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:

    Rear Load-Leveling System — If Equipped
    The automatic load-leveling system will provide a level riding vehicle under most passenger and cargo loading conditions. A hydraulic pump contained within the shock absorbers raises the rear o ...

    Materials Added To Engine Oils
    Do not add any supplemental materials, other than leak detection dyes, to your engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it’s performance may be impaired by supplemental additives. ...

    ESC Operating Modes
    The “ESC Off” switch is located in the center switch bank, next to the hazard flasher switch. ESC On This mode is the normal operating mode for ESC on two-wheel drive vehicles. Whenever ...