Prices of most goods remain over 20 percent more expensive since the pandemic-induced recession began, and car repossessions are up 23 percent this year, so now is a great time to consider dropping your car payment for something more affordable. If you are making this shift or if you’ve just got a tight budget but still want a powerful car, we’ve got a suggestion that you may or may not like. This is to put you onto an idea that may seem sacrilegious at first, but that’s what makes it such a smart choice; a Chrysler 200 S.
We got talking about the humble 200 in Jalopnik Slack due to this TikTok about how a Chrysler 200 nearly brought down Cars & Bids. Before you head to the comments to attack me (or Doug) consider this; the 200 was the smallest vehicle in Chrysler’s lineup to receive the Pentastar V6, a motor which had to be powerful enough for duty in the brand’s minivans, pickup trucks, and SUVs. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 produced 295 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, which was enough to take Car And Driver’s front-wheel-drive Chrysler 200 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Adding AWD increases that time by a few tenths, but also increases grip in inclement weather and on low-traction surfaces, so the choice is yours.
Aside from the power and optional AWD traction, the 200 came standard with desirable options, and offered some very premium options like a panoramic opening sunroof, a full suite of driver’s assistance features, and well-bolstered sport seats in S trim. The 200 shared a front-wheel-drive platform with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Dodge Dart with all independent suspension, and the right set of tires will help it feel more buttoned-down if you’re looking for a sporty drive.
Chrysler 200 S models with the Pentastar are pretty affordable, with most running about $15,000 for a low-ish mile example, and cars with options including AWD don’t seem to cost much more than lower-spec models. In contrast, you’d pay at least $5,000 more for something like a comparably powerful and equipped Ford Fusion Sport, Infiniti Q50, Genesis G70, Kia Stinger or Honda Accord Sport 2.0T. Sure the Chrysler isn’t the flashiest choice, but it might be the right one for someone who wants a powerful, spacious sedan on a tight budget. Plus the naturally aspirated V6 produces an impressively pleasing exhaust note.
