The 2008 300 is basically the same car we've been driving since its debut.
With the exception of some additional electronic optional features and some minor body style changes the 08' 300 has not undergone any major facelifts.
http://www.epinions.com/content_404048612996 THE MARK OF THE 08' By sight, there are just 3 ways to tell an 08' 300 from the rest of the crowd.
The first is the new trunk lid lip. The top brake light has been repositioned from the car's interior to the mid-center of the trunk lid.
I would assume that this was necessary because people complained about the poor visibility out the back window during parallel parking. However, the 08' 300 now features optional electronic park assist which indicates how close you are to the next car via high frequency tones.
The second mark of an 08' is the restyled front end bumper. For the 08 models which include foglamps, the fixtures themselves are now remodeled so they appear to be more obviously integrated into the air dam ports.
The third mark of the 08' is the huge black roof-mounted antennae. This antennae is there for the new optional Sirius Backseat TV which offers backseat passengers. For now, the programming list will be mostly family-oriented (read: no Playboy/Hustler channel) and will include Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, etc. As I see it, this is good to have for your backseat children, but I personally couldn't bother paying for this option unless I had full control over my channels. Also, and more importantly, the Chrysler 300's shape is totally at odds with this antennae. It just looks wrong. I would have preferred one of the smaller shark fin antennae that Benz, Audi and BMW have, but, it may not have been an option for the receiver frequency. Still – it's nice to have the feature pre-installed because it looks better than the dome style roof-mounted receivers.
Naturally, the question you must ask yourself is: If I order Sirius Backseat TV, does the amount of time my family is in the car justify the price I'm paying for "mobile cable"?
The 2008 models feature most of the more upscale chrome laden details and bezels of the old 300c and with certain paint colors, the car looks fantastic...
...on the outside
INTERIOR UPGRADES While the technological upgrades make the already attractive 300, even more attractive to those willing to spend on the 300C and its options, the interior still looks dated. I liken the situation faced here, to the situation the first-gen Cadillac CTS was in prior to its 2008 freshening. Hopefully, in the next 3~4 years the 300 will get a hand crafted interior update, but for now, the "upgrades" are minimal. Many people criticize the 300's "cheap" interior, but I feel it keeps the car's price competitive and is easy to maintain. The Leather seats, though slightly more bolstered, feel the same as last year's model, but, that's no problem cause they still feel great and are well designed for comfort over long distance driving.
What I did admire about the 08' was the new key FOB being offered (optional) which allows you to remote start the car from ~30 feet away.
Also I should mention that the old cruise control stalk has been changed from a skinny, difficult to use design to a more streamlined design which reminds me right away of the control stalk on a Mercedes S-class or 745li.
The rest of the car's interior has undergone fairly minor/ almost negligible changes. Considering that there is an extensive list of parts, chrome plated upgrades and bezels for the 300 (and Magnum/Charger) I expected Chrysler to do more to make the car's interior sexier. They did not.
They changed the look of the dashboard panel very slightly with wood bezel and chrome trim, but, it still looks overly plastic.
They have slightly remodeled the design of the cup holders with some chrome trim (which sells on ebay for less than $25).
They added a couple L.E.D. lights to the cupholders and also to the underside of the door handles. But, WHY?
These so called "upgrades" could all be had for a total of about $100 on EBAY.
SECURITY, SAFETY and TECHNOLOGY First, let me say that Chrysler deserves an award for making the 300 a difficult-to-steal vehicle. I accidentally locked my keys inside, and had it not been for the trunk being open, I'd have had no way to get them out without calling for help.
The doors are tight and just as solid as what I've seen on the 2007 S-class. You can't slide in a jimmy stick. You can't pry open the door and reach the door unlock switch with any tool. Furthermore, the door lock's knobs are positioned in an area of the door that is ridiculously hard to reach with the typical bent hangar and even if you could reach them, they offer no leverage to pull them upwards.
As far as SAFETY features go, the original 300 did not disappoint, and the 08' is even better. All 300 models include front multistage airbags as well as optional supplemental front and rear side-curtains. Fortunately, the inclusion of the side-curtain airbags does not cause the 300 to lose much hip and shoulder space – but, it can be argued that the pillars in this car are overly thick and hinder some outward visibility when rounding corners or backing up.
I also realized recently that the large, aggressively bulky wheel wells make it a bit difficult to line the car up with the curb when viewed through the side view mirrors.
The 300C can be ordered with daytime running HID lights (for that "expensive" look) and it may also include optional electrochromic mirrors for the driver which dim automatically for driver's eye comfort. Furthermore, the 08' 300 will now offer intelligent headlamps that can sense oncoming cars and auto-dim the headlamps so as not to blind the next driver (works up to 2000 feet).
The 300C may also be purchased with a LIDAR (Light Imaging Detection & Ranging) system Adaptive Cruise Control which monitors the proximity of your 300 to the next car. The system is able to increase or decrease following speed according to traffic flow, however it is only able to prompt the driver to apply brakes manually and lacks the S-class' ability to decrease speed, stop, and then increase speed
automatically.
MYGIG Replacing the Navigation computer of the old Chrysler models comes a new system named MYGIG that includes a parallel system UConnect.
UConnect is basically a hands free Bluetooth cellular phone using modern Bluetooth versions that support voice dialing. When you pair your phone with the car, the phone can cut off the radio allowing you to answer the call through your car's speakers at the touch of a button. You may also place calls hands-free through speech dialing which is nifty for keeping your eyes on the road.
MYGIG is a 20 Gigabyte Hard Drive attached to a touch screen Navigation system. It is currently available for the 300, the Aspen, Town & Country, Jeep and the Sebring but the dealer has assured me you cannot buy it to upgrade your older 300's.
This allows you to rip CD's to the Hard Disk and play them back as MP3 files; view JPEG images (for whatever that's worth) and it effectively eliminates the need for a slow loading DVD. The MYGIG can accept virtually limitless additions to its memory if you decide you want to add points of interest.
Title, Artist, and other track information are automatically added, when possible, from embedded Gracenote software.
The system accepts XM-Traffic Navigation so you can receive traffic updates and the system will automatically attempt to reroute you around major jams. Of course it will do this for a monthly fee to Sirius – which also gives you access to typical satellite radio channels.
I was a bit disappointed in the system because you can not playback xvid or Divx video which would have been uber cool for those times you're waiting for your significant other to hurry up…or when you're just sitting in traffic. There are laws that make driver sight video playback illegal as well as a fail safe switch that makes it impossible to program NAV Data while the vehicle is in motion, but, it is unfortunate you're passenger is not allowed to view them or program navigation data while you are driving.
I'm disappointed that the MYGIG system does not offer the radio recording ability of the 2008 Cadillac CTS which allows you to capture over a half hour of your current station. I'm also disappointed the MYGIG is nothing more than an add on, stand-alone unit which can't be used to program features of the car itself. Why can't chrysler develop a plug and play system that allows swapping of NAV units to meet the specific features of the vehicle - which is thoroughly integrated into the vehicle functions. How long will we have to wait till Chryslers reach E and S-class status?
I do like the fact that there is an embedded software that tracks intervals between oil changes and other fluids – as well as a USB cable link (and 3.5mm jack) which accepts almost any MP3 player that can be played back through USB, or the typical USB flashdrive you might use to carry data files to and from work.
I'd be very happy however, if Chrysler allowed you to add MYGIG to any 300, Charger or Sebring purchase (for a fee) instead of limiting the Nav systems to the high priced models. It doesn't make sense simply because some people don't want a car that's gonna' guzzle gas but they do desire a Nav unit.
THE DRIVE of the 300's The 300 is once again being offered as a base model, the Touring model, the 300C and the SRT8.
The SRT-8 has the 6.1 Liter Hemi which puts out tremendous horsepower and suffers from the worst gas mileage you could imagine – about 9 or 10 MPG in the city which closely mimics the numbers you'd see on a huge, underperforming SUV (i.e. Hummer H2, Ford Excursion, Navigator, etc). The SRT-8 comes with large Brembo brakes and rotors, and a sport tuned suspension system ripe for its large 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and low profile tires. Unfortunately you are locked into buying Premium Unleaded here which will quickly transfer the cash from your wallet to the multi million dollar purses of Exxon executives. The car chews through tires just as quickly as it does through fuel refills…be prepared to spend about $600 every year and a half on them.
The SRT-8 comes with all the major luxury features of the 300 line and now features redesigned sport/racing seats that are highly detailed and featured large bolsters for high-lean curves. SRT seats may also be ordered with more expensive air-filtration seats similar to those found on upper Benz models for around $2000 more.
There is even a redesign of the trip computer which allows you to actually gauge 0-60 time.
If all that power under the hood wasn't enough, an SRT-8 may come with an
optional 13 speaker surround system by
Kicker… its unnecessary however if you decide to add a subwoofer box.
My favorite thing about both the 5.7 and 6.1 Hemi's is that they are powerful enough to give you pride of ownership. You will never feel outperformed by the typical Lexus, Benz, BMW or Cadillac because none of them really compete with the power offered by the HEMI (unless they are top grade $80,000+ models with twin turbo). Your 300 may cost less and have a cheaper interior but on the road, you can easily pull ahead of them and leave them sucking down the aroma of dust and burned rubber.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the LX model which features a 2.7 Liter multi-point fuel injection system which delivers a measly 178 horsepower. The LX does not feature most of the nicer luxury features such as Dual Zone HVAC, steering wheel embedded radio controls or alloy wheels but, where it does perform is with a higher fuel economy than the other models. Its basically a 300 for people concerned with gas prices and not as interested in tearing up roads with a Hemi.
If not for the fact that accelerating from a standstill is long and hard for the 2.7, I'd recommend it, but, this car is only good for parts of the country where traffic is a bare minimum. Passing a vehicle tends to be difficult even at highway speeds as trying to accelerate from 50 – 65 takes many seconds longer than it should.
God forbid you ride with 4 passengers (or a passenger load of 500+ pounds). The engine in the LX struggles through gears just to reach 50 mph.
There is also the Limited and the Touring which both come with a 3.5 Liter, 250 Horsepower engine. These models are very reasonable when it comes to engine output if your willing to pay a couple thousand more (though mileage suffers a little). The Limited offers some of the luxury upgrades afforded by the 300C such as alloy wheels, Navigation system, tire pressure monitoring, automatic headlamps, 7- speakers instead of 5, and a small list of other features should you opt for the L-Package over the K-package. Many of the upgrades on the Limited are standard wherein they would be options on the Touring. I would say, the most important add-ons if you go for a Limited are the Navigation system, and the steering wheel controls.
The HEMI-C 300 is the true standout of this pack. With its 5.7 Liter, 340 HP engine, it gives you stunning command over the road. The steering in all the 300's is sharp, owing to the Mercedes Benz E-class suspension commonalities, but only with high engine output can you really appreciate the power you are strapped into.
CHRYSLER 300C
http://www.epinions.com/content_249811668612 The C features shinier taillight fixtures and headlamp fixtures with multiple Yellow turning bulbs that stand out at nighttime. You can go to Chrysler and build your own vehicle with options you demand, but, for the most part, dealers already order this car nearly fully loaded to the tune of about $35,000 (or more).
With a full passenger load ( 500 lbs or more), the Hemi C feels as heavy as a truck, but, she still accelerates well enough that it isn't a bother.
I have already remarked on the driving experience of the 300 in two separate reviews - which goes unchanged from the 2004 -2007 models. The car offers a soft ride over gravel and most other roads.
It is only when riding over expansion joints or rough terrain that you can actually hear a low frequency rumbling. The only downside I've seen is that the car takes potholes extremely hard and once you get used to riding on soft road, a sudden thud due to major road damage will be a major shock. It will feel as if the car has suddenly rose a few inches and dropped a foot and there will be a loud bang which will make you fear for your undercarriage.
The SRT-8 has a more dynamic suspension than the lower 300 models and it manages to ride suprisingly softer on its 20" performance tires than the 300c on its 18" all-terrains, or the other models on their 17" or 18" all-terrains.
Only on badly damaged roads will you hear rattling inside the cabin - though it manages to be very quiet even at highway speeds. It would have helped however if Chrysler added storage places inside the trunk to keep large objects from falling and sliding around.
I have also realized that unless you have an AWD model, the RWD models give you some vicious understeer when you take exits off highways or make sharp turns too quickly.
The 300's don't feel as firmly planted on slippery terrain as I felt they should unless you've got AWD but, this can also be solved in the RWD models wth a good set of snow tires or specialy designed treads that handle water channeling. Then you escape the added weight of the AWD transmission.
TRANSMISSION The lower model 300's include 4-speed automatic transmissions, but the 300c and SRT-8 get 5-speeds with sport shifting. Unfortunately, having driven all of these models, I recognize that the 4-speed has some problems...every now and then the gears will bump and it is harsh enough to make you feel you've been hit by another driver. The 5-speeds flow much smoother and are virtually trouble free. Chrysler is currently offering a lifetime warranty for all 2008 300 transmissions except the extended wheelbase and the SRT-8.
EXPERIENCE My favorite thing about the 300 is the interior space.
The car will seat any average sized adult (5 ~ 6.5 foot tall) very comfortably. My mother rode with me and remarked, "its like riding in a submarine" which is not far from the truth – the car is low to the ground and long like a frankfurter which makes it feel like an old school low-rider.
Big boned Americans will appreciate the lavish space afforded for shoulders and hips.
Fortunately, the 300 also has relatively high door sills which open up above most curbs allowing you/passengers to get in and out without scratching the bottom of the doors. The only downside to the design as I've mentioned before is the difficulty gauging the distance from your 300 to the one behind you when parallel parking since the car is long and rides with a noticeable tilt downwards for better road awareness. Get the park-assist and you've solved that problem.
OVERALL I am satisfied with the 300 and I recognize it offers lots of luxury to people who aren't able to pay the fees demanded by Mercedes Benz, BMW and even Cadillac (for the STS or DTS). This car is phenomenal and I know, Ralph Giles, the
African-American designer behind its larger-than-life styling is hard at work planning the next big thing for Chrysler.
Rumors of the drop-top 300 continue to abound – maybe one will hit the streets similar to the Sebring Convertible?
Rumors of the Chrysler Imperial continue to float. If that car is released any time soon, my 300 is definitely going back.
Also on the horizon are special editions of the 2008 300. The first major addition will be the
SRT-Design model which is a 300C that boasts all of the SRT-8's major style add-ons with the exception of its gas guzzling 6.1 HEMI.
There will also be a
300C Heritage Addition which will have special American Flag badging - that includes most of the technology upgrades such as MYGIG and a 368-watt Boston Acoustics sound system with Dolby Pro-Logic II surround.
There will even be a longer edition of the 300,
The Specialty Series - six inches longer than the 196 inch 300, offering much more legspace to the backseat passengers.
Its basically a small limo…you'll get tray tables for laptops, dual 12 volt power outlets and directional reading lamps. The package also will include the rear seat DVD video entertainment system and SIRIUS Backseat TV (with subscription).
With so many options, features and add-on ability, the 300 is a car that's going to be around for a very long time to come and I am just happy that I get to be part of its lifespan. I just recommend to Chrysler that they make all possible options available to purchasers of the LX, and that they update the interior for the next go-round.
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