2015 Chrysler 200 review. I Rate it 200-Plus!

Who do you know who owns a Chrysler 200?

I know of only one person since the car made its debut in October of 2010. My daughter Melanie on the other hand, owns a Chrysler 300 and we are all familiar with that model, right? She graduated from college, moved to Arizona from California and when shopping for a new car chose the Chrysler 300. She still owns and loves it eleven years later.

I remember reviewing the Chrysler 200 last year and saying it was “nice”, but I didn’t jump up in down or gush all over about it. In fact, I thought it might have a tough time competing in its model class and started calling it the 300’s baby sister.

Well, here we are in the year 2014 and Chrysler has taken one of its less than exciting models and transformed it to a more stylish, comfortable and affordable sedan. The redesign, which I think is very sharp looking, shares a platform and some components with the Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee, not bad DNA to start with. It is fresh inside and out with a new powertrain, restyled cabin and more convenience and safety features, such as available all-wheel drive and park assist.

This year the convertible has been discontinued and you can only drive away in a sedan …too bad. I love convertibles but I believe the Chrysler 200 looks too much like a Sebring and those are available at every Hertz rental lot in town.

The new 2015 Chrysler 200 exterior is pretty cool with a more defined aerodynamic style, sweeping lines and a double grille for that aggressive look with the winged Chrysler badge stretched out. The light-pipe dramatic headlight design helps accentuate the new look. The S or sport version has a lower grille, glossy black exterior trim and dual tailpipes. The rear of the car has a built-in decklid spoiler, sloping roofline and standard LED tail lights.

The interior, always my favorite part to critique, is chic and tastefully done. Depending on the trim level selected, you might find genuine wood trim in matte finish and even a bit more padding for your rear end in the passenger seat. The trim level you choose will make also make a difference when deciding if you like the look compared to others in its category like the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 driven by Cathy was provided courtesy of Coye Pointer at Airpark Dodge Ram Chrysler Jeep in Scottsdale.

The backseat fits three, maybe two adult men under six feet and one petite woman. However, I can visualize this car having either two child safety seats in the second row or a skinny 5^th grader in between the toddler and infant seats.

The trunk capacity is 16 cubic feet, which is good for this size sedan. The 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard and there is plenty of room for those golf clubs, strollers or picnic necessities.

I like the pass through or the open storage area beneath the E-shifter knob for the automatic transmission. You will either love it or hate it but the rubber surface has the skyline of downtown Detroit embossed on it. I know they are pushing the Imported from Detroit commercial and might make some people feel it’s overdone but I like it and it looks nice.

Do you want to have confidence and control behind the wheel? The new 2015 Chrysler 200 has tons of advanced standard and optional available safety and security features.

Eight Airbags

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go Functionality

Blind Spot Monitoring

Forward collision warning with active braking

Lane departure warning with lane keep assist

ParkView Rear Back up Camera

Electric Park Brake

Four channel ESC stability control

Base Price – $22,695 (MSRP)

Drivetrain – 2.4 liter four cylinder engine, nine speed automatic with 184-HP with up to 36 mpg fuel economy and an available 295-HP 3.6 liter six cylinder engine with up to 31 mpg.

I have to admit the new 2015 Chrysler 200 looks more expensive than its counterparts and it handles better. It’s more affordable than other V6 midsize sedans out there. If you are all about the bells and whistles, the infotainment system in the Chrysler 200 has one of the best audio-navigation interfaces in its class. When all is said and done, this is not the 200 I drove last year, so this year I give it a 200 Plus.