2012 Chrysler 200 Review – The Best Mid-Size Car Of Its Time? (Answered)
The Chrysler 200 was in need of a significant update due to the old Chrysler 200 being fairly bland, having poor handling characteristics, and shoddy materials being used to put together an underwhelming interior.
The new 2012 Chrysler 200 was a huge improvement. It offered a great driving experience, with higher quality materials than the last generation inside that were unmatched in its class. It also had an optional V6 engine that produces more power than any other car in its class. Let’s get into everything you need to know about the 2012 Chrysler 200.
In most cases, winning an uphill battle is not a formula for success, and the 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan finds itself in such a position because it competes against some superb midsize four-doors. Chrysler’s massive overhaul last year improved handling, interior quality, power, and even image.
Comparing the Sebring to vehicles such as the Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Eos, it has a much larger interior and trunk, and it comes equipped with a plethora of options for the money. You may not have many options when it comes to convertibles, but the 200 is a nice one to have on your shortlist. Here is what we found during our in-depth review.
2012 Chrysler 200 Review
A significant improvement over its bland predecessor’s poor handling and shoddy interior, the new 200 offers a pleasurable driving experience and high-quality inside materials that are unmatched in the class. Moreover, the optional 283-horsepower V6 engine produces the highest power in the class while simultaneously delivering decent fuel efficiency.
The 2012 Chrysler 200 is also offered as a convertible, and the 2012 Chrysler 200 convertible receives a more excellent rating than the sedan since the convertible sector is smaller and less competitive than that of the sedan category.
Comparing the Sebring to vehicles such as the Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Eos, it has a much larger interior and trunk, and it comes equipped with a plethora of options for the money.
Choosing a competitive competitor for the 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan would likely be a better decision in this case. A smaller inter and trunk than its competitors and specific in-car technology that are a touch behind the times distinguish the 200 sedan.
Antilock brakes, traction control, active head restraints, and front side airbags are standard equipment on the 2012 Chrysler 200. Side curtain airbags are standard on the sedan, while side airbags positioned in the front seats of the convertible provide head protection.
After coming to a complete stop from 60 mph during brake testing, the 2012 Chrysler 200 Limited sedan took slightly longer than its usual 127 feet to come to a complete stop.
The 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan received the highest possible ” Good ” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the frontal-offset, side-impact, and roof-strength tests.
Driving And Consumption
Every 2012 Chrysler 200, with the exception of the S trim, is equipped a four-cylinder engine that produces 173 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque is standard on the 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Standard on all other versions, the LX is a four-speed automatic transmission, while the six-speed automatic transmission is an option on the LX.
An estimated 21/30/24 mpg city/highway/combined with the four-speed automatic transmission, and 20/31/24 with the six-speed transmission, are all estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the sedan’s fuel economy. The convertible is expected to deliver a 19/29/22 result.
A 3.6-liter V6 engine is an option on the Touring and Limited models and is standard on the 200 S. Automatic transmissions with six speeds are featured as standard equipment in this vehicle.
This engine powered a Limited sedan that ran from zero to sixty miles per hour in 6.9 seconds during the performance tests. A Limited convertible with this equipment took 7.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. Both times are within the range of the class. According to the EPA, both body designs achieve an estimated fuel efficiency of 19/29/22.
2012 Chrysler 200 Interior and Trim
Chrysler’s interior design team did an outstanding job last year in changing the low-rent interior of the old Sebring into something that is now fully competitive in the midsize sedan segment.
Due to the higher materials utilized in construction, the dash design and control layout are practically identical to previous models, but the entire atmosphere has been enhanced.
In terms of in-car technology, the 200 continues to lag behind its competitors (and even some of its Chrysler cousins) the older Chrysler touchscreen interface was unintuitive when it was first introduced and hasn’t gotten any more intuitive with time.
A further flaw is that the 2012 Chrysler 200 Sedan is slightly smaller in stature than its competitors. This is noticeable in the back seat and front, which has a little unusual elevated seating posture to provide additional legroom for the driver and passengers. Its 13.6-cubic-foot trunk is likewise on the small side for a sedan of this calibre.
Most rivals looking for a convertible with a somewhat spacious back seat will find that the 2012 Chrysler 200 convertible provides much more space than most competitors. An equivalent encounter may be noticed with the trunk, which increases in size while the roof is raised and shrinks to a fraction of its original size when the top is removed.
A conventional soft-top or a costly retractable hardtop with better security and noise reduction features are options for the convertible’s roof system. In either case, the top procedure is straightforward and takes approximately 30 seconds to descend.
According to our testing, wind noise is significantly reduced; the convertible is slightly louder than the sedan.
2012 Chrysler 200 Models
The 2012 Chrysler 200 is offered as a medium sedan or convertible. The sedan is available in an entry-level LX trim, while both are available in Touring, Limited, and S trims.
The LX sedan has 17-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, complete power accessories, heated mirrors, cruise control, air conditioning. It also has a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and aux input jack, as well as steering wheel controls and height-adjustable driver seat are standard features on this model.
60/40 split-folding rear seat with 60/40 split-folding front seat is also standard. Fully heated front seats and an eight-way power driver’s seat are available options.
With 17-inch alloy wheels, an updated transmission, automated headlights, automatic temperature control, a leather-covered steering wheel, and shifter, as well as a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio, the 2012 Chrysler 200 Touring complements or replaces the LX’s comforts. The power cloth top and six-way power front seats are standard on the convertible.
The optional ‘Cold Weather’ package includes heated front seats and keyless entry. The UConnect Voice Command package, which includes Bluetooth, an iPod/USB audio interface, and an auto-dimming mirror, is available as an option on both the LX and the Touring.
The Touring’s luxuries are supplemented by the Limited’s 18-inch wheels, foglamps, and leather upholstery. Additionally, a navigation system with real-time traffic and a six-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system is available. A retractable hardtop is available for the 2012 Chrysler 200 Limited convertible.
The 200 S is distinguished from the Limited by its standard V6 engine, dark exterior decor, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Boston Acoustics sound system. Except for the LX, all sedans have an optional sunroof.
2012 Chrysler 200 Problems
As with any car these days, there are always a few problems encountered especially if they’ve been in the market long enough for owners to experience them. Fortunately for you, the 2012 Chrysler 200 has been around for 10 years now. The more significant problems that dissatisfied owners are listed below:
- Underperforming engine
- Gear hunting transmission
- The heater and defroster stopped working
- Inferior batteries
- Faulty TIPM switch
- Rough idling and stalling
2012 Chrysler 200 Battery Location
The battery could not have been fitted in a worse location. It is situated beneath the driver-side headlight. In order to gain access to the battery, the front bumper has to be completely removed to locate it, proving to be the most inconvenient of fitments.
Our Verdict On The 2012 Chrysler 200
Although the 2012 Chrysler 200 convertible is an excellent, roomy option among midsize drop-tops, its 200-sedan brother confronts even greater competition and is less enticing. The 2012 Chrysler 200 demonstrated improved handling, interior quality, power, and even its image but suffered from its fair share of problems, eventually discontinued after 2017.
