Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2013 Chrysler 200 Limited sedan. Few Chrysler models are shown, but there are many model editions or versions. Perhaps that is a departure from distinct model identities. Prices range from the high teens to the high 40s and although it has not always been the “Cadillac” in the industry it has been and is reasonably priced and is a real value in today’s world of cars. The real departure from the Chrysler of the early years began with the affiliation with Daimler Mercedes Benz.
The Germans have a way of imposing their will on what they do as history proves. I have had the opportunity to of seeing the good the bad and the ugly of both German influence and the history of Chrysler over the past many years. But when the two philosophies of the two companies came together a thing of beauty emerged. Chrysler was the overall big winner in the end as we experienced an explosion in quality and innovation. I hope it remains so but it can never totally wipe out the visions for me personally from driving mom’s Chrysler.
Mom was practical and price was really important and the fact that her car was a bucket of bolts it was reliable even though shoddily made. It was not significantly different from the Pontiac she owned, but both were light years better than the cars us kids put together with bailing wire and chewing gum.
The principle of good enough (sometimes abbreviated to POGE) explains it best. It was and is, quite frankly, an engineering method of most companies who make things just good enough not to last for a prescribed period of time. One BIG exception is when those companies design for the US Government where things have to be stronger, bullet proof and bomb proof because they are such nice fellows. The ordinary man just gets ‘good enough’.
General Information:
It is assembled in Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA. Parts – US/Canadian 73%; Engine and Transmission – USA; Classification is Midsize. Cars from Chrysler: 200, 300 and Town & Country.
Handling & Performance:
Super performance engine that is responsive but will affect fuel economy if you are heavy footed. Personal experience in passing slower traffic put me in sights of a CHP car I chanced to pass right at the peak of my passing speed. Isn’t it always that way. (Good news for me is that he didn’t cite me for exceeding posted speed).
Styling:
Chrysler has been brave and bold in design and I love that about them. So many great designs have come from them particularly in the past decades in part made possible by its affiliation with Daimler. Lovely. Thanks Daimler and thanks to Chrysler.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Exceptional value in a variety of products from this American Automotive Icon.
Conveniences and comfort:
All the good stuff as noted.
Consumer Recommendation:
Look at the competition and consider supporting this Made in America Company. We consumers can make a difference in shifting away from the Asian Tide of products that do little for our economy. On balance, those foreign car companies who also manufacture here in the US can be supported because it puts American labor to work and God knows we need to help this country’s employees.
Owner comment:
Sweet ride, quick, smooth, stylish, comfortable, handles good, good gas mileage and overall Great Buy. Overall rating from all owners polled is a 10. I believe such comments and rating are well founded.
Recognized Competition: 14
Chrysler 200 $25,000, Buick Regal base$29,000, Chevrolet Malibu $25,000, Dodge Avenger $23,000, Ford Fusion $24,000, Honda Accord $30,000, Hyundai Sonata Ltd $26,000, Kia Optima $24,000, Mazda 6 i $24,000, Mitsubishi Galant $24,000, Nissan Altima $26,000, Subaru Legacy 3.6 Ltd $29,000, (2012) Suzuki Kizashi $22,000, Toyota Camry $27,000, VW Jetta 2.5 $23,000.
Good News:
Comfortable, decent fuel economy, responsively fast, great looking and priced well for value and Made in America.
Bad News:
Insignificant.
Standard Equipment:
3.6 liter 283 hp V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, front, side and side curtain airbags, LATCH child anchors with rear door protection locks, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes, tire pressure monitor, stability and traction controls, keyless entry with theft deterrent system, security alarm, remote start system, cruise control, power window and locks, power 8-way driver seat, Uconnect CD/MP3, audio with 6 Boston Acoustics speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, audio jack input for mobile devices, steering wheel mounted audio controls, climate control, leather trimmed seats – steering wheel and shift knob, tilt / telescoping steering column, halogen lights with auto feature and fog lights, LED tail lights, power heated mirrors w/ manual fold-away and 17” aluminum wheels.
Options:
for $1,295 you can add touch screen display, Bluetooth streaming audio, 40GB hard drive, remote USB port, GPS Navigation and Uconnect voice command.
Gas Stats:
$3.97/ Gal avg. June 29, 2013
For more information.
20 City and 31 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $27,470.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
