subject: From Not So Good To Not So Bad [print this page] PLAIN, ordinary and uninteresting were core competencies of the old Chrysler Corporation. From Harry Trumans 1941 Chrysler Windsor, through four decades of the nearly indestructible Slant Six engine and on to, yes, the boring front-drive K-Cars of the 1980s, Chrysler delivered plain, affordable transportation for plain, budget-conscious people who saw that as a virtue. The Chrysler 200 sedan is in keeping with that tradition.
The 200s name is new, but the car under it is a remodeled version of the front-drive Sebring sedan introduced for the 2007 model year. It is also closely related to the Dodge Avenger.
The 200 sedan shares its name and many mechanical components but no body panels with the 200 Convertible.
The 200 is essentially unchanged for the 2012 model year.
Whereas the Sebring sedan was both awkwardly shaped and cheaply decorated, the new 200 is merely awkward and tastefully decorated. An elegantly sculptured grille, jewellike headlights, restrained chrome accents and LED-packed taillights are almost enough to overcome the goofy greenhouse and dopey, foreshortened tail. Almost.
Even better is the new interior, replacing the Sebrings sharp, mismatched edges with a gently curved dash and door panels, elegant satin finish trim and switches that work with near precision. The seats are even shaped for near comfort. And in the Limited model that I tested, the seat leather felt nearly like leather.
The 200 Limited drives better, too. The standard engine is a new 2.4-liter 4, lashed to an archaic 4-speed automatic transaxle, that you will experience the next time you rent a 200 at Thrifty. The Limited I drove was equipped with Chryslers new dual-overhead-cam, 24-valve V-6. This engine, called the Pentastar, is mated to a 6-speed automatic that can be shifted manually.
The new aluminum Chrysler V-6 runs a variable-valve-timing system and delivers its power in a seamless ribbon.
In sum, it runs virtually the same as the V-6 engines in all of the 200s direct competitors. Thats no bad thing, but it doesnt distinguish the 200, either.
The general design of the chassis and the all-independent suspension struts in front and many links in back comes straight from the Sebring, but it has been retuned for better handling and a smoother ride. The rack-and-pinion steering uses an old-school hydraulic power-assist system which, compared with the energy-efficient electric steering in many new cars, offers superior feedback and feel.
Throw in broad-shouldered 18-inch Goodyear Eagle LS2 radial tires and the 200 Limited is nimble and drivable, more direct than, say, the Hyundai Sonata, with a ride thats more supple than that of the Honda Accord.
According to InsideLine.com, the 200 Limited V-6 will run from 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds at 92.5 mph. Thats competitive, though short of startling.
The mileage ratings, around 30 m.p.g. on the highway, are roughly comparable with competitive models like the Accord.
The Sebring was so lackluster that it is astonishing that the derivative 200 achieves adequacy. Virtually all of the unexciting competition in the midsize sedan class, which broadly includes everything from the Kia Optima and Nissan Altima to the Lexus ES 350 and Mercedes C-Class, is either slightly or much better than Chryslers contender.
In compensation, however, Chrysler vehicles usually carry big factory incentives. And according to Consumer Reports, the 200s well-above-average reliability is one reason Chrysler is now considered the most reliable domestic manufacturer.
Overall, the LED lights are widely used most new cars such as LED Dome Lights, LED Daytime Running Lights, and will come out with even more innovation in the future.
