Best Car Reviews - 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible

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Introduction

The 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible is a four-seat, front-wheel-drive drop-top aimed at buyers who want open-air motoring without stepping into a premium-priced luxury convertible. The four-cylinder Touring model combines a 2.4-litre petrol engine, six-speed automatic transmission and power retractable hardtop. It stands out for its long, relaxed touring character, useful standard equipment and a more polished cabin than its Chrysler Sebring predecessor.

Design and Exterior Features

At 194.8 inches long, the Chrysler 200 Convertible is notably substantial for a two-door convertible. Its upright grille, sculpted hood, clean side profile and short rear deck give it a traditional American convertible presence. The retractable hardtop creates a coupe-like silhouette when raised and lets the car become an open cruiser at the touch of a button. For 2013, Chrysler retained the established exterior design while adding new paint choices and revising suspension tuning for a more comfortable, controlled drive.

Power retractable hardtop for year-round coupe and convertible usability
17-inch alloy wheels on Touring models, with 18-inch wheels available on sportier versions
Chrome-accented Chrysler grille and body-colour exterior details
Available windscreen to reduce cabin buffeting with the roof down
Long 108.9-inch wheelbase for a planted appearance

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is designed for relaxed cruising rather than outright sportiness. The dashboard layout is straightforward, with large controls and a conventional centre stack that is easy to learn. Material quality was a meaningful improvement over the earlier Sebring, especially in higher trims with leather upholstery. Front occupants have generous room and available power-adjustable, heated seats, while the rear seats are best suited to shorter journeys. As with many hardtop convertibles, trunk space is reduced when the roof is folded away.

Four-seat layout with supportive front bucket seats
Available premium leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats
Standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls
Available power driver and passenger seats with lumbar adjustment
Power windows, cruise control and key-fob window operation

Performance and Handling

The specified Touring model uses a 2.4-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine with dual variable valve timing, producing 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick manual shift control and runs on regular 87-octane gasoline. Official EPA figures for the four-cylinder convertible were 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, or 21 mpg combined, equivalent to about 13.1, 8.7 and 11.2 L/100 km respectively. The supplied consumption figure of 14.17 L/100 km is more representative of demanding urban use or real-world driving conditions. Acceleration is adequate rather than quick, particularly with four adults aboard, but revised 2013 suspension tuning helps the car feel settled on highways and composed on imperfect roads.

2.4-litre inline-four with 173 hp and 166 lb-ft
Front-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission
Regular gasoline requirement
Independent front and rear suspension
Standard anti-lock brakes, brake assist, traction control and electronic stability control

Technology and Connectivity

Technology reflects the early-2010s market rather than modern smartphone-first expectations. The Touring model offered Chrysler’s Media Center 430 system with CD, DVD, MP3 and hard-drive functions, while navigation was available through the Media Center 730N system. Bluetooth voice command, SiriusXM capability and steering-wheel audio controls made the 200 Convertible reasonably well equipped for its era, but it does not offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reversing camera or modern active driver-assistance technology.

Available Media Center touchscreen infotainment systems
Uconnect voice command and Bluetooth connectivity on Touring and higher trims
Available navigation and hard-drive music storage
Six-speaker audio system, with Boston Acoustics audio on higher trims
SiriusXM satellite-radio capability

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front head restraints and front-seat side airbags with head protection. The 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible was not rated by NHTSA. The IIHS evaluated the convertible in moderate-overlap frontal and side-impact testing, where it earned Good ratings. Roof-strength testing was not applicable to the convertible, so it should not be confused with the separately rated 200 sedan.

Standard ABS and brake assist
Electronic stability control and traction control
Front-seat-mounted side airbags with head protection
Active front head restraints
IIHS Good ratings in moderate-overlap frontal and side-impact tests

Pricing and Variants

The 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible Touring started at approximately $28,520 in the United States when new. The range also included the Limited, starting around $33,515, and the more appearance-focused 200 S, at about $34,015. The Touring used the 2.4-litre four-cylinder, while Limited and S versions used the much stronger 3.6-litre V6. Against rivals such as the Volkswagen Eos, Volkswagen Beetle Convertible and Ford Mustang Convertible, the Chrysler emphasized a power hardtop, comfort and value rather than sharp handling or class-leading technology.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Power retractable hardtop makes the car usable in more weather conditions
Comfortable highway ride and relaxed cruising character
Roomy, well-equipped front seating area
Four-cylinder engine uses regular gasoline
2013 Touring offers a six-speed automatic rather than the older four-speed unit

Cons

Four-cylinder performance is modest for a nearly 3,900-pound convertible
Fuel economy is not especially strong for a four-cylinder car
Rear-seat and roof-down luggage space are limited
Infotainment and driver-assistance features are dated
Retractable-hardtop repairs can be complicated and expensive

Maintenance and Common Issues

RepairPal estimates average Chrysler 200 repair and maintenance costs at about $549 per year, although a 2013 convertible’s age, mileage, roof condition and local labour rates can make actual ownership costs much higher. Common owner-reported concerns for the 2013 model and this generation include electrical faults or no-start conditions, engine stalling or check-engine-light complaints, HVAC actuator clicking noises, window-regulator or power-accessory faults, and retractable-top sensor, latch, hydraulic or alignment problems. A used-car inspection should specifically test the complete roof cycle, charging system, HVAC operation and transmission behaviour.

Rating

Overall rating: 6.8/10. Design: 7.5/10 for classic hardtop-convertible appeal. Comfort: 7.5/10 for front-seat space and cruising refinement. Performance: 6/10 with the four-cylinder engine. Technology: 5.5/10 because its systems are now dated. Safety: 7/10 for its standard stability systems and available crash-test results, tempered by the lack of modern collision-avoidance features.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly highlights the enjoyment of a usable hardtop convertible at an accessible used price. Satisfaction is usually strongest among drivers who value relaxed summer cruising and maintain the roof mechanism carefully. Criticism tends to focus on four-cylinder acceleration, restricted cargo space and age-related electrical or roof-related repairs.

Owners often enjoy the quiet, coupe-like feel with the hardtop raised
The open-top experience and comfortable front seats are frequent positives
Many consider the 2.4-litre engine adequate but not energetic
Roof operation and trunk access need careful attention during a used-car inspection
Long-term owners often recommend staying ahead of electrical, battery and HVAC maintenance

Best Cars in This Category

2013 Volkswagen Eos
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
2013 Ford Mustang Convertible
2013 MINI Cooper Convertible
2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Summary

The 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible Touring is best for buyers who want an affordable, comfortable hardtop convertible for relaxed weekend drives and sunny-day touring. Its 2.4-litre engine and six-speed automatic are sensible rather than exciting, while its practical appeal depends heavily on the condition of the retractable roof and electrical systems. A well-maintained example can offer distinctive open-air value, but shoppers should budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection and compare the stronger V6 models if performance matters.