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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Chrysler 200

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

Overview

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2012 Chrysler 200 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.7

In what must be one of the most ambitious model overhauls in Chrysler's long and rocky history, the company updated or completely remade its entire model line in the last year, including its Dodge and Jeep divisions. Such massive change in a short time is impressive, and none was more in need than the dowdy Chrysler Sebring sedan. Given a new look, a new interior and a new name, the 2012 Chrysler 200 is a far more competent competitor in the midsize sedan class, and no longer feels like a car one would only rent but not buy. Still, its greatest virtue might be its combination of a premium ambiance and respectable performance in a crowd of mainstream cars like the Accord, Camry and Sonata.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a mid-size sedan with a stylish and well-appointed interior, a powerful V6 engine and a decidedly European driving attitude, the 2012 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 in the Nissan Altima or even larger Hyundai Sonata. The 200's base price may look appealing, but start to add options and the price tag quickly pushes past the $25,000 mark.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

5.7
Driving Dynamics

5.8
Comfort & Convenience

6.6
Design: Interior & Exterior

5.6
Value

5.8
Safety

8.0

How It Ranks

#21

out of 25

MPG

#7

out of 25

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.1 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

While the 2012 Chrysler 200's Sebring roots are still evident in its profile, it's a new experience from the driver's seat. The front-wheel drive sedan's strong 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 nearly matches the efficiency of the entry 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, handling is crisp, and the cabin offers a premium feel. After such a drastic transformation for 2011, little is changed for 2012.

Driving the 200

2012 Chrysler 200 Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Beyond all the visible improvements over the Sebring, the 2012 Chrysler 200 shines most brightly in the way it drives. Equipped with Chrysler's latest 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, the 200 can...

rocket to highway speeds or pass slow traffic with confidence. Smooth, quiet and surprisingly fuel-efficient, the V6 is a far better choice than the buzzy 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Chrysler spent considerable cash revamping the 200's suspension, and it was money invested well. The 200 drives beautifully, corners with enthusiasm, 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 required little input to keep the car on course, and uneven or grooved pavement did not upset its manners. The styling and finish of the 200 are no mere window dressings on the old Sebring. This is a far better car.

Favorite Features

New Suspension
Where the old Sebring drove like a softly sprung rental car, the 200's revamped suspension and steering 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.

2012 Chrysler 200 Details

2012 Chrysler 200 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Goodbye, sow's ear; hello, silk purse. The Sebring's hard plastic finishes and dowdy colors are replaced by deep blacks, rich browns and warm tans. Sweeping, richly textured, soft-touch surfaces display fewer seams but more chrome and metallic trim, elevating the 200's cabin to business class if not first. Layered trim replaces unsightly gaps, and instrumentation combines modern function with classic style. Both cloth and leather seats are well-tailored, but rear legroom is tight if the front seats are adjusted for six-footers. A driver's lumbar adjuster and split-folding rear seatbacks are standard on every model. Noise insulation is admirable; great for Bluetooth users.

Exterior

Forget the awkward Sebring and its grooved hood. The 200, as its name implies, looks more like a junior Chrysler 300, with LED-accented headlights flanking the new corporate grille. Around back, a thin chrome crossbar bridges slim wraparound taillights. Chrome details are generous but tasteful, and 17- and 18-inch wheels add to its premium presence. The 200 sits lower than the Sebring, for a more aggressive stance, and Chrysler even took pains to conceal the more unsightly underpinnings visible on the Sebring. The overall effect is a car that went to finishing school rather than being rushed to market.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The entry-level Chrysler 200 LX features a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 4-speed automatic transmission, power windows, mirrors and locks, keyless entry and remote trunk release, heated side mirrors, 17-inch wheel covers, manual air conditioning with filtration, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, driver's-seat manual lumbar support and height adjustment, and an AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatible CD player and an auxiliary audio input jack. Instruments feature LED lighting, an outside temperature display and an analog clock. Standard safety features include 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control, front-seat side-impact airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

Above the 200 LX, the three remaining trims are the Touring, Limited and S, all of which include a 6-speed automatic transmission, aluminum-alloy wheels, automatic on/off headlights, 8-way power driver's seat, SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The luxury-oriented Limited adds leather, heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, touch-screen audio system with a hard drive (though navigation is optional on all but the LX), foglights, remote start and Chrysler's UConnect hands-free phone setup. The 200 S upgrades the Limited features with the V6 standard, along with Boston Acoustics audio and sportier trim inside and out, including suede seating inserts.

Under the Hood

Chrysler's 2.4-liter 4-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 6-speed transmission, this engine can move the 200 briskly and promises fuel economy near the top of its class. If you can pony up the extra $1,750, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is the engine to have. Smooth, potent and nearly as efficient, it turns the 200 from a sleeper to a keeper.

2.4-liter in-line 4
173 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
166 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 (4-speed automatic), 20/31 (6-speed automatic)

3.6-liter V6
283 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Chrysler 200 LX carries a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just under $19,000, less than in 2011. The 200 Touring bumps the price to just over $21,370, while a fully loaded V6 Limited or 200 S can easily exceed $28,000. Compare the base Volkswagen Jetta at just over $17,500 or the roomier Honda Accord LX at about $22,000 (both with automatic transmission) and the 200 now seems in line. To make your best deal on a new 200, be sure to check the Kelley Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. As for resale, we think the new 200 will do a little better than its Sebring predecessor, meaning its 5-year resale values will likely remain on the lower end of the category, lower than the Chevrolet Cruze and Hyundai Elantra, and much lower than the Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

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2012 Chrysler 200 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Based on 63 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

8.6/10

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."

3 people out of 4 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!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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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 63 reviews