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2001 Chrysler Sebring Full Review
Date Published: 9/16/08
Also in the 2001 Chrysler Sebring Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2001 Chrysler Sebring Review
Chrysler's midsize line is redesigned for 2001. It retains 2-dr coupe and convertible models, but adds a 4-dr sedan previously called the Cirrus. Wheelbases are unchanged, exterior dimensions increase slightly. The coupe takes its platform and powertrains from Mitsubishi's Galant and Eclipse. It has a standard 4-cyl or optional 3.0-liter V6, both with manual or automatic transmission. Chrysler's AutoStick manual-shift automatic is available with the V6. Sebring's sedan and convertible share a Chrysler platform and powertrains. A 2.7-liter V6 is standard on the convertible and optional on the sedan in place of a 4 cyl. All sedans and convertibles have automatic transmission with AutoStick available on V6 models. Convertibles have a power top with heated glass rear window. Curtain side airbags are optional on sedans, but no Sebring has torso side airbags. ABS is standard on the Limited convertible and optional for other Sebrings except the base LX coupe. Sedans, convertibles, and the LXi coupe come with 4-wheel disc brakes. Sedans and coupes have Dodge Stratus counterparts.
Competition
Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both come in coupe and sedan forms, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced.
Recommended models include the smooth Chevrolet Impala, the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, the sporty Nissan Maxima, surprising Olds Intrigue, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. We've also added the Ford Taurus and clone Mercury Sable to our Recommended list.
Recommended models include the smooth Chevrolet Impala, the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, the sporty Nissan Maxima, surprising Olds Intrigue, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. We've also added the Ford Taurus and clone Mercury Sable to our Recommended list.
News
Having been just redesigned, Sebring and sister Dodge Stratus should continue pretty much as is for the foreseeable future. Though the prior generation lasted six model years, we'd expect the new one to be replaced a little sooner, say by 2006, with an interim freshening for '03 or '04. Near-term plans for these vehicles remain clouded by Chrysler's current financial woes and restructuring efforts. Yet even if the company gets back in the black fairly soon, Sebring/Stratus should be in for only a few new features over the next several years. These should include a Chrysler-developed navigation system and OnStar-like assistance/concierge service, as well as front side airbags and, for coupe and sedan at least, rear side airbags.
2001 Chrysler Sebring Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Acceleration (4-cylinder) |
| Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe) | |
| Rear-seat comfort (coupe) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
V6s have adequate power, but are slower than rivals' larger V6s. Four-cylinders are slow and noisy but better than last year's. AutoStick is a welcome addition to coupe models.
| LXi cpe, V6 auto. | LX sdn, V6 | Limited conv | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
V6s have adequate power, but are slower than rivals' larger V6s. Four-cylinders are slow and noisy but better than last year's. AutoStick is a welcome addition to coupe models.
Fuel Economy
Manual-transmission 3.0 V6 coupe averaged 23.3 mpg in our tests. Equipped with the 2.7 V6 and automatic transmission, a test sedan averaged 18.3 mpg, a test LXi convertible 18.5.
| LXi cpe, V6 auto. | LX sdn, V6 | Limited conv | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Manual-transmission 3.0 V6 coupe averaged 23.3 mpg in our tests. Equipped with the 2.7 V6 and automatic transmission, a test sedan averaged 18.3 mpg, a test LXi convertible 18.5.
Ride Quality
All Sebrings comfortably absorb most bumps. Coupes ride much better than their shorter-wheelbase Eclipse cousins, but still don't filter out bad pavement as well as Sebring sedans, especially with LXi's 17-inch wheels.
| LXi cpe, V6 auto. | LX sdn, V6 | Limited conv | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
All Sebrings comfortably absorb most bumps. Coupes ride much better than their shorter-wheelbase Eclipse cousins, but still don't filter out bad pavement as well as Sebring sedans, especially with LXi's 17-inch wheels.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Larger tires give uplevel models more confident moves than base models, and coupes are slightly more nimble than sedans. Convertible stable, secure, too. Braking is sure, with good pedal modulation. All tested had ABS.
| LXi cpe, V6 auto. | LX sdn, V6 | Limited conv | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.1 |
Larger tires give uplevel models more confident moves than base models, and coupes are slightly more nimble than sedans. Convertible stable, secure, too. Braking is sure, with good pedal modulation. All tested had ABS.
Quietness
Less refined than some rivals, but quieter than previous generation. Sedans no longer thunk over expansion joints, coupes lose their transmission whine. Wind noise is minimal.
| LXi cpe, V6 auto. | LX sdn, V6 | Limited conv | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.2 |
Less refined than some rivals, but quieter than previous generation. Sedans no longer thunk over expansion joints, coupes lose their transmission whine. Wind noise is minimal.
Controls
Clear and readable. Best in sedan and convertible; coupe flawed by overdesign, low-placed climate system. Driver has no blind spots (except to convertible's rear corners), but larger outside mirrors would aid lane changes. Quality of materials is competitive with most rivals--though this is less true of coupes.
| LXi cpe, V6 auto. | LX sdn, V6 | Limited conv | Class Average |
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Clear and readable. Best in sedan and convertible; coupe flawed by overdesign, low-placed climate system. Driver has no blind spots (except to convertible's rear corners), but larger outside mirrors would aid lane changes. Quality of materials is competitive with most rivals--though this is less true of coupes.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Roomy, but taller passengers may want more head room in the coupe. Low roofline hampers entry/exit in coupe and top-up convertible.
| LXi cpe, V6 auto. | LX sdn, V6 | Limited conv | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Roomy, but taller passengers may want more head room in the coupe. Low roofline hampers entry/exit in coupe and top-up convertible.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Head room is a bit snug, but leg and foot room is ample. Coupe's cushion is low and its seatback is too reclined. Three adults can fit in sedan's back seat with a little squeezing. Convertible holds two adults comfortably, unlike most of its breed.
| LXi cpe, V6 auto. | LX sdn, V6 | Limited conv | Class Average |
| 2 | 4 | 3 | 4.1 |
Head room is a bit snug, but leg and foot room is ample. Coupe's cushion is low and its seatback is too reclined. Three adults can fit in sedan's back seat with a little squeezing. Convertible holds two adults comfortably, unlike most of its breed.
Cargo Room
Average for the class, though few convertibles offer more. Coupes' trunklid hinges dip into luggage bay. Interior storage is adequate in coupe. Sedans have a small center console and lack rear-door map pockets.
| LXi cpe, V6 auto. | LX sdn, V6 | Limited conv | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 2 | 4.5 |
Average for the class, though few convertibles offer more. Coupes' trunklid hinges dip into luggage bay. Interior storage is adequate in coupe. Sedans have a small center console and lack rear-door map pockets.
Value within Class
Improved new design still lacks the polish of some import-brand rivals. All three body styles offer comfortable interiors, competitive prices, but gem here is the roomy, stylish convertible.
| LXi cpe, V6 auto. | LX sdn, V6 | Limited conv | Class Average |
| 6 | 3 | 6 | 5.8 |
Improved new design still lacks the polish of some import-brand rivals. All three body styles offer comfortable interiors, competitive prices, but gem here is the roomy, stylish convertible.
Total Score
| LXi cpe, V6 auto. | LX sdn, V6 | Limited conv | Class Average |
| 48 | 48 | 47 | 51.8 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 39 | |
| Average Score | 51 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2001 Chrysler Sebring Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/04/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| LX 2-door coupe | $19,910 | $18,524 | $595 |
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| LXi 2-door coupe | $21,575 | $20,023 | $595 |
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| LX 4-door sedan | $17,975 | $16,743 | $595 |
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| LXi 4-door sedan | $20,860 | $19,339 | $595 |
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| LX 2-door convertible | $24,400 | $22,655 | $595 |
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| LXi 2-door convertible | $26,860 | $24,869 | $595 |
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| Limited 2-door convertible | $28,945 | $26,746 | $595 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX coupe
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, tachometer, rear defogger, remote decklid release, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 205/55HR16 tires, wheel covers.
LXi coupe adds to LX coupe:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, Infinity AM/FM/cassette/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/50R17 tires, alloy wheels.
LX sedan adds to LX coupe:
Powertrain
2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Split folding rear seat, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: remote keyless entry, map lights, theft-deterrent system.
205/65R15 tires.
LXi sedan adds to LXi sedan:
Comfort and Convenience Features
2.7-liter dohc V6 engine, leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Infinity AM/FM/CD player, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, 205/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.
LX convertible adds to LX coupe:
Powertrain
2.7-liter dohc V6 engine.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power drivers seat, heated power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, power convertible top, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: fog lights, theft-deterrent system.
205/65R15 tires.
LXi convertible adds to LX convertible:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, universal garage door opener, Infinity AM/FM/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 205/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Limited convertible adds to LXi convertible:
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Infinity AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Two-tone paint, chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Touring Group
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LX coupe
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$630
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$580
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6-way power driver seat, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, outside temperature indicator, compass.
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Leather Interior Group
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LXi coupe
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$1,045
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$961
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Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, universal garage door opener.
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Quick Order Group 24/28J
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LX sedan
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$955
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$879
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AM/FM/CD player, remote keyless entry, 8-way power driver seat, illuminated visor mirrors, trip computer, low washer fluid warning light, map lights, rear passenger assist handles.
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Luxury Group
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LXi sedan
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$1,565
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$1,440
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Autostick manual-shift capability, remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, upgraded sound system, universal garage door opener, cargo net, chrome alloy wheels.
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Security Group
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LX/LXi sedan
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$195
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$179
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LX convertible
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$175
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$161
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Theft-deterrent system w/alarm. LX sedan requires Quick Order Group.
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Powertrain |
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3.0-liter V6 engine
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LX coupe
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$950
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$874
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2.7-liter dohc V6 engine
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LX sedan
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$850
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$782
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4-speed automatic transmission
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LXi coupe
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$825
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$759
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Autostick manual-shift capability
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LXi coupe
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$165
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$152
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Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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LX/LXi sedan
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$390
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$359
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Antilock brakes
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LXi coupe w/manual trans., sedans, convertibles
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$565
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$520
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LXi coupe w/automatic transmission
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$740
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$681
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LXi coupe w/automatic transmission includes traction control.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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LX/LXi sedan
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$695
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$639
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LX/LXi coupe
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$685
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$630
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LX sedan requires Quick Order Group.
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AM/FM/CD player
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LX sedan
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$125
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$115
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AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer
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LX convertible
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$375
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$345
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LX/LXi sedan, LXi convertible
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$250
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$230
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LXi coupe
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$0
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$0
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LX sedan requires Quick Order Group.
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Premium sound system
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LX/LXi sedan
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$350
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$322
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LX requires Quick Order Group.
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Infinity sound system
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LX convertible
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$475
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$437
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Remote keyless entry
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LX sedan
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$170
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$156
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8-way power driver seat
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LX sedan
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$380
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$350
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Cloth upholstery
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LXi sedan (credit)
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$-125
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$-115
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Smokers Pkg.
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sedans
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$30
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$28
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convertibles
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$20
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$18
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Cold Weather Pkg.
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sedans
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$40
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$37
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coupes, convertibles
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$30
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$28
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Engine block and battery heater.
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Special paint
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LX convertible, LX coupe, LX sedan, LXi convertible, LXi coupe, LXi sedan, Limited convertible
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$200
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$184
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Full-size spare tire
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LXi sedan w/chrome alloy wheels
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$385
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$354
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Limited
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$365
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$336
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LX sedan w/alloy wheels, LXi sedan
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$250
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$230
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convertible w/alloy wheels
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$215
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$198
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LX sedan
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$160
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$147
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LX convertible
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$125
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$115
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Alloy wheels
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LX coupe
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$365
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$336
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Alloy wheels w/205/60R16 tires
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LX sedan/convertible
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$325
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$299
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Chrome alloy wheels
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LXi coupe
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$750
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$690
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LXi sedan
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$600
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$552
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LXi coupe requires Leather Interior Group.
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2001 Chrysler Sebring Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chrysler Sebring 2-door coupe | Chrysler Sebring 2-door convertible | Chrysler Sebring 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.7 | 106.0 | 108.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.2 | 193.7 | 190.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.3 | 69.4 | 70.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.7 | 55.0 | 54.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3100 | 3489 | 3250 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.3 | 11.3 | 16.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.3 | 16.0 | 16.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 38.7 | 37.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | 42.4 | 42.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.0 | 37.0 | 35.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.0 | 35.2 | 38.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc I4 | dohc I4 | dohc V6 | sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /143 | 2.4 /148 | 2.7 /167 | 3.0 /181 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 147 @ 5500 | 150 @ 5200 | 200 @ 5900 | 200 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 158 @ 4000 | 167 @ 4000 | 192 @ 4300 | 205 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/30 | --/-- | --/-- | 20/28 |
| 4-speed automatic | 20/30 | 20/27 | 20/28 | 19/27 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Chrysler Sebring 2-door coupe | Chrysler Sebring 2-door convertible | Chrysler Sebring 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | 3 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | 3 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA | 3 | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | 4 | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2001 Chrysler Sebring Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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