Chrysler's 300 sedan has been a huge success. With distinctive and well-dressed styling, a large comfortable cabin, and excellent driving characteristics, the 300 possesses many likable attributes.
I like the 300's impressive stance. The large chrome grille, high belt line and muscular physique project strength and elegance.
I also like 300's impressive road mannerisms and comfortable cabin. Rear seat passengers will appreciate the spacious head and legroom in the cabin.
The 300 marks the brand's return to rear-wheel drive and the return of the HEMI engine.
What's not to like about that? The HEMI doles out 340 horsepower and features a cylinder deactivation feature to improve fuel economy while cruising.
With rear-wheel drive, though, the 300 is enhanced with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed Traction Control System (TCS) and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).
ESP is a remarkable system designed to enhance driver control and help maintain directional stability, including uneven surface conditions and patchy snow, ice or gravel. If there's a discernible difference between what the driver indicates through the steering and the vehicle's path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle control to put the car back onto the driver's intended path.
But, as good as ESP is, providing power to all four wheels offers even better foul-weather traction. Enter the Chrysler 300 with all-wheel drive.
The
2006 Chrysler 300 Touring and 300C are now available as all-wheel-drive models to provide excellent cornering balance under all driving conditions and improved traction in snow and wet-weather conditions.
By driving continuously through all four wheels, the all-wheel-drive system, combined with standard ESP, all-speed TCS and ABS, adds outstanding performance and stability under all traction conditions.
The all-wheel drive system in our 300 Touring sedan tester was truly seamless and imperceptible. I noted the improved traction while driving on rain-slickened asphalt and can only imagine how much better this car would be on snow-covered roads over RWD models.
My 300 Touring AWD test model also featured the new Limited package. Based on the rear-wheel-drive 300 Touring model, which features the 3.5-liter High Output V6 engine (250 hp) and five-speed automatic transmission, the Chrysler 300 with the Limited package adds interior and exterior features for increased convenience and comfort for the driver and passengers.
The Limited package on the 300 Touring AWD also adds 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and performance disc brakes.
My tester didn't come equipped with the HEMI, but I found its 3.5-liter High Output V6 to be plenty capable, offering good acceleration and power when needed.
Chrysler's 300 is loaded with safety features including advanced multi-stage airbags and auto-reverse power windows.
Chrysler's 300 also makes long road trips more enjoyable thanks to an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The entertainment system consists of a center console cover-mounted DVD player and 7-inch LCD screen, a remote control and two wireless headsets. The hinged LCD screen can be stored into the armrest or flipped up for viewing.
There are many reasons to like the Chrysler 300. On the road, the 300 feels solid and well-planted. The 300 is a car that I'd feel comfortable driving for hours. And thanks to AWD, the 300 enters an elite class of all-wheel-drive sedans.
2006 Chrysler 300 Touring AWD
Engine 3.5-liter (250 hp) V
Transmission 5-speed automatic
Drive Type AWD
Fuel Economy 17 city/24 highway
Base Price $29,825
As Tested Not available
Website http://www.chrysler.com