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The Chrysler used to be the company’s representation of rising from bankruptcy. Is there a chance that the 2023 Chrysler 200 is happening despite being discontinued in 2017?
The Chrysler 200 might be best described as a tolerable vehicle model—as it is not the best, but not the worst either. While it offers generous storage, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a capable chassis, it doesn’t really offer the same level of refinement as its direct rivals. It makes a sufficient sedan for family haulers and commuting individuals, but the plummeting sales led to its discontinuation in 2017. How possible it is actually for the nameplate to make a comeback and for a 2023 Chrysler 200 to appear?
An Overview of The Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 is a mid-sized sedan model produced and distributed by Chrysler that lasts for six model years (2011 to 2017). Throughout its two-generation life, it was offered in a 2-door convertible and a 4-door sedan body styles during the first generation and only as a 4-door sedan for the following generation.
The nameplate was first introduced as the 200C, which is a Chrysler 300-based car prototype displayed at the North American International Auto Show in 2019. Originally, the concept version was designed to support gasoline, hybrid, or complete battery power.
The 1st generation Chrysler 200 was restructured, redesigned, and rebadged as a variant of the 3rd generation, Chrysler Sebring. A few years later, the 2015 Chrysler 200 based on the platform of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) was launched in early 2014 during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan as the 2nd generation of the model.
Eventually, the production of this nameplate ceased at the end of 2016. To honor its last model year, the 2017 Chrysler lineup was rearranged to offer new variants and packages, in which the production lasts for four months up to mid-2017.
The Chrysler’s Final Model Year Powertrain and Interior Details
Before discussing the potential arrival of the 2023 Chrysler 200, let’s talk about the final model year of this vehicle. The 2017 Chrysler featured a 184 HP 4-cylinder engine as its base, which feels adequate for everyday city driving but quite fumble when required to accelerate on the highway. This powertrain is paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
Performance-wise, the optional 295 HP V6 powertrain made a better alternative, even though it’s also paired with the same lousy transmission. Still, the great power output partly compensates for what the base engine lacks. It comes with a standard FWD system, but the AWD option is available for some variants.
In terms of the interior, the 5-passenger Chrysler 200 offers rather excellently designed inside with a generous amount of space on the front row—albeit is significantly smaller than its same-class competitors. It provides standard fabric upholstery with optional leather upholstery and ventilated, heated, and power-adjustable driver seat for the front-row seating area. Wood or chrome accents are available for certain models.
The Low to None Possibility of the 2023 Chrysler 200 Happening
Unfortunately, Chrysler had decided to axe the production of the Chrysler 200. It’s hardly a surprising decision, especially considering the trend of major American automakers that have eliminated their sedan models left and right. It’s true that car sales in the country used to be dominated by sedans, but currently, there is hardly any sedan available under the American Big Three automobile companies’—GM, Chrysler, and Ford—lineup, which means the possibility of the 2023 Chrysler 200 is highly unlikely.
There are a set of different causes behind this phenomenon, but it is primarily motivated by the customers’ preferences that lean more and more towards crossover SUVs. Consequently, fewer sedans are sold with the exception of Japanese auto manufacturers like Toyota and Honda. Regardless, from American automakers’ point of view, it seems like the sedan is demised.
If you are disappointed by the fact that the 2023 Chrysler 200 may never arrive, you still have several great options available. Honda, for instance, still offers the Accord, Civic, Clarity, and Insight. Not satisfied yet? Try looking at Toyota which still provides the Camry, Corolla, Prius, and Avalon.