2006 Chrysler 300 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 Chrysler 300?
All 2006 Chrysler 300 sedans get a standard tire pressure monitoring system, a cruise-on indicator in the gauge cluster, and an auxiliary audio jack. Touring models get a new machined-finish wheel as standard, while a new option package on the 300 Touring includes an eight-way power passenger's seat, heated front seats, and express up/down windows. All Chrysler 300s except the Base can be ordered with a DVD entertainment system that pops up from the center console and can be viewed by rear seat passengers. Buyers of the 300 SRT-8 get to learn how to handle all 425 horses at the SRT Track Experience, and can opt for a new Kicker SRT High Performance Audio system with 13 speakers, a 322-watt amp, and a 100-watt subwoofer. Silver Steel Metallic paint is also new for the SRT-8, while other 300s can be coated in Linen Gold paint from last year's Signature Series. Deep Lava Red is discontinued for 2006.

Advantages of the 2006 Chrysler 300:

• Muscular 5.7 Hemi V8 in the 300C model
• Spacious, upscale interior
• Generous trunk
• Available all-wheel-drive
• Optional Boston Acoustics sound system
• Optional voice-operated, DVD-based navigation system

Objections to the 2006 Chrysler 300:

• Wimpy base 2.7-liter V6 engine
• Fuel-thirsty V8
• Disconnected steering
• No handling champ

Editor's Advice:
In 1955, a new Chrysler stylist, Virgil Exner, radically redesigned the automaker’s line of vehicles, creating the now famous "Forward Look" of simple and strong designs that looked as though they were traveling fast, even while standing still. The backbone of the line was the C-300, fitted with a 331 cubic-inch Hemi V8. History now repeats itself in the Chrysler 300 series, with bold styling, spacious interiors and optional Hemi muscle. True to its heritage, the 300 marries commanding powertrains, luxurious appointments, and solid handling, all wrapped in a dynamic and contemporary, forward-looking shell.