2005 Chrysler 300C - Interior - Long-Term Test Verdict

Nobody ever-ever-complained about the powertrain. The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 (it should be called a semi-Hemi, if we take the purist's view about combustion-chamber shape, but who cares) always delivered: powerful, torquey, smooth, and with a subdued but purposeful rumble out of its dual exhausts. Wrote one editor: "The Hemi V-8 is always on tap, ready to run, pass, and blow past the rest of the freeway bog. Noise levels at 90 mph are respectable." The only minor issue was that, as the car crossed the 20,000-mile mark, the 300 didn't idle as smoothly as when new. But that wasn't enough of a problem to worry about.

Certain interior design touches also became the subject of debate. One editor didn't like the greenish/bluish dash lighting. "This was okay on Timex watches about 10 years ago, but has no place in any modern automobile." Most appreciated the interior design, especially with its tortoise-shell trim. Yet another wrote, "Some additional brightwork or wood trim would raise the bar considerably." As with many things, a question of personal taste.

Although the Chrysler 300C isn't a megalarge sedan, it offers the room of one. Pushing the wheels out to the corners creates generous legroom in between, and rear-seat passengers benefit. And in spite of the squat greenhouse, there's plenty of headroom, too, although it pinches down in back. When it came time for couples' night out (or a weekend road trip) the 300 was the most popular ride in the house.

There's always concern about service issues with a new platform. But our 300 was a jewel in this regard. Here's a list of problem areas: broken plastic clip on one of the sunvisors. That was it. The clip was replaced under warranty. The car went in for normal oil changes and service inspections at 6499, 11,959, and 18,300 miles.