Ride, Handling & Braking

The Sebring rode softly, but had a tendency to bounce like a pogo stick after manhole covers and potholes. The 200's suspension has been overhauled, Chrysler says; indeed, the pogo-stick effect is mostly gone, but there are still moments of floaty turbulence over broken pavement. The car does still have a soft ride, thankfully. The suspension isolates bumps with refinement similar to the Malibu and most Camrys, and the cabin keeps road and wind noise low.

Though better than the Sebring, the 200 is still not a driver's car. The well-assisted steering is vague on winding roads. The power assist never really abates, so the wheel feels too loose on the highway. In sweeping corners, the 200's nose pushes gradually, but the body leans too much, even for a family car. My only praise goes to the brakes, which offer admirably linear pedal feel.

    See also:

    Normal Starting
    NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal. For vehicles not equipped with Tip Start (Four-Speed Transmission), turn ...

    Gear Ranges
    DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range. ...

    Interior Bottle Holders
    There are four bottle holders located in the interior. One bottle holder is molded into each front interior door trim panels, and one bottle holder is molded into each side sliding interior door ...