The 2012 Chrysler 200 covers a wide swath of the mid-size market with affordably priced sedans and convertibles.
But comparing it against most of the competition, the 200 is still a bit lacking in many key areas.
The Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry crush the 200 in terms of fuel economy and standard features, but some might find the 200's interior to be nicer (and quieter) to sit in.
The Ford Fusion has great dynamics and a still-attractive shape to its credit, while the new VW Jetta has a spacious back seat and its vaguely upscale brand image in its hip pocket.
With improved interior comfort, safety, and features, the new 2012 Toyota Camry doesn't cost much more than the base 200 and stands as a compelling value; it does remain very conservative-feeling, though.
The 200 Convertible remains largely a fleet vehicle, filling up Sun Belt rental lots, alongside V-6 Mustangs.
Against the Mustang, the 200 Convertible has a better ride and more trunk space, but the Mustang is much more lively from behind the wheel.
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 2012 Chrysler 200Browse Used Listings |  2012 Ford FusionBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Ford MustangBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Hyundai SonataBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota CamryBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Volkswagen Jetta SedanBrowse Used Listings |
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The 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan and Convertible models are comfortable, stylish, and a decent value; but they're still far from best in class. |
The 2012 Ford Fusion stays at the top of its game, especially as a Hybrid, with perky handling and its cut-above looks. |
The 2012 Ford Mustang doles out all the tire-smoking pony-car thrills, but it's also grown to become quite a sophisticated car. |
After more than a decade on the market, the latest Hyundai Sonata's an overnight success--thanks to great gas mileage, grabby styling, and exceptional value for the dollar. |
The redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry remains the most conservative-looking pick among mid-size sedans, but if you want comfort, value, and frugality above all else, it's probably just your style. |
The 2012 VW Jetta delivers a better driving feel and more back-seat room than many other compact sedans; skip the cost-cutter base versions in favor of the TDI or the GLI for a distinctive choice in the compact class. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $18,995 | $20,705 | $22,310 | $19,795 | $22,055 | $15,515 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 18 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Midsize Cars | Mid-Size Sedan | Compact | Large Cars | Midsize Car | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan LX | 4-Door Sedan S FWD | 2-Door Coupe V6 | 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Manual GLS | 4-Door Sedan I4 Automatic L (GS) | 4-Door Manual Base |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 2 Door Coupe | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic | Manual | Manual | Manual | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2012 Chrysler 200 vs. 2012 Ford Fusion | 2012 Chrysler 200 vs. 2012 Ford Mustang | 2012 Chrysler 200 vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata | 2012 Chrysler 200 vs. 2012 Toyota Camry | 2012 Chrysler 200 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan | |
