2006 Chrysler 300 Lineup Review at Automotive.com
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Chrysler
300
2006

2006 Chrysler 300 Review: Model Lineup

Below is a full, detailed 2006 Chrysler 300 review and road test from New Car Test Drive. A full evaluation of price, equipment, the driving experience, and specs are all here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with limitless e ...     read more
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2006 Chrysler 300 Review

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Lineup
Four engines are available in the 2006 Chrysler 300: 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V6s, and 5.7 and 6.1-liter Hemi V8s. Trim levels are keyed to engine size.

The base Chrysler 300 ($23,775) comes with a 2.7-liter double-overhead-cam V6 making 190 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, and rated 21/28 EPA miles per gallon. It's mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, refined this year for smoother shifting. Cloth interior with an eight-way power driver's seat are standard, along with solar window glass.

The new Great American Package ($1,435), available only on this base model, enhances safety with antilock brakes, emergency brake assist, electronic stability program and traction control, front and rear side-curtain airbags, and heated mirrors; plus comfort, convenience, and appearance features including a 6-CD changer with MP3 capability, carbon-trimmed instrument panel, and 17-inch machined-face wheels.

The 300 Touring ($27,825) uses a 3.5-liter single-overhead-cam V6 making 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, rated19/27 miles per gallon on recommended 89 octane (87 acceptable). The 300 Touring also adds on the goodies: leather interior, 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, and fog lamps. Antilock brakes with emergency brake assist, electronic stability program and traction control are also standard. Touring is also available with all-wheel drive ($29,825), which includes a five-speed automatic transmission with semi-manual AutoStick control.

The new 300 Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series ($30,065) adds two-tone leather upholstery with special interior trim, Sirius Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription, GPS navigation, and a 276-watt Boston Acoustics stereo with 6-CD/MP3 player. AWD is not available.

The 300 Limited ($30,820) also begins with Touring equipment but adds chrome wheels, heated front seats, power passenger seat, automatic headlamps, automatic temperature control, Sirius Satellite Radio and electronic vehicle information center. AWD is available ($32,120) and again upgrades the automatic transmission from four speeds to five.

The 300C brings the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 mated to the five-speed automatic with AutoStick, in both rear-wheel ($33,725) and all-wheel-drive ($35,050) versions. Also standard are 18-inch chrome wheels, dual exhaust, projector low-beam headlamps, a premium leather interior and, new for 2006, power adjustable pedals. It gets 17/25 mpg on 89 octane recommended (87 acceptable). It also has bigger and more powerful front brakes, because the engine is some 300 pounds heavier than the V6, and the car is considerably faster. The Hemi engine was brutally tested by Chrysler engineers, and is covered by Chrysler's 7-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 300C Heritage Edition (price NA) features SmartBeam intelligent headlamps (which automatically adjust brightness for driving conditions), a 368-watt Boston Acoustics stereo, and additional exterior chrome.

The SRT8 ($39,920) tops the 300 pecking order. This is a true high-performance sedan, in the mode of BMW's M models or Mercedes' AMG brand, and it features loads of performance tweaks, unique design features and most of the luxury gear. The SRT8's centerpiece is a 425-hp, 6.1-liter Hemi V8.

Stand-alone options include front and rear curtain airbags, Boston Acoustics premium sound system, air filtration, ultrasonic rear object detection, self-sealing tires, hands-free cellphone capability, power adjustable pedals, premium sound system, GPS Navigation system, SIRIUS satellite radio, sunroof, walnut interior accents and Xenon high-intensity headlamps. Higher-level models can be ordered with a DVD entertainment system integrated into the center console. Next Page


2006 Chrysler 300