2006 Chrysler 300c Published 12/22/2005

Professional ball players, musicians and other high profile individuals love their cars. Taking the most expensive vehicle available and adding thousand of dollars worth of rims, chrome and accessories they create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. These are people who live by their image. They can afford the very best and they show off their exclusive cars like women wear diamonds and businessmen strut in custom-made suits. So it shocked me when last year I saw the most affluent of young men trading in high valued sports cars for Chrysler sedans. Hip Hop culture saw dubs and larger wheels being exchanged and a host of highly personal customizations added to what most of us thought would be a really cool family car.

Sure, I was impressed with the stunning looks, room, performance and value of the redesigned Chrysler 300, but how could a Chrysler sedan ever be considered sexy and hip? Well the stories have already been written. In fact Chrysler claims that the 300 received the most awards for any new car in history. The Chrysler 300 was one of the most important new cars of 2005 and the 2006 Chrysler 300 builds on that tradition.

The remarkable aspect of the phenomena is that it was almost impossible to spend $50,000 for even the most extreme Chrysler 300 while entry into the club could be had in the mid $20,000 range.

To appreciate the Chrysler 300 one only has to stand back and admire the perfectly proportioned lines. Short rear deck, high beltline doors and massive grill blends sport car, chopped custom, and rich elegance designs into one complete package. A long hood with short deck always speaks of power and performance. Custom car builders chopped rooflines from the 30's and 40's to produce low and distinctive hot rod looks for their artistic creations. Of course, the massive grills of Bentley and Rolls Royce always evoke visions of dollar signs. The Chrysler 300 is a masterful blend of all three timeless influences with a modern interpretation.

Scoring a touchdown with the interior of the 2005 Chrysler 300, what's left to improve in 2006? Audio and video entertainment systems are hot this year, so look at the new rear entertainment option, playing audio DVDs, Windows Media Audio (WMA), audio CDs, MP3 audio discs and video CDs. Speakers can be segregated from the headphones so that the driver can enjoy one system while the rear seat passengers listen to the center console mounted rear-seat DVD entertainment system through wireless headphones. Rear seat passenger room is enormous and extremely comfortable.

Engine and drive options insure there is just the right 2006 Chrysler 300 to fit every need and pocketbook. Returning to the era of rear wheel drive, the Chrysler 300 returns to the true standard for luxury and high-powered sports cars. Ride and handling is superb. While advances in traction control and balanced weight distribution make this rear wheel drive car perform very well in inclement weather, an All Wheel Drive version is available for ultimate security. Engine choices include two V6 engines, the much-advertised Hemi and the ultimate SRT-8. I have not driven the 190 horsepower 2.7 Liter V6 equipped model but I can tell you the 250 horsepower High Output 3.5 Liter V6 is more than adequate for this vehicle. The 5.7 Liter Hemi will set you back an additional three grand but is worth it if you love power and the Hemi growl. The earth shaking 6.1 Liter Hemi engine producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb. ft of torque powers the ultimate Chrysler 300 SRT-8. Priced slightly over $40K, even the SRT-8 is a bargain for a 425 horsepower luxury cruiser.

With the variety of models, engines and drive trains, the 2006 Chrysler has just the right model for everyone. I know that businesses have made a fortune accessorizing, customizing and personalizing the Chrysler 300 for ball players, musicians and other high-income customers, but truthfully there is very little I would change on the vehicle.

2006 Chrysler 300C AWD

5.7 Liter Hemi Engine
With Multiple Displacement System
345 Horsepower
375 lb. ft. Torque

All Wheel Drive

MSRP as tested $37,646

Additional Web only Information and Resources

For Additional Reviews: