Chrysler drained a lot of bathwater, but this is an instance where the baby needed to go. CEO Sergio Marchionne told us last January that the company was working to give the 200 upgrades that reflect its "fully updated technology, powertrain and architecture." New transmissions could signal major improvements in gas mileage, but fixing certain inherent characteristics — the smallish cabin and trunk, for example — will take much more than engineering updates. What's more, Chrysler will need to prove that this car is reliable; the Sebring was decidedly not.

As it stands, the 200 still brings impressive value to a segment where value is important. But to stand side by side with the Camry, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, Chrysler needs more than just that.