door sedan for not a lot of money.

A new Executive Package can be added to the 300 Touring and the 300C. It stretches the wheelbase, benefiting the rear leg room by six inches. SmartBeam intelligent headlamps are now optional on the 300 Limited and standard on 300C models. Optional heated rear seats and auto-dimming passenger-side exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, complete the notable differences. see less