2011 Chrysler 200 Review

2009 was a bad year for the once-famed Detroit giant, Chrysler. It managed to be saved from the clutches of extinction due to its partnership with Fiat and June 2011 saw the Italian manufacturer buy out the remaining US Treasury stake in the American icon. Introductions of important new models were delayed due to the company's cash crunch and bankruptcy. Throughout the process though, Chrysler's engineers were hard at work updating the lineup.

Their efforts have brought a slew of new and redesigned vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Compass, Chrysler 200 and Chrysler 300. Chrysler is banking on the 200 to help it grow sales and market share until an all-new mid-size sedan arrives in a few years.

When Chrysler rolled out its now famous "Imported from Detroit" Superbowl advertisement with Eminem, it scratched many heads for its use of the 200 mid-size sedan. The 200 just didn't seem like a fitting vehicle to represent Chrysler's luxury relaunch.

However, the facts are that the 300 is made in Canada, which would have diluted the impact of the advertisement. The highly-important 200 also needed a boost in name recognition. The attempt clearly worked - the 200 saw a huge boost in traffic and searches following the ad. Mission accomplished. The real question now is if that will translate into long-term sales, which is what Chrysler needs right now. So far the sales numbers are showing a marked improvement over the Sebring.

In combination with the 200 advertisement and the Scott Burgess review controversy, the 200 has seen its share of attention. Chrysler needs this car to be a hit, so it will take all the publicity it can get.

Despite an all-new name intended to ride on the 300's coattails, the 200 isn't all-new. It is a mid-cycle enhancement of the previous Sebring. A pretty significant mid-cycle enhancement, yes, but still an MCE. That means expensive fundamental body components remain the same, such as the roofline, doors and other key points. The 200 has gotten everything else worked over however (the entire front end to the A-pillar is all-new, for instance), in an effort to provide an new appearance.

The 200 looks worlds apart from the ungainly Sebring, exuding a lot more elegance and class. From certain angles it comes across as refined and a bit more upscale than what we see from some competitors, and that is right where it should be placed. Its cause is helped by tasteful chrome accents and LED light-pipe lighting. The lighting really is a nice touch especially at night. The rear-lighting are also LEDs, giving the 200 a thoroughly modern lighting package front and read.

Where the 200 falls short has to do with the fundamentals of the Sebring's design - the roofline and rear-quarter view mainly. The proportions are a bit odd, giving the 200 is a smaller look than other cars in the segment. Overall though, the 200 is classy and inoffensive. It doesn't define a unique look for Chrysler but it is handsome. Park it next to a Sebring and there is no question the changes are impressive.

Perhaps something not often noted with the 200 is the interior's headroom. The roof is very high in proportion to the seats, which gives an interesting feel in the interior; it is definitely something that would be appreciated by the taller folk among us. In the driver's seat the design of the A-pillar sets you back a good distance from the beginning of the hood, making for a commanding driving posture.

One of the biggest criticisms of the Sebring was its interior. The main question is has that been remedied? And the answer is yes, with some caveats. The overall design of the interior has been overhauled to something much more pleasant, and dare we say a bit retro.

The 200's interior design goes for elegance again, with the high-quality analog center clock serving as a focal point. The center stack is constructed in a nice piano-black plastic bordered by a chrome inserts. Panel gaps on the dash are nearly non-existent; the dash now feels like one well put-together piece. Material quality overall has been much improved, while not the best we have seen. There are a few niggles that stick out.

One such thing is the Fisher Price-like gear selector, which is very out of place in the interior. It is poorly constructed and the accompanying indicators flanking the selector are dated carry-overs from the Sebring. Ugh. Curiously, the passenger's rear seat back also lacked a pocket, while the driver's side had one.

Another thing we would have liked to see is cohesiveness in the interior lighting. The LED overhead lighting and gauges are a nice touch, and give off a modern glow versus the unattractive green center stack lighting. These are niggles however; overall the 200's interior definitely moves up to a passable status in the world of mid-size cars.

Our particular tester was equipped with Chrysler's 3.7-liter Pentastar V-6, which makes a very healthy 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine is very smooth and has a refined feel, let down by a bit of a coarse exhaust tone at slow speeds. Given the 200 is front-wheel drive, there is a good amount of understeer under acceleration.

The six is mated to Chrysler's six-speed automatic. It is a bit slow to respond when you really lay on the throttle, with a delay in downshifting that likely inhibits acceleration times. The programming of the transmission underscores the 200's nature though: despite a good amount of power it isn't designed as a go-fast car. According to Chrysler, the suspension was redesigned significantly versus the Sebring, with a lowered ride height meant to improve handling.

Despite this though, the 200 feels unsure when pushed or driven at its limits. Clearly the emphasis is towards a comfort-oriented experience. The 200 has a supple, cushy ride that is insulated from bumps. This carries through to the disconnected steering. Overall the 200 is quiet, and free from rattles. It was quite relaxing actually, and that isn't something that will be in the demerit category for many looking for everyday transportation. It is a bit (just a bit though) more old-style American in its ride experience. For many consumers, that is no bad thing.

There is no doubt about the state of the car industry - competition is at the highest it has ever been, and that is good for consumers. Modern cars have reached a point where differences are becoming harder and harder to find. The 200 clearly offers a good value proposition, checking in at $23,790, offering V-6 power and some nice features.

For us, the question about the 200 has less to do with the car itself and more about where the Chrysler brand itself is going. Its brand message needs to be sorted out. It alternates between trying to pitching itself as a luxury brand and going for the heart of the car market with vehicles like the 200.

Is Chrysler going to be true luxury automaker or instead position itself as mid-market with a luxury twist? We will likely see Chrysler's future direction better displayed in its next-generation of all-new cars? The current models reflect an effort by the company to get its lineup up to par, and by a large measure, that effort has succeeded.

The 200's improvements have netted it consideration status in the mid-size sedan segment. We imagine given its redesigned looks, interior and comfort-focused nature it will find a good many buyers. It is the class-leading mid-size sedan that will turn around Chrysler's fortunes? No. But for those looking for inexpensive and comfortable transportation, the 200 could be the ticket.

2011 Chrysler 200 Specifications

Base price: $21,245Price As Tested: $23,790Body:  4 door mid-size sedanDrivetrain: Front mounted front-wheel driveAccomodations:  Five passengers

Engine: Pentastar V-6Displacement: 3.6-liter Aspiration: NaturalFuel delivery: Port InjectionCompression ratio: Horsepower: 283 Torque: 260

0-60mph: 6.4 secondsTop speed: Electronically-limited to 120 mph1/4 Mile ET: 14.9 sec @ 94 mphEPA fuel mileage estimate: 19 city/29 highwayRecommended fuel: Unleaded mid-grade, 89 octane preferredFuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 gallonsTheoretical Range: 335 miles

Wheelbase: 108.9 inches Length:  191.7 inchesTrack (F/R):  61.7/62.7Width:  72.5 inchesHeight:  58.4 in.Curb weight: 3559 pounds