Review: 2015 Chrysler 200S AWD
#46
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by AJL0365
They have gotten expensive compared to the previous version. The most expensive one I have been in was 33k without sunroof.
![Uhh...](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/1387914497.gif)
![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
I do agree, though, that the Verano/Regal (primarily of Opel design) seem to be built a little more solidly than even the new 200. Nice as it is, the new 200 has some loose edges.
Last edited by mmarshall; 06-17-14 at 12:40 PM.
#47
Lead Lap
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Other dealers seem to be reporting expected sales on allpar. What is particularly interesting is how slow Chrysler is going to be getting the true volume trims out. They said expected full production isn't supposed to be up to speed until July. Even more interesting is ads for the 200 just now started airing all of 1-2 weeks ago.
As far as the convertible is concerned, sounds like the expected sales vs. profit didn't shake out. Or the CUSW platform couldn't be engineered to be a convertible without massive modification. Either way, Chrysler is making a concerted effort to keep fleet sales less than GM and Ford.
As far as the convertible is concerned, sounds like the expected sales vs. profit didn't shake out. Or the CUSW platform couldn't be engineered to be a convertible without massive modification. Either way, Chrysler is making a concerted effort to keep fleet sales less than GM and Ford.
#48
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think chrysler was expecting a higher demand for this new model. I don't think it's doing as good as expected.
I'm not sure. I'm sure the corporate guys are closely watching the numbers. I really feel the front end is very lacking. people like striking jaw lines for their front end. look at the success of fusion, optima, accord etc. I hope they sell well since i like to cheer for the underdog but it's going to be a uphill battle. Revising the look will be close to impossible now.
look at how fast camry had to revamp their camry. it was a mistake that should have been caught early
the competition is so stiff and unlike any other time in the car industry. Even the jeep cherokee segment with rav4, rogue, crv, cx5, santa fe, sportage etc is ultra competitive. great for consumers since there's so much to pick from now.
I'm not sure. I'm sure the corporate guys are closely watching the numbers. I really feel the front end is very lacking. people like striking jaw lines for their front end. look at the success of fusion, optima, accord etc. I hope they sell well since i like to cheer for the underdog but it's going to be a uphill battle. Revising the look will be close to impossible now.
look at how fast camry had to revamp their camry. it was a mistake that should have been caught early
the competition is so stiff and unlike any other time in the car industry. Even the jeep cherokee segment with rav4, rogue, crv, cx5, santa fe, sportage etc is ultra competitive. great for consumers since there's so much to pick from now.
#49
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
this is no surprise. there's a few locally here and it appears like it's not even there. nobody seems to be excited about it.
chrysler seems to have issues with small cars. I think they need to do the korean thing and hire the designers at mercedes or audi. the guys at the top deciding the design language are not helping at all.
chrysler seems to have issues with small cars. I think they need to do the korean thing and hire the designers at mercedes or audi. the guys at the top deciding the design language are not helping at all.
#50
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by TangoRed
As far as the convertible is concerned, sounds like the expected sales vs. profit didn't shake out. Or the CUSW platform couldn't be engineered to be a convertible without massive modification. Either way, Chrysler is making a concerted effort to keep fleet sales less than GM and Ford.
#51
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Probably has to do with the expense of the added bracing required on a convertible. Given the sales and popularity of previous 200/Sebring/LeBaron convertibles, which still made money for the company despite the added engineering expense, it is still an exceedingly strange decision, IMO, not to continue the convertible line.
So it doesn't look like people were really looking for a 200/Sebring convertible anymore. Not all that strange of a decision to abandon the vehicle, which would require significant engineering expense and investment. I think they properly decided to look at their engineering resources available, and chose to invest as much as possible in developing a solid sedan, and not worry about splitting some budget for a low volume coupe and/or convertible for the near term.
#52
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yes the Sebring once enjoyed robust convertible sales, but that was way back in the early 2000's. Sales for the Sebring/200 convertible have fallen sharply, from over 50,000 in 2001 to just over 6,000 units in 2013. Like most convertibles, they sold mostly to rental companies, which these days tend to favor the Mustang and Camaro.
So it doesn't look like people were really looking for a 200/Sebring convertible anymore. Not all that strange of a decision to abandon the vehicle, which would require significant engineering expense and investment. I think they properly decided to look at their engineering resources available, and chose to invest as much as possible in developing a solid sedan, and not worry about splitting some budget for a low volume coupe and/or convertible for the near term.
So it doesn't look like people were really looking for a 200/Sebring convertible anymore. Not all that strange of a decision to abandon the vehicle, which would require significant engineering expense and investment. I think they properly decided to look at their engineering resources available, and chose to invest as much as possible in developing a solid sedan, and not worry about splitting some budget for a low volume coupe and/or convertible for the near term.
#53
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yes the Sebring once enjoyed robust convertible sales, but that was way back in the early 2000's. Sales for the Sebring/200 convertible have fallen sharply, from over 50,000 in 2001 to just over 6,000 units in 2013. Like most convertibles, they sold mostly to rental companies, which these days tend to favor the Mustang and Camaro.
#54
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The main problem, though with Mustang/Camaro convertibles, (and I mentioned this in my recent 200C review) is the overly-narrow, Munchkin-sized rear seat. The Sebring convertible had a reputation for not only being affordable by convertible standards but also having a rear seat that was adequate for reasonably-sized adults. It tended to suffer somewhat in build quality, though, and, even with convertible frame-reinforcements, the average owner could expect rattles/squeaks and some shimmies/vibrations.
#55
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
By your logic the Murano CrossCabriolet should have found a fair share of owners instead of being discontinued already. It had a full size back seat, and (something you tend attribute to guaranteed success) all-wheel drive, no zig-zag shifter, hood struts, but i don't know if it had a full size spare, and no door moldings..
Hoovey brought up a good point, though, in my Chrysler 200 review. If Buick introduces the Opel Cascada-derived convertible here in the U.S., although that vehicle is a little smaller than the 200, you can bet the folks at Chrysler will be watching intently to see how it does, and if a 200 convertible could be a potential competitor (again).
#57
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thanks, bagwell. I know Motorweek's John Davis......a really nice guy. (though he is not a close friend of mine). As you can see, he's recently lost some weight. ![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#58
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
[Convetim317;8594602]But this 'main problem' you pose doesn't seems to drive enough people to want a full sized back seat in a convertible. You can't seem to admit that the demand and potential success for a Sebring/200 convertible just isn't what the market 15 years ago was. By your logic the Murano CrossCabriolet should have found a fair share of owners instead of being discontinued already. It had a full size back seat, and (something you tend attribute to guaranteed success) all-wheel drive, no zig-zag shifter, hood struts, but i don't know if it had a full size spare, and no door moldings..[/QUOTE]
Convertibles in the family segment have been played out and are done. Cheaper premium is what is the trend right now.
All the silly stuff like full size spares, door molding, zig zag shifters (totally played out) and hood struts really make no difference to family segment of car buyers.
Infotainment and connectivity is so much more important than hood struts or molding.
What matters right now are good interiors, excellent fuel economy, and keeping the price to purchase reasonable.
Convertibles in the family segment have been played out and are done. Cheaper premium is what is the trend right now.
All the silly stuff like full size spares, door molding, zig zag shifters (totally played out) and hood struts really make no difference to family segment of car buyers.
Infotainment and connectivity is so much more important than hood struts or molding.
What matters right now are good interiors, excellent fuel economy, and keeping the price to purchase reasonable.
#59
Lexus Fanatic
#60
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
Convertibles in the family segment have been played out and are done. Cheaper premium is what is the trend right now.
All the silly stuff like full size spares, door molding, zig zag shifters (totally played out) and hood struts really make no difference to family segment of car buyers.
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
Infotainment and connectivity is so much more important than hood struts or molding.
What matters right now are good interiors, excellent fuel economy, and keeping the price to purchase reasonable.