   2011 Chrysler 200 Limited, 2012 Chrysler 200S convertible, 2013 Chrysler 200S. Click image to enlarge |
Review by Justin Pritchard
Vehicle Type: Mid-size Sedan / Convertible
History/Description: Since its redesign for model year 2011, the Chrysler Sebring, er, 200, gained more comfort, better handling, more features, a more upscale interior and more power, all while maintaining a high-value approach to delivering a four-door family sedan or two-door, family-ready convertible.
Appealing largely on equipment and performance levels relative to its price, the redesigned 200 sold from 2011 to 2014 inclusive and has now been replaced by an all-new model that’s gearing up for launch.
Look for feature content including automatic climate control, Bluetooth, motorized heated leather seats, a touchscreen navigation system, LED cabin lighting, an optional Boston Acoustics stereo system, USB connectivity and hard-drive audio storage for ripping your CD collection directly into the stereo for future use.
Engines / Trim: The 200 was offered numerous variants with a model range that offered up plenty of selection. Shoppers can look for four-door sedan or two-door convertible models, numerous top-options for the latter, and four or six-cylinder power all around. Nomenclature saw the ‘LX’ badge applied to entry-level models, with ‘Touring’ and ‘Limited’ versions ascending the trim-grade ladder. A special 200 S model launched later in the model’s life too – offering unique and exclusive visual treatments and interior upgrades.
Engine options included a 2.4 litre four-cylinder unit with 173 horsepower, teamed to a four-speed automatic, or Chrysler’s new Pentastar 3.6 litre V6, tuned here for horsepower approaching the 300 mark and paired with a six-speed automatic. This one’s a rocket.
What Owners Like: Good overall bang for the buck, a comfortable ride, a potent six-cylinder engine, smooth performance and an upscale feel to the cabin were all reported frequently by Chrysler 200 owners taking to the web to share their stories. Fuel efficiency is also rated well, as is the trunk space, and overall cargo volume with the seats folded.
What Owners Dislike: Typical owner complaints include less-than-adequate performance on models with the four-cylinder engine, as well as a vague and limp feel to the steering system.
Here’ as list of Chrysler 200 owner reviews on autoTRADER.ca.
  2011 Chrysler 200 Limited. Click image to enlarge |
Common Issues: There’s some discussion about the six-speed transmission relating to shift quality and smoothness, particularly with owners debating how ‘smooth’ the transmission should be, and if more abrupt shifts might indicate a problem. Some owners have had their transmissions inspected by Chrysler dealers and been told that a hard or abrupt shift was normal. Others have had the transmission computer reprogrammed with updated software to tweak torque-converter engagement properties for smoother gear changes. If your provide your local Chrysler dealer with the VIN number of the model you’re considering, they’ll be able to tell you if the updated transmission software has been uploaded into the gearbox of the car you’re considering.
In any case, be sure the 200 you’re considering shifts smoothly and consistently, and have the model investigated by a Chrysler mechanic if it doesn’t. Gear shifts may be quick or even abrupt, though if they occur with a bang, or any sound effects, there could be trouble brewing between the front wheels.
   2013 Chrysler 200S. Click image to enlarge |
Confirm proper operation of all on-board electronics, paying close attention to the Bluetooth, steering-wheel mounted audio controls and instrument cluster illumination. Note that a weak or dying battery can cause a slew of electronics related problems in a newer vehicle like this, so be sure to confirm that the battery in the 200 you’re considering isn’t on its last legs.
Next, check out the climate control system. Be sure the air conditioner works, and then check to make sure that you get heat out of the vents on both sides of the cabin when called upon. There’s some discussion about clogged or leaky heater cores being a potential issue on the Chrysler 200 which could negatively affect the 200’s ability to deliver heat in colder months. Other signs of trouble here may include low coolant levels, or the smell of coolant in the car. It’s a sort of sugary, sweet, slightly burned smell, typically. Look for it. With your nose.
   2013 Chrysler 200S. Click image to enlarge |
Some owners have complained of premature brake and tire wear, so be sure to inspect both of these consumable components for condition. If either tires or brakes are worn excessively, be sure to call it into pricing negotiations.
Start a test-drive of a potential used 200 Convertible by looking for water leaks. Some owners have reported some level of water leakage through the roof assembly past its rubber seals so be sure to check carpeting, the roof panels, the area where the roof stores, and even the seats for signs of mold, dampness and standing water. Plugged body drain hoses may also result in leaks.
  2012 Chrysler 200S convertible. Click image to enlarge |
Adjusting the roof panels where possible, ensuring the body drain passages aren’t blocked by dirt and leaves, and lubricating the 200 Convertible’s weather seals, as outlined in the owner’s manual, can be helpful to prevent leaks, too. Taking the vehicle in question to a coin-operated car wash and ‘soaking’ it extensively to check for leaks is advised. And, provided the roof checks out, be sure to maximize its life by using only approved cleaners.
Here’s some more reading on another potential steering-related issue. The gist? If your potential used 200 candidate makes a clicking, popping or thumping noise while you steer at low speeds, or while stopped, the tie rods may need to be replaced. Chrysler issued a technical service bulletin to address this potential issue. Note that bad strut mounts could make a similar sound under similar conditions. So, if you hear something funny while turning the wheel at low speeds, or while stopped, you’ll need to visit a mechanic for further investigation.
Note that a small portion of early 3.6 litre engines from this generation were replaced due to bad cylinder heads, under warranty. This seems to be a problem that’ll occur at low mileage with minimal warning, though it’s unclear how widespread it is on the 200. Further, the issue seems to affect only 2011 and some 2012 models, before a revised cylinder head design fixed the issue. Best defense against this rare but noteworthy issue is to stick to a unit with plenty of factory powertrain warranty remaining.
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The Verdict: The 200’s low used pricing, rocket-propelled V6 variant and decent-looking reliability make it a good candidate for a used bang-for-the-buck sedan or convertible. All common issues listed above should be easy for test-drivers or their mechanics to identify.
Here’s some more reading on the Chrysler 200 from your pals at www.autos.ca.
A list of recalls here.
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): 4/5 Stars
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): Top Safety Pick
