2012 Chrysler 200: Video Road Test and Review

The Chrysler 200 is a four door five passenger compact that serves as an entry into the American automaker’s luxury lineup which is available in either hard top or convertible configurations and four distinct trim levels.

The $18,995 entry level Chrysler 200 LX is powered by a 2.4 Liter four cylinder making 173 HP and 166 lb-ft of torque being fed through a four speed automatic gearbox that is good for 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.  The LX is kept basic with a set of 17 inch wheel covers, but does include some luxuries like a CD/MP3 player with built in audio input specifically designed for mobile devices.

The next level up is the Chrysler 200 Touring, and thanks to a six speed AutoStick transmission, which allows to driver to change gears if he/she desire or let the unit handle swapping cogs automatically, the car is a bit more fun to drive and gets an estimated 20 MPG around town and as much as 31 MPG at cruising speeds. The Touring trim also adds items like a leather wrapped steering wheel, power adjustable driver’s seat as well as a set of 17 inch alloys, all starting at $21,370.

The next rung up the ladder is the Limited, priced at $24,070, this is where things start getting lavish, with a set of 18 inch polished aluminum rims, leather, a CD/DVD/MP3/HDD audio entertainment unit complete with 40 GB hard drive as well as remote start. At the top of the 200 order is the S, which is the only version powered by a 3.6 Liter V6 cranking out 283 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque, once again channeled though a six speed AutoStick box, which when combined are good for 19 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the interstate. On the inside the Chrysler 200 S benefits from a bespoke perforated leather wrapped steering wheel, leather wrapped sport buckets with suede inserts, a 6.5 inch touch screen display that controls a set of Boston Acoustic speakers. While on the outside, the sportier $26,365 Chrysler is instantly recognizable by its signature black finish grill, 18 inch painted wheels and dual exhaust.

A list of similar cars to the Chrysler 200 includes the 2012 Ford Fusion, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Toyota Camry.