2012 Chrysler 200

Chrysler 200

            The Chrysler 200 is in its first generation and it looks very promising. The 200 replaces the Sebring and may by itself go a long way toward bolstering this automaker’s reputation.

Styling

            The Chrysler 200 is a stylish car. The front end is elegant with curved lights and nicely proportioned grille. I often find chrome can easily make a car look gaudy but Chrysler put the chrome in all the right places. The tail end of the car is also wonderful, with the taillights on both sides of a tasteful streak of chrome which in my opinion looks fantastic. I also love the inside of the 200; the interior is very simple but from the driver’s seat the seat is eye-candy. The view looks a lot better with the navigation system, but as you should know by now I am a navi fanatic so this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Another thing that I love about the inside of this car is the steering wheel. Not many steering wheels appear as a strong point but the 200’s wheel noticeably is a perfect fit for this car.

Trims

            There are four trims with the 200. The LX, Touring, Limited, and the Sporty S trim. The LX trim is your typical bottom trim. The Website can be a little confusing but don’t be fooled you cannot get a nav in this trim; it is a very basic car. The Touring and the Limited are supposed to be the middle trims, but I would consider Limited as the top. The S trim is Chrysler’s power-packed trim like Dodge’s R/T and they shouldn’t even be compared with the other trims, because the engine is bigger and the price a lot higher.

Power-Train

            There are 2 different engines and three power outlets. The LX trim gets a 2.4 litter I4 with 4speed auto that gives you 173hp. The Touring and Limited get a 2.4 litter I4 with 6speed auto that also gives you 173hp, and the S gets a 3.6 V6 that blesses you with the 283hp

Technology

            The tech in the 200 is great. Thanks to my good friend Jon “JJ” Jones at Dodge of Walnut Creek, California I got a good quick lesson of the Chrysler 200 head unit. It is very responsive and quick to lean. The voice control works very well and I didn’t have to push the button too many times, something Ford needs to work into their system. The map was clear and the words were easy to read from the driver’s seat. All in all, the unit is a dream to work with and I would defiantly include it in my 200. One thing that the 200 lacks relative to its competition is push-button start so if you are in the market for the 200 I hope it’s something you could live without.

Driving Aspects

            Going into my 200 experience I was a thinking that the 200 was just a pretty Sebring but when your foot hits that pedal and you turn that wheel the thought quickly changes. The 200 is about “200” times better than the Sebring. Getting into the car was quite easy with a good amount of head room and seat maneuverability. It did take me a while to get adjusted to the seats but when I did it was quite comfortable. The wheel had a good balance of firmness and fit perfectly with the feel of the pedal.  The 200 completely changed my view of Chrysler and by time I was finished driving it, it made me want to buy one. If you are in this class test driving this one is a must.

Purchasing

             Okay so if you have decided that the 200 will be you next car purchase, you are looking at a base of 18,995 for the LX but I would skip this trim and go straight for the Limited trim. In the Limited, the Media Center 730N is a must - it adds the hard-drive for your music and the nav with travel. If you have the extra cash I would definitely go with the sunroof leaving the MSPR about 26,680.






If you have decided that the Chrysler 200 or need information on any other Chrysler Jeep or Dodge give Jon "JJ" Jones a call at Walnut Creek Chrysler Jeep and Dodge and check out their website at http://www.walnutcreekcjdr.com/index.htm