There is much to be desired in the 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan. Though many liked its V6 engine and other accoutrements such as the audio system and climate control, they felt that this midsize car’s flaws outweighed its good points.
The sedan comes in four trims, the LX, Touring, Limited and S. The convertible has three trims: the Touring, the Limited and the S. The convertible also gives drivers a choice of a fabric or a hard top that is retractable. Both sedan and convertible are unchanged from the 2011 versions.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $18,995.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 gallons (64l) | MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy |
| Length: 191.7 in. (486.9 cm) | Wheel Base: 108.9 in. (276.6 cm) |
| Height: 54.9 in. (139.4 cm) | Width: 72.5 in. (184.1 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3402 lbs (1543 kg) | Ground Clearance: 6.1 in. (15.4 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 13.6 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: I4 DOHC Dual VVT | Displacement: 2.4 Liter cc |
| Horsepower: 173 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic |
| Option:Touring | MSRP: $21,565; MPG: 20 city / 31 hwy |
| Option:Limited | MSRP: $24,685; MPG: 20 city / 31 hwy |
| Option:200 S 3.6L V6 | MSRP: $26,980; MPG: 19 city / 29 hwy |
Engine
The 2012 200 has a V6 engine which some appreciate for its power, though many found the torque steer and the four speed automatic transmission off-putting. The front wheel drive 200 come with two engine options.
The base has a 4 cylinder, 2.4 liter that delivers 173 horsepower, with an option of a six speed automatic transmission. Reviewers found this engine a bit boring. You have the option to choose a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 engine that has 283 horsepower and comes with a six speed automatic transmission. Overall, the 200 gets around 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Performance
Many liked the way the car handled, though some claim that it actually pulls to the side when they stepped hard on the gas. On the other hand, reviewers said that the car was nimble because of its suspension.
Exterior
Reviewers liked the car’s soft, feminine silhouette.
Interior
The lack of ample space on the inside is the reason the 200 received lackluster scores. The 200’s interior seems to be much smaller than the interior of other midsize cars. It is not a comfortable car to sit in, for driver or passengers.
The seats also felt thin to many reviewers. Reviews of the interior trim were mixed. Some test drivers thought the trim was pleasing while others thought it looked cheap. The trunk holds 13.6 cubic feet of cargo and again, is small for its class, though serviceable.
Safety
The 2012 200 received good safety scores from the federal government and was a top safety pick for other institutions that test for car safety.
Reliability
J.D. Power gave the 200 a 3.0 out of 5 reliability score. The car has a standard warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain has a warranty of five years or 100,000 miles.
Pros
Reviewers liked the way the car handled and its smooth engine. They also liked its sleek looks.
Cons
The 2012 Chrysler 200’s interior was so cramped and uncomfortable for a midsize car. The trunk is also bewilderingly small for the car’s size. The torque steer that came with the V6 engine did not impress many.
Competition
Comparable cars that faired better with reviewers were the Chevrolet Malibu LS (MSRP $22,110; 22 city / 33 hwy) and the Ford Fusion S (MSRP $20,705; 22 city / 32 hwy). Test drivers liked the Malibu’s trunk space, while the Fusion has an edge in fuel economy. The Chrysler 200 seems to be a car for people who want to get to work, or the store, or the school and back.
Overall Rating
61 out of 100
What others say:
“The Chrysler 200 sedan is surprisingly spacious, quiet, and comfortable; meanwhile, the tight-fitting rear seats in the Convertible offer a bit more space than the competition.”Car Connection
“Not exceptional, but not a dullard either. Steering feel is fine, and body control in turns is decent. The brake pedal on one test car had a slightly mushy feel, but it stopped straight and true.”Consumer Guide
“The 200 is an aging design that is uncompetitive among family sedans. On the plus side, the ride is compliant and the optional V6 is strong and smooth.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Beyond all the visible improvements over the Sebring, the 2012 Chrysler 200 shines most brightly in the way it drives.”KBB
“The 2012 Chrysler 200 convertible is a good, spacious choice among midsize drop tops, but its 200 sedan sibling faces tougher competition and is thus less appealing.”Edmunds
