2011 Chrysler 300 Limited Test & Ratings
MSRP $31,170
If you have a Chrysler 300 from a previous year, forget about it. The 300 has been overhauled for 2011. It still looks the same on the outside, but its mechanics have been totally revised. Since the rest of the market was beginning to pass it by, the update was overdue. Did they get it right?
The 2011 Chrysler 300 Limited is a full-sized sedan that seats five. It is the second of four trim levels. It has a 3.6 liter V6 engine that produces 292 horsepower. It comes with 18-inch wheels, rear-wheel drive, and a 5-speed automatic transmission. It is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
The Limited has a lot of amenities. It has a heated 8-way power driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar adjustment, a tilt-telescope, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, keyless ignition, keyless entry, heated front passenger seat, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, 2-way climate control, a touchscreen infotainment interface, a trip computer, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The Alpine sound system has 6 speakers, a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, an audio jack, a USB/iPod interface, and Bluetooth. A “Luxury Group” upgrade which adds even more amenities is also available.
The 300 comes with anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, side front airbags, side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbags, active front head restraints, and a rear-view camera. An upgrade called the Safety Tec Group is also available. It has forward collision warning, blind spot warning, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear cross-path detection system. It got top scores of “good” in every test administered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Conclusions and driver feedback:
The Chrysler 300 is another of those full-sized sedans that blurs the distinction between a family sedan and an entry-level luxury car. The cabin is made of soft, high-quality materials, and has an understated look of luxury. Return customers almost wouldn’t know they were in the same car.
The front seats have plenty of legroom and headroom, while the rear seats have enough of both, but not really an abundance of either. The seats are well-built and comfortable, though. The trunk has 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
The 300 drives and handles a lot like a luxury vehicle. The engine is enough for effortless acceleration from a dead stop and smooth riding at highway speeds. There is even enough power for a little extra “kick” when you need it. The steering is accurate, but there is a bit of a lag and there is a bit of body roll. The ride is very nice, though. It doesn’t quite give the detachment that a full luxury vehicle might, but it is very smooth, quiet, and comfortable.
There really aren’t any glaring negatives here. The 300 doesn’t do anything earth-shattering, but seems to do everything well. It provides a bit of luxury for a full-sized sedan price.
The verdict: a very nice pre-luxury “step-up” vehicle.
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