2011 Chrysler 200

What's New for 2011

The 2011 Chrysler 200 is a new nameplate, though technically it's a refreshed version of last year's Chrysler Sebring. The heavy makeover includes updated exterior styling, a vastly improved passenger cabin, a new 3.6-liter V6 engine and retuned suspension and steering.

Introduction

Name changes can often be a precursor to future success. Elton John, for instance, began his meteoric rise only after he left behind his given name: Reginald Dwight. Norma Jeane Baker? That'd be Marilyn Monroe. Then again, the Washington Wizards are still just as mediocre as they were when they were called the Bullets. So that leaves some uncertainly when discussing the 2011 Chrysler 200, a car formerly known as Sebring.

We haven't been very fond of the latest-generation Sebring, finding fault with its underperforming engines, cost-cutting interior and rental-car stigma. With that reputation in mind, we can hardly blame Chrysler for wanting to move on, too. The 200 isn't a full redesign, but this midsize family sedan does benefit from a substantial makeover that has resulted in a much more competitive and desirable model.

Though the 200's exterior styling retains the Sebring's basic form, new sheet metal from the front doors forward plus nicely redone front and rear fascias with LED daytime running lights and taillights give the car a more sophisticated look. A subtly lowered ride height, wider track and available 18-inch alloy wheels also give it a somewhat sportier stance.

These relatively modest exterior changes cover more substantial upgrades under the hood and inside the cabin. The Sebring's adequate but somewhat unrefined 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is still standard on most trim levels, but the new 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 is noticeably more robust than the outgoing model's V6. Completely reworked suspension bits and steering make the 200 more satisfying to drive. And in place of the Sebring's low-budget rental car cabin is a nicer interior with higher-quality materials and a classier dash design, but most competitors remain better in many respects.

Overall, the 2011 Chrysler 200's makeover is impressive considering where the Sebring started. There's some value here, too, as the convertible is the only roomy four-seater in its price range, and both convertible and sedan offer a lot of features for the money. That said, the 200 sedan still faces a class chock full of talent. In addition to ever-popular choices like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, there are top picks like the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6 and Suzuki Kizashi. Many of these models continue to hold advantages in fuel economy, styling, interior room and reputation for reliability.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Chrysler 200 is offered as a midsize sedan and convertible. Both are offered in four trim levels.

The entry-level LX model comes equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, a four-speed automatic transmission, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.

The Touring model adds some desirable extras including 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speed automatic, automatic headlights, a power driver seat, automatic climate control, a trip computer, upgraded interior lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

Opting for the plush Limited version will get you 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote ignition, Bluetooth and a premium sound system with a touchscreen interface, voice controls and digital music storage. Most of these features are available on the Touring. A sunroof and a Garmin-based navigation system with Sirius Travel Link data service are optional.

A sporty S trim level (delayed introduction) is essentially a Limited with even more standard features including the V6 engine, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, sport front seats with suedelike inserts and upgraded audio with Boston Acoustics speakers. The sunroof and navigation system are again optional. For the 200 convertible, Chrysler offers either a conventional power-operated soft top or a retractable steel hardtop.

Powertrains and Performance

The front-wheel-drive 2011 Chrysler 200 offers a choice of two engines. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder comes standard on all trim levels except the S and puts out 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. The 3.6-liter V6, which is standard on the S and available as an option on all but the entry-level LX, puts out a healthy 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

The LX gets a four-speed automatic transmission, while the rest of the lineup features a six-speed automatic. A new dual-clutch six-speed automatic, which promises better performance and fuel economy, will be available on four-cylinder models later in the model year.

Current EPA fuel estimates are 20 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 24 combined for the four-cylinder with the six-speed automatic. The V6 earns a 19/29/22 mpg rating.

Safety

The 2011 Chrysler 200 comes with a long list of standard safety features including stability and traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the 200 sedan scored the top rating of "Good" in all the agency's tests  which include frontal offset, side impact and roof strength. The convertible also scored "Good" in the frontal-offset and side impact tests (no roof strength test was done).

Interior Design and Special Features

The Chrysler 200's design team did a remarkable job transforming the Sebring's low-rent interior into something that can now hold its own against its midsize sedan competitors. The general dash design and control layout are pretty much the same as before, but because the materials are substantially better, the overall ambience is greatly improved. However, "holding its own" does not equal class leader, and competitors like the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima have more attractive and better-built cabins with smarter stereo/electronics interfaces.

The actual dimensions of the passenger cabin haven't changed, so the 200/Sebring continues to feel a bit cramped for taller drivers. Passenger space is acceptable but several competitors are roomier. The 13.6-cubic-foot trunk is a little on the small side compared to other midsize sedans.

Driving Impressions

While not as immediately apparent as the appearance makeover, the mechanical changes made to the 2011 Chrysler 200 have also contributed greatly to the car's metamorphosis. A number of suspension tweaks have made a dramatic improvement in the car's handling, though the recalibrated steering still feels as if it's a few steps behind the wheels. The ride quality is now slightly firmer compared to the Sebring's super-cushy suspension tuning, but it's far from objectionable.

Performance with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder is still largely unimpressive, though we suspect it will be adequate for many buyers' needs, especially when it's mated to the six-speed automatic transmission. With 110 hp more than the four-cylinder, the new 3.6-liter V6 is quite energetic, delivering strong acceleration without a tremendous sacrifice in fuel economy.