Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2015 Chrysler 200 C, and what a pretty car it is. But that is not where it ends. This is an overall lovely car. A little history explains my 180 degree turn around in my opinion of Chrysler cars. I was never a fan but times change and some really good things happened in the life of Chrysler.
A very brief history follows. Chrysler made many contributions to the industry and thus earned their position as one of the Big Three American Auto Makers – GM, Chrysler and Ford. And it is important to remember those three companies produced substantially all motorcars and trucks in the entire world in the early to mid-20th Century.
First after its birth in 1925 by founder Walter Chrysler, his company had a rocky existence that culminated in a new failure. In 1978 it had to be bailed out with tax payer money and substantially turned around by Lee Iacocca. It was then able to repay their loans. Then Daimler-Mercedes Benz took over between 1998 and 2007. That influence was most notable in the quality improvement that lasts to this day. Finally in 2014 Fiat acquired the remaining shares of Chrysler stock. I suspect that substantial company will positively influence the brand.
10 largest automakers in the world today.
#1 Toyota (Japan)
#2 General Motors (US)
#3 Volkswagen Group (German)
#4 Nissan-Renault Group (Japan/France)
#5 Hyundai-Kia (Korean)
#6 Ford (US)
#7 Fiat – Chrysler (Italian/US)
#8 Honda (Japan)
#9 PSA Peugeot Citroen (France)
#10 BMW (German)
General Information: It is assembled in Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Parts – US/Canadian 67%, Mexico 16%; Engine and transmission – USA; Classification is Midsize. Cars from Chrysler: Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300 and Chrysler Town & Country.
Opinion / Observation:
Can someone tell me why there are so many city of LA Motorcycle police officers driving, off duty, on California 14 freeway headed north from the I5? Are the Taxpayers paying for personal use of state / city owned equipment? There may be a good reason but I’m unaware of what that is.
Handling & Performance:
I tested the very responsive 3.6 liter 295 hp engine that is an Option for $2,000 more than the MSRP. But it sucks up 3 mpg highway fuel economy down from 32 to 29 mpg.
Styling:
Personally it is pleasing to me inside and out.
Fit and Finish:
Very well done.
Cost:
MSRP is $26,000 and if you add the options I suggest add $1,200 for the SafetyTec option and if you want the V6 power add another $2,000 for a total of about $30,000.
Conveniences and comfort:
Very respectable with options suggested.
Consumer Recommendations:
Safety Tec options noted below are recommended. Of those noted under standard equipment I like most include lane departure warning – (if you don’t engage turn indicator it beeps at you). with Lane Keep Assist – (this feature steers you back in lane unless you signal a turn. It eases the steering especially on mountain curves). forward collision warning plus – (rapid changes in traffic conditions will warn of an indicated collission.) and adaptive cruise control with ‘stop and go’ – (provides control of accellerator and braking, and reduces the stress of stop and go traffic conditions), blind spot and cross path detection – (sounds a warning of traffic in your blind spots).
Recognized Competition:
Chrysler 200 C $32,000, Honda Accord $33,000, Ford Fusion $33,000, Toyota Camry $32,000, Subaru Legacy $30,000, Nissan Altima $31,000.
Good News:
Good pricing, fast, nice handling, comfortable ride and very nice styling.
Bad News:
The Nav system was frustrating because generally they are only good to get you to your destination. My criticism is that ALL today’s systems can’t accurately get you around traffic jams and accidents. The alternate routes suggested are generally more congested than the primary route.
Standard Equipment:
3.6 liter 295 hp V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, front, side and front and rear side curtain airbags plus driver & front passenger knee bolster airbags, LATCH Child safety system, rear back up camera, remote start system, stability control, traction control, anti-lock 4 wheel disc brakes with brake assist, electric park brake, electric power steering, keyless entry and go, variable intermittent wipers, security alarm, cruise control and ride and handling suspension.
Optional Equipment:
Note there are many options on this test vehicle that adds $8,000 to the MSRP price noted below of $26,625. Although all those options are not recommended there are a few that I do suggest, included in the “SafetyTec” features for $1,295. This cost includes: Advanced Brake Assist, rain sensing wipers, lane departure warning with Lane Keep Assist, auto high beams, forward collision warning plus adaptive cruise control with ‘stop and go’, blind spot and cross path detection and parallel and perpendicular park assist and stop.
Gas Stats:
$3.19/ Gal avg. September 18, 2015
for more information.
19 City and 32 Highway MPG
For the standard 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine 18 City.
Pricing:
MSRP $26,625.