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2011 Chrysler 200

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chrysler 200

Overview

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2011 Chrysler 200 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.1

In what has to be one of the most ambitious model overhauls in Chrysler's long and rocky history, the company has revised or completely remade its entire model line including its Dodge and Jeep divisions. Considering where the company was just a year and half ago, this kind of massive retooling is nothing short of miraculous. Of the many models to see an improvement, none was more in need than the dowdy Chrysler Sebring Sedan. Given a new look, a new interior and a whole new name, the Chrysler 200 is a much more competent competitor to such vehicles as the Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Accord, although it remains to be seen if consumers will overlook the still somewhat dated design in favor of the tempting goodness simmering beneath the car's sheet metal.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a mid-size sedan with a lavish interior, a powerful V6 engine and a decidedly European driving attitude, the 2011 Chrysler 200 deserves a nice, long test drive.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Those looking for a roomy rear seat may find more to like from cars like the Nissan Altima or even the larger Hyundai Sonata. The 200's base price may look appealing, but start to add on options and the price tag quickly pushes past the $25,000 mark.

What's Significant About This Car?

Chrysler needs to be a player in the crowded but lucrative mid-size sedan market and with no budget from which to build an all-new model, a major overhaul of its existing player was the company's best option. Although its Sebring roots can plainly be seen in the 200's profile, the new car excels over its predecessor in the areas of acceleration, handling, and interior fit and finish.

Driving the 200

Driving Impressions If the 2011 Chrysler 200 has a super sweet spot, it's in the way the car drives. Equipped with the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine, the 200 can rocket to...

highway speeds or pass slow moving traffic with utter confidence. Smooth, quiet and surprisingly fuel efficient, the V6 is a far better choice than the buzzy 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Chrysler spent a pretty penny revamping the 200's suspension and we can safely say it was money well spent. The car drives beautifully, attacks turns like a piranha let loose in a lobster tank and absorbs bumps without effort. Surprisingly, despite having its 283 horsepower directed through the front wheels, the 200 exhibited little sign of torque steer, even when launched hard from a dead stop. On long stretches of highway, the 200's steering wheel required little input to keep the car from veering off course; even roadway grooves and crowning pavement could deter the 200 from its intended path.

Favorite Features

New Suspension
Where the old Sebring drove like softly sprung rental car, the 200's revised suspension and steering set up place it at the top of its category. It's an unexpected but welcome pleasure.

Garmin Navigation Radio
Chrysler's newest audio units feature mapping by industry leader Garmin. Not only is the system intuitively easy to operate, the large 6.5-inch screen makes it easy for older eyes to navigate the on-screen commands.

2011 Chrysler 200 Details

Interior

If ever there was a case of turning a sow's ear into a silk purse, it's the new 200's interior. Gone are any shades of gray, replaced by deep blacks, rich browns and muted beige tones. The new dash is covered in a single soft touch face, broken only by the hooded instrument cluster and the touch-screen entertainment center. Similarly, the door panels are covered in soft padding and feature layered overlapping panels to create an interior that looks custom made. Chrysler has added plenty of sound deadening material and the effort pays off, as we were easily able to hold a normal conversation at highway speeds, a definite plus for frequent Bluetooth users. About the only drawback we could find is the 200s smallish rear seat. With two six-foot drivers up front, there is almost no leg room in the rear, and the fixed rear head restraints are angled a bit too far forward for our comfort.

Exterior

Working from the old Sebring platform, Chrysler engineers resurfaced the 200 as best they could in a one year time frame, adding a new grille and head lamp treatment inspired by the 2011 Chrysler 300. Around back, slim wrap-around tail lamps flank an elongated winged badge and new bumper; there's also more chrome accents as well as larger and more stylish wheels. The 200 sits lower to the ground than the Sebring, giving it a more hunkered down look. Chrysler even took pains to conceal the car's underpinnings. The exhaust system, for example, is now concealed behind the rear bumper, a vast improvement over the Sebring's clearly visible bright silver setup that looked like an exposed fuel tank when viewed from behind.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The entry-level Chrysler 200 LX features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, power function for the windows, mirrors, locks and trunk lid release, heated side mirrors, 17-inch wheel covers, manual air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, driver's seat manual lumbar support and height adjustment, an AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatible CD player, and an auxiliary audio input jack. Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control, front seat side-impact airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

After the LX, the three remaining trims are the Touring, Limited and S. Within these trims are such available features as a six-speed automatic transmission, fog lamps, a power sunroof, automatic on/off headlamps, automatic air conditioning, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, hard-drive based Garmin navigation radio, SIRIUS Satellite radio, a Boston Acoustic audio package, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine.

Under the Hood

Chrysler's 2.4-liter four-cylinder is not the most refined engine in its class, but with 173 horsepower on tap, it's not the weakest either. When paired with the six-speed transmission, this engine can move the 200 briskly and promises fuel economy near the top of its class. If you can shell up the extra cash, the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 is the engine to have. Smooth, efficient and impossibly potent, it turns the 200 from a sleeper to a keeper.

2.4-liter in-line 4
173 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
166 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/31

3.6-liter V6
283 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chrysler 200 vehicles for sale near you.

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2011 Chrysler 200 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Based on 62 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.2/10

Quality

8.5/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.5/10

Absolutely wonderful car.

By Tigger (FL) on Saturday, April 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I purchased this 200 Limited with all the bells and whistles and is set up like an 300C without the Big Body of the 300C. the 3.6l Engine performs absolutely wonderful, and a overall average 28-30 miles to the gallon. I treavel 30 miles one way to work and get an average 475-500 miles on a tank of gas. We have the leather and heated seats, the wife is in heaven with these seats. I recommend this car for someone who loves to ride in style without the stylish car payment to boot."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Chrysler 200 Hardtop Convertible

By fdillo (CO) on Thursday, April 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,001

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great summer vehicle, Fully loaded w/mopar engine"

Cons: "Needs alignment every 10,000 miles or so"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Wow, where do I start? This car is awesome (Not necessarily for Colorado) but is a great car for summertime pleasures. With its sheek design and slick road abilities this car is the perfect example of the Chrysler empire! I would highley reccomend this vehicle if you want something that keeps its value!"

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Love my car!

By HockeyRocks (IL) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,600

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great price, looks good, fun to drive"

Cons: "Uses a lot of gas for a 4 cylinder"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought this car new about nine months ago and I love it. I went to the dealership to look at a 2012 Jeep Patriot but instantly fell in love with the 200 Limited as soon as I drove it. I test drove the V6, but purchased the 4 cylinder. Looking back I wish I would have got the V6. The 4 is a little slow for my liking and the gas mileage is not any better from the 6 to the 4. This past winter we got a lot of snow and my 200 plowed right through it. For the price you are getting a really good quality car, you can't go wrong with a 200. And all my friends love the look and are always complimenting my car."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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good car bad gas

By Mike (NY) on Saturday, April 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "good lighting inside,"

Cons: "bad gas milage, side mirrors fold manual"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I just bought this car and the gas is horrible. the needle just goes down way to fast. i am so scared of the gas milage on this car. very nice looking car!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great car, so far.

By Russ (CA) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great top up or down cruising. Performance."

Cons: "Could use better seats."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned a black on black, 200 hardtop convertible for about a year. The 200 seems to have the largest interior in its class, top operates well, engine has plenty of power. In fact, too much power at times, it could use a little front suspension tweak to harness the horses when you floor it. I looked at other cars in this price range and since I have two teenage boys, rear leg room is important on occasion. The 200 seemed to fit them better than the Mustang, Camaro and Eos. I think Chrysler should market this car more, I get a lot of positive comments on it daily and for the most part, people want to know who makes it. With the top down there is plenty of space in the trunk for a couple of carry-ons which makes those runs to Vegas fun for my wife and I. With the top up, the cargo capacity is huge. The Autostck transmission is a little slow to react on its own, the manual selection comes in handy on hills. The seats could use a little contouring. The car runs well, gets good mileage, the hardtop is quite and secure for a convertible. It is not a canyon burning handling machine, more of a boulevard cruiser. The Mercedes E class convertible is better, but at twice the price, it isn't twice as good."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love my 200!!!

By Abby (VA) on Friday, March 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Love the classy interior and stylish body!"

Cons: "Not the best gas mileage but fair."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I love my Chrysler 200!!! I have so much leg room when I drive and love my satellite radio, heated seats, and heated mirrors. I have the S package and I turn heads everywhere I go. I would recommend this car to anyone!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 62 reviews