Used 2014 Chrysler 300

There was a time when the staple of American luxury cars meant a huge 4-door sedan with a big V8 engine and rear-wheel drive (RWD). The 2014 Chrysler 300 is one of the last of that breed, but it’s more. It’s available with a strong and efficient V6 and all-wheel drive (AWD), and there’s also a super-performance choice in the SRT8. And the Chrysler 300 has road manners that are world-class, with a ride quality that matches the upper-end Lexus models and handling that competes with some of the best German sports sedans. Perhaps it’s one of the last of an American breed, but the 2014 Chrysler 300 is far, far better than its ancestors ever were.

The 2014 Chrysler 300 is a big car that has been engineered to be driven well. The four engine choices range from a “mere” 292-horsepower V6 to the rampaging 470-horsepower V8 of the SRT8 model. The fully-independent suspension, precise steering and big brakes combine to give the 300 capabilities that are the match of the best from across the Atlantic or Pacific, whether in refined ride qualities or rapid-fire handling prowess. Cruising along a highway, it seems as quiet as a Lexus, while carving up a canyon, it’s a competitor for the best sports sedans. Both automatic transmission choices – a 5-speed and an 8-speed – shift smoothly and with no tendency to “hunt” between gears. The V6-powered 300 models are more than quick enough and return remarkable fuel efficiency, but the Hemi V8s, in either the 363-horsepower version or the 470 horsepower of the SRT8, turn the 300 into a land-bound rocket ride.

Open the door and you’ll find the 2014 Chrysler 300’s interior to be a place of luxury, style, elegance, comfort and technology. For the senses, there are soft surfaces, attractive back-lit instrumentation and a thick-rimmed steering wheel that’s perfect for serious motoring. The seats are supportive for long trips and hold the occupants in place when the road rapidly changes direction. Add some luxury options, and enjoy a leather-stitched instrument panel cover, 2-tone leather upholstery and heated and cooled 12-way front power seats.

There are few more distinctive and purposeful-looking big 4-door sedans than the 2014 Chrysler 300. In front is a big chrome grille that practically defines the meaning of bold, in back are artful taillights, and it all fits into a familiar shape, with a robust lower form and the slightly-small windows of the slightly-lowered roofline, that is not shy about its identity. Details include chrome air-intake outlines and LED daytime running lights. And even the most “base” model looks good, with tasteful chrome trim and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

3.6-LITER PENTASTAR V6 ENGINE
Even though the Hemi V8 gets the notoriety, the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 is the real star. Its two versions are rated at 292 and 300 horsepower, and it is smooth, quiet, strong and responsive. The V6 accelerates the 300 with rapidity and, with rear-wheel drive, returns over 30 mpg on the highway.

QUIET HIGHWAY RIDE
Chrysler’s 300 sedan for 2014 certainly offers a plethora of tech-based features worth highlighting, but the most memorable first impression is the remarkably quiet cabin and supple ride.

Standard equipment for the 2014 Chrysler 300 includes keyless entry and start, a big 8.4-inch touchscreen with climate and music controls, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, USB/iPod/SD card connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, a 12-way power driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar support, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, heated front seats, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, one-touch up/down windows all around and a full complement of active and passive safety features including side-curtain airbags, driver’s-knee airbag, hill-start assist and electronic stability control.

The 2014 Chrysler 300 is offered with some interesting option packages. The 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition brings high style, the 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition loads up the luxury and the 300S with Beats by Dr. Dre is for the audiophile. All the packages are aimed at Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit” tagline. Other major options include all-wheel drive, a variety of safety-oriented electronic aids, and upgraded audio systems.

For a “base” engine, it’s tough to beat the 2014 Chrysler 300’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, with 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 300S trim level has cold-air induction and makes 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. Both V6 engines have an excellent 8-speed automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 makes 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, and the 6.4-liter Hemi in the SRT8 cranks out 470 horsepower, 470 lb-ft of torque, and a level of performance that will definitely get your attention. The Hemi engines are fitted with a 5-speed automatic with AutoStick manual-shift function.

3.6-liter V6 (300, 300C)
292 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/31 mpg (RWD), 14/23 mpg (RWD, E85), 18/27 mpg (AWD), 14/20 mpg (AWD, E85)

3.6-liter V6 (300S)
300 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
264 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/31 mpg (RWD), 14/23 mpg (RWD, E85), 18/27 mpg (AWD), 14/20 mpg (AWD, E85)

5.7-liter V8 (300S, 300C)
363 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
394 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/25 mpg (RWD), 15/23 mpg (AWD)

6.4-liter V8 (SRT8)
470 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
470 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/23 mpg