Chrysler is an American luxury automaker and the namesake of the Chrysler Group, which has several auto company holdings, including Fiat, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. Chrysler has always been known for its well-built luxury sedans, like the mid-size Chrysler Sebring and the newer Chrysler 300. Its convertible models have also always been well-received, such as the Chrysler LeBaron and the more recent Chrysler Crossfire and Chrysler Sebring models. For the 2012 year, Chrysler is offering one converti... (full review continues below)
Chrysler is an American luxury automaker and the namesake of the Chrysler Group, which has several auto company holdings, including Fiat, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. Chrysler has always been known for its well-built luxury sedans, like the mid-size Chrysler Sebring and the newer Chrysler 300. Its convertible models have also always been well-received, such as the Chrysler LeBaron and the more recent Chrysler Crossfire and Chrysler Sebring models. For the 2012 year, Chrysler is offering one convertible vehicle in three trims, the 2012 Chrysler 200. This convertible shows just how far Chrysler has come in the last few years, and showcases this recent comeback of the brand in the best way possible. The 200 (and 300) models are largely the reason Chrysler is back on track, despite its recent financial struggles during the late 2000s.
The Chrysler 200, a mid-size vehicle, comes in several trims, including: the LX sedan, the Touring Sedan, the Limited Sedan, and the S Sedan. The 200 also comes in a convertible variant, which comes in Touring, Limited, and S trims. The Chrysler 200 convertible Touring variant is new for this year, and is the convertible's base model. The sedan Touring model was chosen an IIHS Top Safety Pick for the 2011 year and boasts Best-in-Class fuel economy at 29 mpg on the highway, as well as 283 horsepower. Fantastic technology features for both Touring variants include a Touchscreen Radio with available streaming Bluetooth audio. The new 200 Touring convertible has a starting MSRP of only $26,575.
The Chrysler 200 is one of the few mid-size sedans on the market to offer a two-door convertible variant, and it certainly earns points for doing so. In fact, it has a class-exclusive retractable convertible hardtop. All of the 200 models, except for the S trim, are powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 166 pound-feet of torque and 173 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. The sporty S version of the convertible comes equipped with brand-new 2.6-liter V6 engine that produces 260 pound-feet of torque and 283 horsepower. This engine is also offered as an option on the other convertible models.
The new Chrysler 200 convertible comes with excellent standard features in its Touring variant such as keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver's seat, automatic climate control, and a satellite radio that works with a 6-speaker audio system. A fabric or steel roof choice is offered for all 200 convertible models. The steel is a bit heavier and a little pricier, but it offers better protection and noise reduction. The Limited and S models get even more great features in addition to the standard Touring's, including a premium audio system that features a 6.5-inch touchscreen and huge hard drive, Bluetooth capability, and heated leather seating. Optional features include a new navigation system. The Chrysler 200 convertible competes with such vehicles as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GE sport convertible and the MINI Cooper base convertible.