Chrysler 200 Review

Size really does matter, and no car proved that better than the Chrysler 200. The original version of the 200 sedan was unremarkable, unlike the convertible version, which was much more likable. The sedan's second and final iteration was a great improvement: a compelling vehicle that offered great crash test scores, an excellent infotainment system and, if properly equipped, great driving dynamics and an upscale interior. What the Chrysler 200 lacked, however, was space. It was smaller than its rivals, offering less backseat and trunk space, thereby flunking the family-vehicle test. That's what ultimately doomed the 200.

Used Chrysler 200 Models
Chrysler sold the second-generation 200 from 2015 to 2017. Chrysler completely redesigned the sedan but unfortunately dropped the convertible. The second-generation 200 featured striking exterior styling, an upscale cabin and one of our favorite infotainment systems. It was similar in size to the outgoing 200, however, which meant it offered less backseat and trunk space than most of its competitors.

Power choices included a 184-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a 295-hp V6, the latter making it one of the most powerful midsize sedans on the market. Chrysler offered the redesigned 200 with front- or all-wheel-drive, and the sport-themed 200S model got a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system that made it quite the thrilling ride.

Chrysler offered the second-generation 200 in LX, Limited, 200S and 200C trims. LX models were fairly basic rental-car versions. The Limited offered more interesting features, such as alloy wheels and a better stereo, as well as a long list of options.

From here, the model lineup diverged: The 200S was the sporty version with a stiffer suspension tuned for better handling. The 200C was the luxury version with standard leather and a power-adjustable passenger seat. Chrysler added a 90th Anniversary Package to the Limited in 2016. In 2017, Chrysler expanded the 200 offerings with a leather-lined Limited Platinum model and a top-of-the-range 200C Platinum. Aside from the growing lineup, there were no significant changes throughout the model run.

The second-generation Chrysler 200 did well in Edmunds testing. We found it to be comfortable, well-appointed and surprisingly upscale. We preferred the V6 engine over the base four-cylinder: It offered sharp acceleration with little fuel economy penalty. The 200?s biggest drawback was interior space: The back seat and trunk were significantly smaller than those in the 200's midsize rivals. If the 200 had only been a little bigger, it could have been a much more successful vehicle.

The first-generation 200 made its debut for the 2011 model year as a renamed and greatly improved version of the Chrysler Sebring. Though most critics would regard the outgoing Sebring as the worst car in its class, the new 200 showed that redemption was possible. With its completely revised interior, a new V6 engine and improved tuning for the steering and suspension, the 200 was a huge improvement over the Sebring, though it still trailed the competitors in cabin space. The convertible was a bonus.

Chrysler originally offered the 200 in LX, Limited, Touring and 200S models, with equipment levels ranging from plain to plush. All featured air conditioning, power accessories, cruise control and an automatic transmission. For 2013, Chrysler dropped the 200S sedan and LX convertible from the lineup. Otherwise, there were no major changes until the first-generation 200 wrapped up its run in 2014.

In Edmunds testing, we found the first-generation 200 sedan to be surprisingly agreeable. We liked the comfortable ride, accurate handling and nicely trimmed interior. The four-cylinder engine was behind the curve in both power and fuel economy, but the V6 was a sparkling performer that didn't use much more fuel than the four-cylinder. But backseat space trailed the competition, and that put the 200 sedan in the back of the pack. We liked the 200 convertible quite a bit more. It was one of the few convertibles on the market with adequate space for four adults. Good trunk space and the option of both hard and soft convertible tops made it a much more compelling and practical drop-top than its rivals.

Read the most recent 2017 Chrysler 200 review.

If you are looking for older years, visit our used Chrysler 200 page.

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