The TRUTH About An Auto Critic Who Speaks His Mind On The New Chrysler 200

Well one thing we know for sure is that WE were the first to expose this RAMPANT problem years ago.

So many times over on AutoSpies.com that our readers are tired of reading it but maybe for the first time they'll start believing us.

That's why sites like AutoSpies.com, Jalopnik, TTAC and some others will eventually own the whole space.

Because we are the few that truly tell it like it is.

And they people are finally starting to get it.

Not just in autos but in virtually everything in traditional media.

It's ALL fixed.

001

And regarding the 200, it's not that bad.

The REAL problem is its competitors are so good.

It has no chance at that price point.

001

Yes we test drive AND write our own review articles.

And I was gushing at the new lighter weight Audi's because of one reason.

They were AWESOME.

001

I'm sorry 001 I have to disagree with:

"And regarding the 200, it's not that bad. The REAL problem is its competitors are so good. It has no chance at that price point."

That is exactly why its bad. I've lived and worked in the political capital of the world for most of my adult life and if there is one thing I have learned, there are two ways to word the exact same thing to make it sound different.

1. The glass is half empty
2. The glass is half full

Either way you only have half a glass when you want a full glass. You can spin it to be "The glass is half full!" but the end result is that I'm still thirsty and the bar down the street is offering full pints for a similar price.

I honestly don't know how anyone (including detriot) can defend a car that has a 4 speed slushbox in this day and age. The Kia Optima has a 6 speed auto, looks better IMHO and has a better engine to boot...and does it for less (not much, but still) than the 200.

Geeze 001 you have me sounding like 009 now. :)

I don't want to knock this site for being hypocritical, but well over a year ago I had my profile deleted for leaving a mildly scathing comment towards Autospies. I don't remember exactly what it said, but it was something along the lines of calling them out for not producing any original content, and simply "churning" it from other sites. I had my entire "online garage" filled out with pictures and information along with a full profile and was a daily active participant in the site for years before then, but was given no reason for my dismissal, even after numerous requests.

I was so put off by the whole thing I completely stopped visiting the site and instead switched over to Jalopnik until a few months ago. Now that I've returned, I will say that the site seems really different now. There appears to be FAR less involvement from "the community" of other "spies", less stories, and less development of the site itself. Back then virtually every single post would have dozens upon dozens of comments, and the really popular ones would be absolutely filled with (sometimes quite heated) discussions. Now it seems like most posts only have 5 or 6 comments, if not less, and the most popular ones only have a dozen or so.

To be honest, I'll be surprised if I'm allowed to log in after leaving this comment, but I felt like I had to say something.

"Painful incidents like this one will ultimately leave the automotive media more healthy for having forced writers to stand up for the truth"

REALLY??? He got canned, in essence!!!! I wonder who will take his place? Some kiss ass who wants to cuddle the local ahem, talent and ridiculous crap!! I am sure he was making the comment so they could improve! But alas, 001, the fix is really in!! Sad!

I read through the true article and without having driving the car can agree with many of the points. The styling while attractive seems old fashioned in todays market and looks more like a copycat of the 300 than trying to make the 200 its own car.

The power from the Pentastar will be sufficient but leaving a nemic 4 cylinder with a 4 speed automatic really shows Chryslers inability or possibly their desire to leave the small cars to FIAT. It's 2011, I think they can do better than a 4 speed automatic and 174hp in a supposed entry level luxury sedan. Even the Acura TSX sports a plus 200 with a 2.4L engine. The Toyota Corolla top engine is a 2.4L with 174hp and that car weighs a lot less than the 200 and it even comes with a 5 speed auto.

And the MPG increase is hardly noticeable, 1mpg between engine choices. Instead of looking at Lincoln, Chrysler should have been following Cadillac or even Buick.

Good post Whelan

I think another point that goes against the 200 for me is Saftey wise, while companies like VW, Toyota, Honda and co now make Stability control standard, it's a 525$ option on the 200.

Reliability wise it's a piece of trash and the dealerships don't have the courage to lease anymore due to dirt low values.

It's WORSE at the big mags that you read than there.

001

If he likes BMW's maybe Autospies can make him AgentDET!

Looks like an 8 year old Mercedes.

best post ever

Has anyone ever heard the expression "Never piss off people who buy ink by the barrell"?

Potato, pototto. Tomato, Tomatto. 200, Sebring.

call it what you want, its a sebring and the geriatric patients love it.

for the rest of us, its a dog.

I love the review. I wish more journalist were like him. the 200 is a can of crap compared to its competition. Too many are biased to domestic cars to the point where a better car is reviewed as worse. Not saying all of Detroit offerings are bad, but there some that are just crappy yet get good reviews from journalist that are either biased, paid off, or are really that ignorant.

"And regarding the 200, its not that bad." You must be crazy. That car would have been considered crap in the 90's, let alone in today's market. It looks just like the Sebring did and as a midsize car has less amenities than most compacts. Compare to something as innocuous as the Chevy Malibu and it doesn't even come close to competing. Then, compare it to class leaders like the Camry and you realize just how bad Chrysler F'ed up. I mean, if GM can produce the CTS-V then it is proof American car companies can get it done. Chrysler is either lazy or stupid (or possibly both). Whatever the case, the 200 is a POS (especially considering all the hype).