Chrysler 200 - something new for 2011

Chrysler 200 - something new for 2011

Chrysler 200 - something new for 2011

It is a fun little car to test drive – an all-new Chrysler 200, but is it a good buy? That is the question. Well, maybe. The Chrysler 200 is not quite all that “new.” It is definitely a redesigned and re-named Sebring. Sebring was just not getting any attention except from car rental companies. It was acceptable to drive, but not much more than that. So the Chrysler engineers have done some major changes. The Sebring, oops – I mean the 200 has not only a new name, but a new interior, a generally new exterior, better suspension, and more sound deadening materials.

So why did Chrysler do all this work on a re-named car? Because the mid-size sedan field of choices is currently offering so much and consumers could not get past the Sebring name. With all the new changes and the new name, perhaps Chrysler will compete effectively in the mid-size sedan arena. It is not a very distinctive looking vehicle, but it certainly has a lot to offer for the money.

The Chrysler 200 has a choice of two power plants. The base engine is the 2.4 liter four cylinder model that produces 173 horsepower. Our test model had the all-new Pentastar 3.6 liter V-6 and it is a good one. It produces 283 horsepower, which more than was adequate for getting down the highway with power to spare. For a mid-size sedan, the V-6 engine is certainly robust in its performance. The base models 200’s are matched with a four speed automatic transmission, but our Limited trim test model had the new six-speed automatic. I am not sure it made a lot of difference, having six speeds over four speeds, since this is still a mid-size sedan and not a sports coupe.

The old Sebring did not have any distinctive exterior character, but this new 200 has even less. It is, simply put, a plain looking, although attractive, sedan. There is not much that sets it apart from other plain-looking sedans other than the badge that says it is a Chrysler 200. The roofline looks the same, but there are some new taillights, rounder headlights, a new slatted grill, and a little bit of chrome, but all-in-all, the car is very anonymous in appearance. The ride height has been moved slightly lower and the track is slightly wider. With the 18 inch alloy wheels (as an option), the looks are somewhat more sporty.

Inside, there is an all-new instrument panel and gauges. The steering wheel is new. The seats have been upgraded with a new design, adding more cushioning material and better coverings. Certainly, the interior helps transform the car into a step-up in elegance and driving sophistication. The interior is definitely classier than the old Sebring and allows the driver and passengers to enjoy the ride.

There are several trim levels, with the base sedan model starting at just $19,995. Our test model was the Limited and offered quite a bit extra, such as heated leather seats, those stylish 18 inch wheels, a 30 GB hard drive stereo system, remote start, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rear-window defroster and a tilt & telescoping, leather-covered steering wheel. The MSRP on our test model was $23,745, and only had a few upgrades. With delivery charges and extras, the bottom sticker price was $27,530.

The Chrysler 200 is EPA rated at 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. I averaged 30 mpg for my week of test driving, although I did not put the pedal-to-the-metal. On the nice-weather days, I slowed down to enjoy the drive and the scenery. On the bad-weather days, I slowed down to avoid any dangerous situations.

The mid-size sedan category of available vehicles has some good choices, and I believe that the new Chrysler 200 can compete well. For the same amount of money, there are so many features and a really nice interior. The drive is confident and it handles well in all driving situations. Maybe it is not a completely new vehicle, but the changes and upgrades are major enough and significant enough that it deserves serious consideration. While the 2011 Chrysler 200 isn't a completely new vehicle, the upgrades here are so significant that we think it's now worthy of midsize sedan buyers' consideration.

If you are looking for a mid-size sedan with a lot of features for the price, check out the new Chrysler 200 at a Chrysler dealership yourself.
By Alan Gell - MyCarData