Editors' Page: 2013 Chrysler 200

It's Hard to Stand Out in This Crowd — Really Hard

The Chrysler 200 is a perfectly capable, but emotionally unavailable 4-door. More than a misunderstanding, the 200's appeal isn't about to stretch far beyond the realm of folks who "really, really want one." The lack of braggable fuel economy, knee-weakening good looks, a luxury interior, sport-sedan handling, a hybrid or all-wheel drive option, or anything else that would go towards adding character and street cred makes the Chrysler 200 a hard sell in the increasingly competitive midsize sedan segment. It looks good on paper, with pricing that slips beneath its competition, a roomy interior, and one of the most powerful V6 engines in the segment -- 283 horsepower will get you home quick -- but it has a difficult time connecting with buyers. The fact that it's competing against crowd favorites like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, plus new stars like the Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion, only makes it worse.

Driving It

Our review of the 2013 Chrysler 200 opens the door for you to choose the 200, as long as you make sure you choose the right 200: "From the point of view of a driving enthusiast, the 2013 Chrysler 200 midsize sedan might be the biggest surprise of the year. Its 3.6-liter V6 has impressive power reserves that allow the 200 to rocket from zero to 60 mph in just over six seconds, and to merge and pass with supreme confidence. Smooth, quiet and surprisingly fuel-efficient, the V6 is a far better choice than the buzzy 2.4-liter 4-cylinder."

And Now For Something Completely Drafty: The Chrysler 200 Convertible

When we said there was little in the Chrysler 200's character to make it stand out in a crowd, we left out one kicker: The 200 also comes as a convertible. It's a 2-door affair, and a pretty conventional drop-top in all ways but one: It's available with a retractable hardtop. That's the quietest, most secure kind of convertible, and it's enough to make a Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro convertible shopper experience a tiny bit of that guilt caused by hesitation.

This Just In: There's a New Chrysler 200 Coming

After a less than lukewarm reception from the media and despite a warm reception from customers, the current Chrysler 200 is at the end of its road. The 2015 Chrysler 200 will start production early in 2014 and the word on the street is that there will be very little tethering it to the current model. It's expected to possess a completely new look and ride on a version of the European Alfa Romeo-derived platform that the current Dodge Dart and soon-to-be-released new Jeep Cherokee are playing on.

It's a Buyer's Market For Chrysler 200 Buyers

If there was ever an insanely good time to get a new Chrysler 200 sedan, that time is now. With a little effort, you should be able to find a lease deal on a 200 Limited model -- V6 power with a 6-speed automatic transmission, leather, premium Boston Acoustics audio, the whole nine yards -- for under $200 a month. 200 for a 200 -- it's got a nice ring to it. And if you're looking to buy instead of lease, the Chrysler 200 incentives river is overflowing. For more on this, head over to our Chrysler 200 pricing area.

See the Chrysler 200 in Action: Watch the Video

You say you're a visual person? Perfect. We've got the definitive Chrysler 200 video for you to see.

Pick me! No! Pick me! et cetera.

With so many great midsize sedans to choose from, how can you be sure that the Chrysler 200 is the "just right" car for you? Check out Peace of Mind Central, also known as our 2013-2014 Midsize Sedans page. This page is a blessing for midsize sedan buyers, allowing you to explore the advantages and disadvantages of each model on your shopping list, and helping you to narrow your choices and boost your confidence.