[nell_z]

First and foremost, I'd like to point out that this particular dealership (Ourisman Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep of Alexandria, VA) is THE BEST dealership I've ever been to. The sales people are nice, everybody seems happy, whole place is pretty much upbeat, even the mechanics. If any dealership needs an example of how to run their place, take it from them. This is also one of the bigger stores I've seen, maybe thats why. Lots of options, and they go fast. Even had a few Fiats. (I'll take pics later, phone is terrible...). Anyway, on to the reviews. (The cars have two different flavors, so I'll do the separately).

Chrysler 200 Exterior: First thing you'll notice about the 200 is a noticeably more luxurious tone to it. Almost as if they took a page from the Jaguar C-XF concept. Looks really nice. Unless you were an enthusiast, you wouldn't even be able to tell it was a Sebring. The 17's are nice, but the 18's really bring out the beauty, especially in black. Its a great looking car. For a refresh, I wouldn't change a thing about it.

Interior: Another great place to look and be. Its not particularly luxurious in feel, but looks amazing! You would easily think this were a luxury car. Materials are about what you would expect from a midsize car, maybe a little better than the Fusion's I've seen. That in itself is an accomplishment. The white clock is a nice, as is the touch screen. One of the better systems I've seen, and does great in this car. Not sure why it got less-than-great reviews early on, this was near perfect. The steering wheel has that nice, leather feel to it, the seats very supportive. I could never find a comfortable position though, I was always either too high or not close enough. Weird.

Drive: One word, Smooth. By comparison, I'd rate this up there with the Buick LaCrosse. Yep, that smooth. Definitely how a LUXURY car (not sports sedan) should feel. With that said, its no slouch, either in power nor handling. For what it is, handling is pretty nice, as is get up. Funny, even when you hit the accelerator hard, its still whisper quiet. Steering is a light, no-effort job here, great for a highway cruiser. The ONLY problem I have with the Pentastar is the 6-speed attached to it. Unlike BMW, this combo hated each other. They worked almost against one another, an issue I'm sure the DCT will fix. Shifting felt like a game of jump rope. Skip, jump, hop, in, out. Ugh....I mean, its not terrible, but you notice somethings not particularly right. The tranny takes a while for you to notice you want it to downshift, kind of a headache. But when they work together (rare), the combo is seamless. Smooth, quiet, among the best. Get this issue fixed Chrysler.

I understand why most reviewers say the 200 is best known as much better than the Sebring. It does nothing particularly special, doesn't set any standards, it just DOES. But it DOES so well, its among the top of the class, so long as you're not an enthusiast and all you're looking for is a nice, smooth ride.

Dodge Avenger Exterior: Much the same as the last. Love it or hate it. I for one love it. Has the nice, mini Charger look, less so now than in the past. The rear lights (which I hated at first) is a nice touch. The new corporate grille really makes the face standout. Can't say I don't like the Avenger, its nice. Much of the same, more evident that its a refresh.

Interior: A MUCH needed refresh on the inside, I was surprised that with all that car, the price was just under $26k. I actually liked its dark, toned with red interior more than the classier 200. Speaks more to me as an enthusiast. The new wheel is much more appealing, as are the materials. Anyone looking for a nice, sporty interior look no further for the price. Even considering the Optima, you won't find it anywhere else. From the red inserts topped off with black fishnets, to the red stitching in the leather, this car oozes performance. Much the same as the 200, this particular Avenger also came as a Wi-Fi hotspot, almost an instant buy for me. The biggest difference you'll see are the gauges, of which I liked the Avenger's more as well

Drive: This is where the two get VERY different. So you'd think, okay, the 200 and Avenger are pretty much the same car. Wrong. Dodge must've quietly add 10 more horsepower to this car. First off, where the 200 is quiet, the Avenger is too. Which is why I'll point out the area where its not, that GLORIOUS exhaust note. Sounds so damn good at start up! Second, the steering effort is noticeably different. Lots more feel, reacts a lot quicker without much sacrifice in the way of comfort. Of course, coming out of a Buick into the Avenger, you can tell (if thats the case, go for the 200), but the Avenger is comfortable ENOUGH for the class, not soaking up bumps and humps as nicely as the 200. But after hearing the exhaust, you'll know what kind of car you're getting into. Don't let its last gen looks fool you either, as this car sprints! I could be very wrong, but the 200 felt slower. The Avenger wants to be pushed! Still plagued with the same tranny issue, the Avenger responds much faster. As a matter of fact, everything in the Avenger is just that, faster. If Porsche were to make a FWD sedan, this would be it. Literally. Punch the gas and you'd swear this were a nice mix of VQ and Porsche's boxer 6. Of course, this car isn't going to hit many peoples' radar, but if it does, you're a lucky SOB. Having loved the Mazda6, Subaru Legacy, Acura TSX, VW Passat, some of the most fun midsizers in the game, they can't take hold the crown against the Avenger. Take this out on the twisties....geez. You'll fall in love like I did, believe me.

The cons of both are similar, just the transmission and visibility issues, namely in the Avenger and its tiny rear windows. Other than that, couldn't find a flaw.
Hope you enjoyed. :WINK:

[SRTChallenger-Man]

I've been seeing both the new avenger and 200, and im quite a fan of the new avenger I wouldn't mind having one right now as my daily driver, and as for the 200 its alot nicer than it gets credit for, nice review Nell.

[MOPAR74]

The Porsche of FWDs?

IDK about THAT, but they are nice:yeeees:

[nell_z]

I said that because I keep thinking about the 2012 with the DCT and AWD.

[MOPAR74]

even then..... Porsches are simply amazing

[nell_z]

Have you driven an Avenger?? Its amazing, just needs to not be FWD and get a better tranny. The next R/T will do that. :OHYEAH!:

[MOPAR74]

Yes I have, and Yes it is awesome... but Not Porsche like

[nell_z]

If Porsche were to build a 25k car, I could imagine it being very Avenger like.

[MOPAR74]

No, because a $25k Porsche would be the size of a Fiat 500 or smaller and you know it.

If they were to build a car the size of a fwd Avenger, it would cost $40k

[nell_z]

IF they were to make a Camry competitor, this would be it! Gosh....

[waynerooney]

nell_z;81965 Wrote:If Porsche were to build a 25k car, I could imagine it being very Avenger like.

That comment is just wrong on so many levels.

[REVolution]

And Porsche would not build a FWD car. Ferdinand Porsche would be rolling over in his grave, if he isn't already.

[nell_z]

Wayne still sucks from the nipple....not even sure why he decided to comment....Rev, IF Porsche were to build a FWD based car, it would be Avenger like in its athleticism. Okay. It just feels and sounds as if it would be at home among Porsche's. Sheesh.....

[GotMopar?]

My brother test drove a new Avenger and loved it. Unfortunately his economic situation kept him from buying a Nitro or Avenger and he bought his wife a 2011 Corolla S.
The other day a 2011 200 was parked where I work and I took a walk around and have to say I was impressed. Very nice car. The updated styling works well and I think the Avenger/200 look as good as any of their competition. If I was in the market for a mid-size car, I would not have any problem getting one.

[jspookss]

Porsche comment = fail