Introduction
The Sebring is Chrysler’s offering in the highly competitive mid-size-sedan segment, a category dominated by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The majority of Sebrings sold are LX models powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 173 horsepower mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The more upscale Touring model is powered by the same engine, with an available 189-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 engine. The top-of-the-line Limited has a standard four-cylinder engine, with an optional 235-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, as well as available all-wheel drive.
Chrysler offers a convertible version of the Sebring, which is one of the bestselling four-place open-top cars in the United States, trailing only the Ford Mustang convertible. The car has three power-roof options: a vinyl top comes on the base car, and a cloth roof is on the Touring and Limited models, with the option of a retractable metal hardtop. The LX model has a four-cylinder engine, the Touring gets the 2.7-liter V-6, and the Limited has a standard 3.5-liter V-6.
Verdict
The base Sebring is a good value and has a spacious interior. As you move up the trim levels, it can become quite luxurious with some unusual features such as a heated and cooled cup holder, LED interior lighting, and remote start. Curtain airbags are standard across the board.
However, the Sebring is one of the least appealing cars in its class, finishing last in a recent Car and Driver comparison test of four-cylinder mid-size sedans. The engines are not especially refined, the handling and the ride are mediocre, and the interior quality is substandard. It doesn’t even look that good, which is disappointing given that Chrysler used to have a reputation for excellent styling, not to mention the Sebring’s handsome predecessor.
The convertible is roomy, too, but is not as good as its competitors. It too finished last in a recent comparison test, being topped by two other domestic convertibles: a Ford Mustang and a Pontiac G6. The Sebring’s folding hardtop is a nice feature and doesn’t impinge on trunk space any more than do the vinyl and cloth options (although you could make the point that soft roofs should take up less space than a hard top).
Click here to read our full review of the Chrysler Sebring.
Click here to read our full review of the Chrysler Sebring convertible.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Chrysler Sebring.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Chrysler Sebring convertible.
What’s New for 2008
The convertible version of this latest Sebring was introduced as a 2008 model, along with the all-wheel-drive version of the Limited sedan. The base Sebring sedan is now called the LX; an AM/FM stereo with a six-CD changer is now standard along with Sirius satellite radio; and the 2.4-liter model is now classified as a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) in eight states. (Although we have to ask: How can anything be “partially zero”?)
Trim Levels
The base sedan is the LX, which is fitted with the 2.4-liter engine and starts at $19,380. Standard equipment includes a four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, a tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel, six airbags, anti-lock brakes, and power windows and mirrors.
The Touring costs $20,555 and adds features such as a fold-flat front-passenger seat, brushed aluminum trim, and 17-inch instead of 16-inch wheels. The 2.7-liter V-6 engine adds $1350 to the price, along with four-wheel disc brakes, front and rear anti-roll bars, and a retuned suspension.
The Limited starts at $24,205 with the four-cylinder engine and rises to $25,755 with the 3.5-liter V-6, six-speed automatic, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. This is a well-equipped vehicle, with such niceties as leather seats, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, an eight-way power driver’s seat, fog lamps, and tortoiseshell interior accents. The AWD model, which costs $28,205, has stability control as standard.
The convertible models mirror the sedan lineup, beyond having standard disc brakes on all models. The four-cylinder LX starts at $26,530 and comes well equipped with all-around disc brakes; a six-speaker, six-CD stereo; a vinyl convertible top; six-way power front seats; remote keyless entry; and cruise control. The Touring model comes with the 2.7-liter V-6 and starts at $29,305. The extra money includes a key-fob-operated, automatic cloth top; better seat fabrics; and 17-inch aluminum wheels (in place of 16s). Finally, the top-of-the-line Limited is gussied up with the 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic; leather for the seats, steering wheel, and shifter knob; 18-inch wheels and tires; and a premium Boston Acoustics sound system.
Optional Equipment
The base Sebring sedan has few options. The Safety, Security, and Convenience Group is the most notable of these and runs $380 for better quality cloth seating, a fold-flat front-passenger seat, and daytime running lights.
The Touring has many more options. The Electronic Convenience Group ($1295) includes a heated and cooled cup holder, heated front seats, remote start, single-zone automatic climate control, and a garage-door opener. The Safety, Security, and Convenience Group ($1095; $1045 with the V-6) has stability control, the UConnect hands-free phone system, and a security alarm (and four-wheel disc brakes with the four-cylinder). A rear-seat DVD entertainment system costs $1195, the MyGIG infotainment system is $650 (or $1635 with navigation), and a power sunroof costs $775.
On the V-6 version, 18-inch wheels add $250, and there is a Sound Group that includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a premium Boston Acoustics sound system for $630. A Signature Series edition is a great value, incorporating heated front seats, the eight-way power driver’s seat that normally costs $395, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and MyGIG for an additional $1390.
Moving up to the Limited, there is a Premium Group for four-cylinder versions that includes heated front seats and the heated and cooled cup holder for $795.The Luxury Group ($1395) comes only with the V-6 and includes a rear cargo organizer, 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, and remote start. The Safety, Security, and Convenience Group ($895) adds UConnect and stability control. MyGIG and MyGIG with navigation are slightly cheaper options on the Limited, but most of the other stand-alones remain the same. A fully equipped Sebring sedan can hit $33,000, by the way—more than a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
The convertible models are better equipped from the factory, so the options are more limited. For the base LX, MyGIG costs $300, UConnect is $360, remote start is $240, 17-inch aluminum wheels are $595, and the Convenience Group, which includes a security alarm and premium cloth seats, is $375. The Touring gets the Special Touring Group ($1320) that nets 18-inch wheels and tires, leather-trimmed and heated seats, and a wind blocker. A stability-control system adds $425, MyGIG is $300 ($1285 with navigation), and a retractable hardtop costs $1995. The Electronic Convenience Group adds things such as the heated and cooled cup holder and remote start for $910.
Finally, the Limited has a few options. Stability control is $425; the Electronic Convenience Group is $895; and the Luxury Group adds chrome wheels, heated front seats, and a wind blocker for $1095. The hardtop is a $1995 option here, too. Fully loaded, a Sebring Limited convertible can come close to $35,000.
Safety
The Sebring scores well on the safety front. All sedans have standard front, front-side, and curtain airbags. The LX has anti-lock front-disc and rear-drum brakes, and all the other models have anti-lock disc brakes. A stability-control system is available on the Touring and Limited models and is standard on the Limited AWD. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard on all Sebring convertible models; stability control is optional on the Touring and Limited convertibles.
