Chrysler's hot-selling 300 is a car that redefines what the American sedan can and should be, and its popularity is cutting a wide path in the marketplace. These were among the reasons we voted it our 2005 Car of the Year, which gets it an automatic invite into our one-year-test fleet--although we'd have probably wanted one anyway. As you'd expect, ours is a 300C Hemi, packing that all-important 340-horsepower, 5.7-liter, OHV V-8. Covered in Magnesium Pearl Coat (a rich color that looks dark green or charcoal gray, depending on the light), our newest tester is stately and stylish. The cabin is wrapped in luxurious Slate/Graystone leather. 300Cs are well-equipped, so our selection of options was minimal. We went for the Sound Group ($635), which includes an AM/FM/cassette/CD six-disc/MP3 radio with a Boston Acoustics seven-speaker/subwoofer combo powered by a 368-watt digital amplifier. To accompany the upgraded sound system, we added Sirius Satellite Radio, which includes one year of service, for $195. Our final option choice was a $950 power moonroof. With the $625 destination fee, the total came to $35,275. So far the only problem is getting the keys for a night in this always popular ride.




2005 Chrysler 300C Hemi
Base price $33,495
Price as tested $35,275
Vehicle layout Front engine, RWD, 4-door, 5-pass
Engine 5.7L V-8, OHV, 2 valves/cyl
SAE net hp @ rpm 340 @ 5000
SAE net torque @ rpm 390 @ 4000
Transmission 5-speed automatic
0-60 mph, sec 5.8
EPA mpg 17 city/25 highway
Average test mpg 16.1
Problem areas None
Maintenance cost $0
Non-warr cost $0

FROM THE LOGBOOK
"This is a damn fine automobile, a neat combination of American muscle, luxury, European manners, and good value."
--Unknown Person




-Matt-