The 300 was introduced to face the difficult task of covering a wide range of markets, from the Base 2.7-liter V6 version that competes in the sub-$25,000 market (and fails to impress there; it placed 15th of 20 cars in the IFCAR midsize and large sedan comparison test), and the top-of-the-line 300C SRT-8 competes against such sports sedans as the Cadillac CTS-V, coming in at over $40,000. It was apparently difficult for Chrysler to develop a vehicle that could fit so many price ranges with different engines serving as the only major change. For while the V8 versions of the 300 are impressive vehicles, the V6 versions are not. By the standards of this class, the 300 is roomy and has a comfortable ride, but those are traits that make a nice family car, not a $31,000 entry-lux. Coming out only adequate in most ways, and excelling no ways that make a good premium car, the 300 is not a bad enough car to land a last-place spot, but grading the cars only based on how well they stand out against a leather-equipped Camry, the 300's styling would not save it from a spot at the back.

       The 300 has a comfortable ride overall, softer than most competing models, but it lacks control over bumps compared to some cars here. While it does not handle clumsily overall, especially considering its size and weight, it is not by any means as agile as the compact sports sedans in the same price range. It is capable among midsize and large mainstream sedans, but entry-luxes are held to a higher standard. The car's 3.5-liter V6, the larger of its two V6s, offers 250 horsepower but mediocre acceleration, thanks to the car's massive weight and obtuse 4-speed automatic transmission. Also, the mainstream-issue powertrain is not as smooth or quiet as the more luxurious cars here that command the same price. Wind and road noises are subdued, at least. Fuel economy is adequate by this group's standards, surprisingly enough, even for a vehicle this size.

       Inside, the 300's front seats offer plenty of leg and headroom. The cushions are firm and comfortable overall, but a bit too flat. The rear is also very roomy by the standards of this group, though not outstanding for a large sedan. The seat is too low, but still comfortable. The interior uses quality, nicely-fitting plastic trim pieces, but doesn't seem worthy of the car's $31,000 price tag. The gauges are large and reasonably clear, and the instrument layout is logical, but some buttons are too small. Drivers sit comfortably, but small windows, a sloping roofline, and thick roof pillars lead to notably poor frontward and rearward visibility. Large doors and wide footwells lead to no-strain entry/exit. The trunk is roomy by the standards of this group, though no better than the typical midsize family sedan, much less other large ones.

          The 300 did very well in crash testing. It earned a rating of Best Pick in the IIHS frontal crash test, and its large size should improve its chances in the demanding IIHS side crash test when it is subjected to that evaluation sometime in the future. NHTSA awarded the 300 five stars for the driver and five stars for the front passenger in its frontal crash test, and four stars for the driver and five for the rear passenger, tested without the car's disappointingly optional side airbags.

      The 300 reviewed here isn't especially expensive by the standards of this group, but it isn't cheap either, especially considering the unavailable options. Torso-protecting side airbags are one notable omission from the options list, and items typically standard in this price range such as head-protecting side airbags and even antilock brakes cost extra. The car has a few interesting features, such as a rear-seat entertainment system and "UConnect" cell phone system, but the car lacks other premium and mainstream features, and isn't inexpensive by the group's standards either.

      Overall, the 300 V6 is a good large sedan that lacks the pricing it would need to truly compete against the mainstream sedans that it acts like in every way but its styling. Chop $5,000 from this car's price, and it can compete against a leather-equipped Accord or Camry nicely. But it can't compete here, not with a $31,000 price tag and no premium qualities to speak of.

Pros:

-Interior Space

-Ride Comfort

-Trunk Space

Cons:

-Agility

-Acceleration

-Visibility

Overall:

A mainstream car masquerading as a premium one.

Version Reviewed:

Touring

Price of Version Reviewed:

$31,135

Powertrain:

3.5-liter V6