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2002 Chrysler Sebring Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
2002 Chrysler Sebring Review
Chrysler's midsize line consists of sedans, convertibles, and coupes. The sedan and convertible share a Chrysler platform and use Chrysler powertrains. The coupe takes its platform and powertrains from Mitsubishi's Galant and Eclipse. All offer 4- and 6-cyl engines. All sedans and convertibles come with automatic transmission except the new-for-2002 GTC convertible, which offers a V6/manual combination. In coupes, the 4 cyl comes only with automatic, the V6 with manual or automatic. Chrysler's AutoStick automatic transmission with manual shift gate is available on the top-line Limited convertible and on V6 coupes. Curtain side airbags are optional on sedans; no Sebring offers torso side airbags. All models except the base coupe have 4-wheel disc brakes and offer ABS. The convertible is exclusive to the Sebring line, but sedans and coupes have Dodge Stratus counterparts. The GTC was added midyear and includes a sport suspension, unique 16-inch painted alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and other exclusive interior- and exterior-trim touches.
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 import-flavored Chevy Malibu, plain-Jane Ford Taurus, 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. The restyled and larger Nissan Altima is new to the Recommended list this year. We are impressed with interior room and road manners, but disappointed by the budget-level interior materials and assembly.
News
Though Sebring and Stratus have just been overhauled, Chrysler Group is already planning their successors. Expected for 2005 or '06, these cars reportedly ride a new platform developed by Mitsubishi for its redesigned 2004 Montero Sport SUV, 2005 Galant sedan and 2006 Eclipse sport coupe. Specifics are still some way from being decided, but Chrysler is said to be in charge of all car models on the new platform. Parent DaimlerChrysler, which owns a controlling 36-percent stake in Mitsubishi, wants to slash costs and speed development by using one platform instead of two or three for similar Chrysler Group and Mitsubishi models. Some observers see Sebring/Stratus coupes vanishing with the changeover, but the popular Sebring convertible will doubtless continue.

Until then, Sebring and Stratus should see no major design change. We'd expect a cosmetic freshening for '03 or '04. Some features not currently offered should be added along the way, including a Chrysler-developed navigation system, OnStar-type assistance/concierge service, front side airbags, and maybe rear side airbags for coupes and sedans.

Sebring's 2001 redesign seems to have been very good for sales, the line as a whole shooting up 89.2 percent year-to-year in calendar 2001. Stratus was also up for the period, but slightly trailed Sebring's volume, which benefitted from the convertible that Dodge doesn't offer. All Sebring body styles shows gains. Droptops were up 15.7 percent, coupes 29 percent, and sedans a startling 400 percent.
2002 Chrysler Sebring Road Test
Pros Cons
Steering/handling Acceleration (4-cylinder)
Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe, convertible)
Rear-seat comfort (coupe)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

LX sdn, V6 LXi cpe, V6 auto. Limited conv Class Average
5 6 5 5

V6 Sebrings have adequate power for most needs, though upscale midsize rivals are generally faster. Four-cylinder models are slower and noisier than the sixes. AutoStick lends a useful feature to V6 coupes and the Limited convertible. We have not tested the new GTC convertible.
Fuel Economy

LX sdn, V6 LXi cpe, V6 auto. Limited conv Class Average
5 6 5 5.3

Test manual-transmission 3.0 V6 coupe averaged 23.3 mpg. Equipped with the 2.7 V6 and automatic transmission, a test sedan averaged 18.3 mpg, a test LXi convertible 18.5. All models use regular fuel.
Ride Quality

LX sdn, V6 LXi cpe, V6 auto. Limited conv Class Average
6 5 6 6.2

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 and convertibles, especially the LXi coupe with its 17-inch wheels.
Steering/Handling/Braking

LX sdn, V6 LXi cpe, V6 auto. Limited conv Class Average
6 7 6 5.8

Larger tires give uplevel models more confident moves than base models, and coupes are slightly more nimble than sedans. Convertibles are stable, secure, too. Braking is sure, with good pedal modulation. All models tested had ABS.
Quietness

LX sdn, V6 LXi cpe, V6 auto. Limited conv Class Average
5 5 4 5.4

Less-refined than some rivals, but not inordinately loud. There's little thunking over expansion joints, and wind noise is reasonably well-managed.
Controls

LX sdn, V6 LXi cpe, V6 auto. Limited conv Class Average
6 4 6 6.3

Clear and readable. Best in sedan and convertible; coupe flawed by unnecessary design flourishes and by a low-placed climate system. Only driver blind spots are to the rear quarters in convertibles, but larger outside mirrors would aid lane changes. Quality of materials in sedan and convertible is competitive with most rivals. Coupes don't feel upscale by any measure.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX sdn, V6 LXi cpe, V6 auto. Limited conv Class Average
5 4 5 5.7

Roomy, but taller passengers may want more head room in the coupe. Low roofline hampers entry/exit in coupe and top-up in the convertible.
Room/Comfort (rear)

LX sdn, V6 LXi cpe, V6 auto. Limited conv Class Average
4 2 3 4.3

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 the sedan's back seat with a little squeezing. Unlike most of its breed, the convertible holds two adults comfortably.
Cargo Room

LX sdn, V6 LXi cpe, V6 auto. Limited conv Class Average
5 5 2 4.6

Average for the class, though few convertibles offer more. Coupe's 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

LX sdn, V6 LXi cpe, V6 auto. Limited conv Class Average
6 3 6 6

Though Sebrings lack the polish of some import-brand rivals, prices are competitive. Sedans and convertibles have reasonably comfortable interiors, and the sedans qualify as relatively sporty family cars. All in all, though, the gem here is the roomy, stylish ragtop.
Total Score

LX sdn, V6 LXi cpe, V6 auto. Limited conv Class Average
53 47 48 54.6
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
40
Average Score
54
High Score
73
2002 Chrysler Sebring Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/20/2002
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
LX 4-door sedan $18,005 $16,770 $625
LX Plus 4-door sedan $18,005 $16,770 $625
LXi 4-door sedan $20,580 $19,087 $625
LX 2-door coupe $20,390 $18,956 $625
LXi 2-door coupe $22,080 $20,477 $625
LX 2-door convertible $23,580 $21,917 $625
GTC 2-door convertible $25,415 $23,569 $625
LXi 2-door convertible $26,665 $24,694 $625
Limited 2-door convertible $29,300 $27,065 $625
Price note: LX Plus sedan requires Quick Order Group.
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 sedan/LX Plus
Powertrain
2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette, tachometer, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, remote decklid release, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
205/65R15 tires, wheel covers.
LXi sedan adds to LX sedan/LX Plus:
Powertrain
2.7-liter dohc V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, compass, outside-temperature indicator, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, touring suspension, 205/60TR16 tires, alloy wheels.
LX coupe adds to LX sedan/LX Plus:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, remote keyless entry, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: 4-wheel disc brakes, split folding rear seat, emergency inside trunk release.
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 205/60HR16 tires.
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 radio w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer, outside-temperature indicator, compass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/50HR17 tires, alloy wheels.
LX convertible adds to LX sedan/LX Plus:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, illuminated visor mirrors, power convertible top, automatic-off headlights.
GTC adds to LX convertible:
Powertrain
2.7-liter dohc V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, AM/FM/CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 205/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.
LXi convertible adds to LX convertible:
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power driver seat, trip computer, Infinity sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: rear spoiler.
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, touring suspension.
Limited convertible adds to LXi convertible:
Powertrain
Manual-shift capability.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front seat lumbar adjustment, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Group 28J
LX Plus
$640
$589
Cruise control, remote keyless entry, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear-passenger assist handles, automatic-off headlights.
Quick Order Group 24W
LX Plus
$965
$589
Quick Order Group 28J plus 205/60TR16 tires, alloy wheels. NA w/2.7-liter dohc V6 engine, 8-way power driver seat, power sunroof.
Remote/Illuminated Entry Group
LX sedan
$170
$156
Remote keyless entry, illuminated entry, automatic-off headlights.
Enthusiast Group
LXi sedan
$400
$368
LXi sedan w/Luxury Group
$250
$230
Manual-shift capability for automatic transmission, firm-feel power steering, sport suspension, electroluminescent instrument cluster.
Luxury Group
LXi sedan
$1,465
$1,348
Leather upholstery, universal garage-door opener, premium sound system, electroluminescent instrument cluster, automatic door locks, cargo net, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
Touring Group
LX coupe
$485
$446
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer, 6-way power driver seat, outside-temperature gauge, compass.
Leather Interior Group
LXi coupe
$1,045
$961
Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, universal garage-door opener.
Electronics Convenience Group
LXi conv.
$325
$299
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, automatic door locks, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
Security Information Group
LX sedan
$355
$327
Theft-deterrent system w/alarm, automatic door locks, trip computer. LX sedan requires Quick Order Group.
Security Group
LXi sedan, LX conv., GTC
$195
$179
Theft-deterrent system w/alarm, automatic door locking.
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine
LX coupe
$885
$814
2.7-liter dohc V6 engine
LX sedan
$1,085
$998
LX conv., LX Plus
$850
$782
LX sedan includes cruise control.
5-speed manual transmission
GTC
$
$
4-speed automatic transmission
LXi coupe
$825
$759
Autostick manual-shift capability
LXi coupe
$165
$152
Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Curtain side airbags
sedans
$390
$359
Antilock brakes
LXi coupe w/manual trans., sedans, LX/LXi conv., GTC
$565
$520
LXi coupe w/automatic transmission
$740
$681
LXi coupe w/automatic transmission includes traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
LX Plus, LXi sedan, coupes
$695
$639
LX Plus requires 8-way power driver seat.
Cruise control
LX conv.
$235
$216
AM/FM/CD player
LX sedan
$125
$115
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LX Plus
$100
$92
LXi coupe
$125
$115
LX coupe
$225
$207
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer
LXi convertible, GTC, Limited
$250
$230
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer
LX conv.
$375
$345
Premium sound system
LX Plus, LXi
$350
$322
Infinity sound system
LX/LXi conv., GTC
$475
$437
8-way power driver seat
LX sedan, LX Plus
$380
$350
6-way power driver seat
LX conv., GTC
$350
$322
Leather upholstery
LXi sedan
$650
$598
Cloth upholstery
LXi conv. (credit)
$-125
$-115
Heated front seats
LXi, Limited
$250
$230
LXi sedan/coupe require leather upholstery, antilock brakes.
Smokers Pkg.
sedans, convertibles
$30
$28
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Cold Weather Pkg.
GTC, LX convertible, LX coupe, LX sedan/LX Plus, LXi convertible, LXi coupe, LXi sedan, Limited convertible
$40
$37
Engine block and battery heater.
Special paint
GTC, LX convertible, LX coupe, LX sedan/LX Plus, LXi convertible, LXi coupe, LXi sedan, Limited convertible
$200
$184
Full-size spare tire
LXi sedan w/chrome alloy wheels, Limited
$385
$354
LX sedan/conv. w/alloy wheels, LX Plus w/alloy wheels, LXi sedan, GTC
$250
$230
LX sedan/conv., LX Plus
$160
$147
Alloy wheels
LX coupe
$365
$336
Alloy wheels w/205/60R16 tires
LX sedan/conv., LX Plus
$325
$299
Chrome alloy wheels
LXi coupe
$750
$690
LXi sedan
$600
$552
LXi coupe requires Leather Interior Group.
2002 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. 3099 3394 3201
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 16.3 11.3 16.0
Standard Payload, lbs. -- -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 16.3 16.0 16.0
Seating Capacity 5 4 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.5 38.7 37.6
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. 142 @ 5500 150 @ 5200 200 @ 5800 200 @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 158 @ 4000 167 @ 4000 190 @ 4850 205 @ 4500
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
5-speed manual --/-- --/-- --/-- 20/29
4-speed automatic 21/28 21/30 20/27 20/28
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 4 3 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4 3 5
Rollover Resistance NA NA 5
Side Impact, Driver 3 3 3
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5 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 7/70,000 $100 deductible per visit.
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
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