Chrysler 300-300C Honored As Top Car of the Year at 2005 Detroit North American International Auto Show

A panel of journalists at the 2005 Detroit North American International Auto Show honored the Chrysler 300-300C as the top car of the year, outclassing other nominees that included the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang. To be eligible, panelists explained, the cars must be "all new" or "substantially changed" from the previous model release.

Chrysler currently produces the rear-drive 300 sedan, which is called a Chrysler 300C when it includes the optional Hemi engine. "The 2005 Chrysler 300 marked the Chrysler brand's return to a rear-wheel drive, Hemi-powered automobile for the first time in more than a decade. Chrysler has single-handedly reinvented the large, V-8 powered American sedan," stated a panel member. "With its bold looks that are uniquely American, growling Hemi power and enough attitude to cut a rap record on its own, the Chrysler 300C is a bad boy for hipsters and yet with its affordable sticker, V-6 optional engines, appeals to traditional full-size American car buyers."

Since 1994 the jury selection committee, comprised of car and truck journalists representing magazines, newspapers and television, honors a new car and a new truck that it believes has achieved a standard in their sectors in categories including value, innovation, ride, safety and handling. The Ford Escape Hybrid SUV was honored as truck of the year.