2006 Chrysler Sebring Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Sebring loses its coupe for 2006, leaving sedan and convertible models that share an underskin design with the Dodge Stratus. The Sebring sedan comes in base, Touring, Limited, and sporty TSi trim. The convertible comes in base, GTC, Touring, and Limited guise, all with a power top and heated glass rear window. Sebrings offer a 150-hp 4-cyl engine and a 200-hp 6-cyl. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. Chrysler's AutoStick automatic with manual shift gate is available on the TSi sedan and Limited convertible. ABS and traction control are available on all models. Curtain side airbags are optional only on TSi sedans. No other Sebrings are available with side airbags. A navigation system is available.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.

News

The Sebring sedan is redesigned for 2007, as is sister Dodge Stratus. Spy photos of test prototypes suggest high-profile slab-sided styling not unlike that of a Saturn Ion sedan. Engines will likely comprise a new-design 2.4-liter 4-cyl with around 170 hp and an optional Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0-liter V6. These cars use a stretched version of the new Chrysler-Mitsubishi platform premiering with the compact Dodge Caliber sportwagon. That means an all-wheel-drive option is a distinct possibility somewhere down the line.

And the Sebring convertible? It's redesigned for 2008, though it'll probably surface in the first half of calendar '07. Running gear will be shared with sedans, but spy photos indicate lower, sleeker styling in the mold of Volvo's new C70. In a surprise move, Chrysler will reportedly offer the new Sebring convertible in soft-top and retractable-hardtop versions. We should have more details soon, so keep checking back with us.

2006 Chrysler Sebring Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Acceleration (4-cylinder)

	Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe, convertible)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Touring sdn	Limited conv	Class Average
5	5	5.6

V6 Sebrings have adequate power for most needs. Four-cylinder models are slower and noisier than the V6s. Autostick can help make the most of available power.

Fuel Economy

Touring sdn	Limited conv	Class Average
6	5	5.2

Test V6 sedans averaged 18.3-25.2 mpg. Test Limited convertibles averaged 18.5-21.3. No opportunity to measure with 4-cyl. All models use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Touring sdn	Limited conv	Class Average
6	5	6.1

All Sebrings comfortably absorb most bumps, but suffer some float over dips and swells.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Touring sdn	Limited conv	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Quite confident in all models. Braking competent, with good pedal feel. All models tested had ABS.

Quietness

Touring sdn	Limited conv	Class Average
5	4	6.2

Less refined than top import rivals, but not inordinately loud. Mechanical noise, road roar, and wind rush reasonably hushed.

Controls

Touring sdn	Limited conv	Class Average
5	5	6.8

Clear and readable gauges, contemporary and handy control layout. More hard plastic than in top rivals, but materials generally class competitive.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Touring sdn	Limited conv	Class Average
6	5	6.6

Roomy, but low roofline hampers top-up entry/exit in convertible. Larger outside mirrors would aid lane changes in all models, but only real blind spot is to rear quarters in convertibles with top up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Touring sdn	Limited conv	Class Average
4	3	5

Head room is a bit snug, but leg and foot room are ample. Unlike most of its breed, the convertible holds adults comfortably.

Cargo Room

Touring sdn	Limited conv	Class Average
5	2	4.5

Average for cars this size, though few convertibles offer more. Sedans have a small center console.

Value within Class

Touring sdn	Limited conv	Class Average
4	4	6.1

Sebrings lack the polish of some import-brand rivals, and the narrow availability of side airbags is a competitive deficit. If there is a standout here, it's the roomy, stylish convertible.

Total Score

Touring sdn	Limited conv	Class Average
52	44	58.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		58
High Score		70

2006 Chrysler Sebring Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/13/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$20,055	$18,615	$675

Touring 4-door sedan	$20,725	$19,218	$675

Limited 4-door sedan	$23,015	$21,279	$675

TSi 4-door sedan	$24,290	$22,426	$675

Base 2-door convertible	$26,115	$24,199	$675

GTC 2-door convertible	$27,540	$25,481	$675

Touring 2-door convertible	$28,865	$26,674	$675

Limited 2-door convertible	$31,675	$29,203	$675

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

Base sedan

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 205/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Touring sedan adds to Base sedan:

Powertrain

2.7-liter V6 engine.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Touring suspension.

Limited sedan adds to Touring sedan:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather/suede upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, chrome alloy wheels.

TSi sedan adds to Limited sedan:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, wood interior trim.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, chrome alloy wheels.

Rear spoiler, performance suspension, 215/50R17 tires, alloy wheels.

Base convertible adds to Base sedan:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, power vinyl convertible top.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: split folding rear seat, alloy wheels.

205/65R15 tires, wheel covers.

GTC convertible adds to Base convertible:

Powertrain

2.7-liter V6 engine.

Safety

4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Vinyl upholstery.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 205/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Touring convertible adds to GTC convertible:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather/suede upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, trip computer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: rear spoiler.

Fog lights, touring suspension.

Limited convertible adds to Touring convertible:

Powertrain

Traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, Infinity sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, power cloth convertible top.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Chrome alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Signature Series Group
Base/Touring sedan	$2,790	$2,567
Leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, power sunroof, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, unique interior and exterior trim, fog lights, chrome alloy wheels.

Spring Special Group
Limited convertible	$1,295	$1,191
Manual-shift capability, automatic climate control, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, wood interior trim, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights.

Luxury Group
Touring convertible	$705	$649
Automatic climate control, Infinity AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, wood interior trim, automatic headlights.

Protection Value Group
Base/Touring sedan	$1,130	$1,040
Limited sedan	$995	$915
Traction control, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. NA w/satellite radio.

Electronics Convenience Group
Limited sedan	$575	$529
Heated front seats, automatic central locking, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, additional auxiliary power outlet, alarm.

Travel Convenience Group
TSi	$355	$327
Trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, premium headliner.

Security Group
GTC	$195	$179
Automatic door locks, alarm.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
TSi	$390	$359


Antilock brakes
convertible	$740	$681
Includes traction control, 4-wheel disc brakes. Std. Limited convertible.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
TSi, Touring convertible, Limited sedan/convertible	$1,725	$1,587
Limited convertible w/Luxury Group	$1,325	$1,219
Includes in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Power sunroof
TSi w/Travel Convenience, Limited sedan	$750	$690
TSi	$860	$791
TSi includes illuminated visor mirrors, map lights.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Base/Touring sedan, Base convertible	$100	$92


AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Limited sedan, TSi, GTC, Touring convertible	$400	$368
NA w/satellite radio.

Infinity sound system
GTC	$475	$437


Satellite radio
Base convertible, Base sedan, GTC convertible, Limited convertible, Limited sedan, TSi sedan, Touring convertible, Touring sedan	$195	$179
Includes one year service. NA w/curtain side airbags, navigation system.

8-way power driver seat
Base/Touring sedan	$380	$350


6-way power driver seat
Base convertible, GTC	$350	$322


Cloth upholstery
Touring conv (credit)	$-200	$-184
GTC	$95	$87
GTC requires 6-way power driver seat. NA w/heated front seats.

Heated front seats
Touring/Limited convertible	$250	$230


Wood interior trim
Limited sedan	$200	$184


Smokers Pkg.
Base convertible, Base sedan, GTC convertible, Limited convertible, Limited sedan, TSi sedan, Touring convertible, Touring sedan	$30	$28


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Cold Weather Pkg.
Base convertible, Base sedan, GTC convertible, Limited convertible, Limited sedan, TSi sedan, Touring convertible, Touring sedan	$40	$37
Engine-block and battery heater.

Cloth convertible top
Touring convertible	$175	$161


Metallic paint
Base convertible, Base sedan, GTC convertible, Limited convertible, Limited sedan, TSi sedan, Touring convertible, Touring sedan	$150	$138


Pearlcoat paint
Base convertible, Base sedan, GTC convertible, Limited convertible, Limited sedan, TSi sedan, Touring convertible, Touring sedan	$225	$207


Full-size spare tire
Limited sedan	$385	$354
Touring convertible	$250	$230

2006 Chrysler Sebring Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chrysler Sebring 4-door sedan	Chrysler Sebring 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	108.0	106.0

Overall Length, in.	190.7	193.7

Overall Width, in.	70.6	69.4

Overall Height, in.	54.9	55.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3135	3301

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.0	11.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.0	16.0

Seating Capacity	5	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.6	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.3	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	35.8	37.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.1	35.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /148	2.7 /167

Horsepower @ rpm.	150 @ 5500	200 @ 5800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	160 @ 4200	190 @ 4850

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	22/30	21/28

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 4-door sedan	Chrysler Sebring 2-door convertible

Front Impact, Driver	5	3

Front Impact, Passenger	5	3

Rollover Resistance	5	5

Side Impact, Driver	3	3

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	3	4

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	3/36,000	$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

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Chrysler Sebring
Trim Level: Limited convertible
Arrival Date: 05/04/2006
Engine: dohc V6
Bodystyle: 2-door convertible
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $31,475
Price as Tested: $34,180
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 1474
Mileage at End of Test: 2231
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 34.716 gals.

Major Options: Red Crystal Paint, Electronics Convenience Group, Luxury Group

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 21.81 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Damon Bell This car feels every bit as dated as its design. The Toyota Solara convertible handily trumps it in virtually every category.

Ed Piotrowski Sebring convertible is still roomy and stylish, but it's 10 years old and in desperate need of a redesign. There's too much body flex on the road and too much plastic in the interior to command over $34,000. Pontiac's G6 convertible is just as stylish, more rigid, and when comparably equipped, cheaper.

Tom Appel My sole Sebring convertible complaint is that the upper trim level models fail to appear especially luxurious. Otherwise, these roomy ragtops make for relaxed fun-in-the-sun cruising. Skip the Touring and Limited models and run with the GTC. It's the cheapest Sebring convertible with a V6.

< 2006 Chrysler Sebring Photos

Also in the 2006 Chrysler Sebring Review:

Chrysler Sebring

Chrysler Sebring Road Test

Chrysler Sebring Prices & Equipment

Chrysler Sebring Specs & Safety

Chrysler Sebring Photos

Chrysler Sebring Full Review

All Chrysler Sebrings

All Chryslers

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