2008 Chrysler 300 LX

After being a dedicated Buick owner for the last 9 years, we decided to take the plunge into a different brand. We selected a 2008 Chrysler 300 LX, which is the least expensive 300 model (mostly because we are trying to lower monthly household expenses). We were just looking for something that was very basic, safe, inexpensive, and wouldn't kill us on gas mileage.

The sticker price of this vehicle was a little over $25,000. Options included were air conditioning, CD/MP3/radio, V6, cloth bucket seats, lumbar support for both front seats, remote control exterior mirrors, floor mats, back seats that folded down so you can put long items in the trunk, and basics like power windows and locks, power driver seat.

When we first started researching a new vehicle, we looked up the statistics of the 300 and compared it to the Buick LaCrosse, which we had for 3 years. The 300 was only slightly larger according to the statistics, but when you get into it -- WOW! The difference was amazing. The 300's interior seems to be twice as roomy as the Buick. The seats are very comfortable, controls are within easy reach, and the one thing I absolutely LOVE about this vehicle compared to any other car I've ever driven, is that at 5' tall, I have trouble with pedals, but at the same time, I don't like to sit way up close to the steering wheel. The pedals on the 300 seems to stick out farther, so I can sit comfortably, have my feet firmly on the pedals, and still sit far enough back that I don't feel like the steering wheel is stuck to my chest.

The center console between the front seats contains two cup holders and the gear shift. Then the storage container actually contains two levels -- the deeper level for bigger items and a top shelf for paper and smaller items. Very handy for those times when you don't want to be digging through the bottom of the console looking for a pen or other small item.

The trunk contains the usual hidden spare tire (which in this case is one of those little donut things). The trunk is huge and capable of holding a mountain of groceries, gear, suitcases, and anything else you can stuff in there. And if it's something that's very long, you can put the back seat down and have double the trunk space. It would have been nice to have one of those nets in there for smaller items, but I'm sure we could add that.

Handling is very nice and smooth. Turning in tight circles/corners is no problem and parking is a breeze.

Because we had to go with the inexpensive model, we are missing a lot of the extras we had on the Buicks, but we're learning to deal with it, especially since our payments have dropped dramatically. One of the things we've had to sacrifice is engine power. This is a big chunk of Detroit automobile and for just every day driving around, it's able to handle it no problem. But a few times on the expressway and trying to giddy-up go, it seemed to struggle.

One thing I'm really disappointed in is the sound system. I realize we have the rock bottom model here, and I am grateful for the MP3 player, but the sound system just doesn't cut it. There are nice controls for bass, fade, balance, etc., but the music just doesn't sound "full." It's like having surround sound without a sub-woofer or any bass. It is nice, however, to see the name of the song/artist displayed on the front of the player.

Overall soundproofing could be improved. After driving a dead quiet Buick for 9 years (that often sounded like it had stalled because of the quiet), the 300 seems loud. Engine and transmission sounds are very noticeable. I suppose after driving this car for a while, I'll get used to it and tune it out.

I feel really safe driving this vehicle. It seems solid and handles the road well. With the heat and massive storms we've all had lately, I've gotten a chance to drive this in all kinds of weather. It handles the heat just fine (the a/c puts out a massive amount of ice cold air), and on a few cold mornings, it was cranking out heat in a matter of a few minutes. The windshield wipers are very smooth, clean, and don't leave streaks. The controls for the wipers and cruise control are easy to use and easily accessed.

There are very few things that we noticed that could be improved and they're very minor. For instance, the dash in front of the passenger is very boring. There is simply a silver bar going across. There is nothing to signify brand. It just seems like that nice big area would be the perfect place for that beautiful sleek Chrysler emblem. Another thing is -- and this is difficult to explain -- there is a shelf of sorts that surrounds the outside of the front seats. For instance, the driver's seat, once the seat padding ends (towards the door side), it looks like a shelf that the seat is sitting on. If you lean towards the door, you feel like you're sliding off the seat and onto the floor. I can't figure out what this shelf is supposed to be or what purpose it serves.

And now for the hundred dollar question -- GAS MILEAGE! According to the sticker, we're supposed to get 18 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. I'm not real sure what mileage we've been getting in the city (although I believe the stated 18 MPG is a fair estimate), by keeping under 65 mph on the highway and using the cruise control as much as possible, we are definitely getting more than 26 MPG, and I would guess we average about 30.

Overall, we're very happy with the 300. Although we miss all those options the Buick had, we realize that we were paying handsomely for those options. Maybe after this lease is up, we'll be able to up the next lease to a higher 300 model, but for the time being we're glad with this vehicle.