My first introduction to the all-new Chrysler 200 (formerly the Sebring) was during the Super Bowl with Eminem's "imported from Detroit" commercial. The hip beat. The slick camera angles. I'll admit, I was drawn in. I was intrigued -- and more than a little excited to see what Chrysler had up its sleeve.
The first time I saw it in person was at the Chicago Auto Show last February. After doing a little circle on the floor, I was perplexed. The actual product didn't quite deliver on the promise. My reaction was, well, hmmmm.
It looked like a Sebring. With perhaps a little more bling. I don't know what exactly I expected, but it wasn't quite that. And when some of the first reviews from my colleagues came out, they weren't great.
So, it was with much anticipation that I finally got behind the wheel. I have to tell you: It's not that bad.
One of my colleagues from Detroit called it a "dog" and implored readers to go buy a Toyota Camry instead. Ouch. I wouldn't say either of those things. I will say, however, that the 200 is "fine" and that if you're looking at a Camry, the 200 is worth a test drive as well. But so are Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima -- and those two upstarts are clear winners in this traditionally vanilla segment.
So, what did Chrysler do right? They smoothed out some of the lines and gave the car that is often synonymous with a rental a much more up-scale feel. I love the taillights that wrap around the hind quarters and are filled with LED bulbs. The chiseled hoodlines, the dual exhaust, the chrome accents all combine to create a much improved profile.
The interior fit and finish has been glammed up, too. The black lacquer insert on the center stack of the Limited test car ($24,495) was shiny and pretty, and the leather seats were plush and comfortable. I really like the Chrysler tech features included in the optional Media Center 730N package: Uconnect works seamlessly, Sirius Traffic was helpful and the navigation system itself was easy to use and understand.
The test vehicle was stacked with pretty much every option and still managed to stay under $30K with an as tested price of $28,505. Another point in this car's favor.
I have to say, where I hated pretty much everything about the Sebring -- such that I wouldn't even write the review -- I found a lot that I liked about the new 200.
But ... (Insert forlorn sigh).
I do have to admit I had hoped Chrysler would take this a little further. They changed the name, shook up the design a little and created a damn good commercial, but you can still see the Sebring in the new 200. The shape is still the same; the interior, while upscale, is still a little blah.
And the engine -- well, I less than loved it.
I had the 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine that delivers 283 horsepower. That's a pretty nice number, but I have to say it felt more like 183 than 283. There just wasn't enough get-up-and-go for me. So, it was "fine," but not what I would expect from a brand that produces an icon like the Hemi. I hate to think what the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is like at 173 horsepower.
Interestingly, I've tested this same Pentastar engine in the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Dodge Durango, and it didn't disappoint like it did in the 200. I actually liked it in both of those vehicles. So, I have to assume the power equation has more to do with the 4-speed automatic than the engine itself. Durango has a 5-speed automatic and the Grand Caravan has a 6-speed.
Ride and handling was also "fine" -- nothing spectacular, but nothing particularly less than any other competitor in the vanilla field.
I'm hoping that this name switch will follow the route of the Ford 500: Change the name, make a few updates, then wow people with a complete and stunning redesign. Fingers crossed. Perhaps something a little closer to big bro 300? I'm just saying ...
I didn't not like the new 200. It has good value for the money (base price at $19K), and it has some nice up-level features without a huge premium. Ride and drive is OK. It's nothing special, but I wouldn't have a problem parallel parking it on a Chicago street during a blizzard either. So, while I didn't love the 200, I didn't not like it either.
Plus, I think Chrylser has a few more cards up its sleeve, and I think the 200 is going to be one to watch.
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