2007-2008 Chrysler Sebring: Road Test

Four-cylinder Sebring sedans struggle in passing and merging situations, though they cope adequately with around-town driving. The 2.7-liter V6 is stronger overall, though the transmission shifts harshly. Power is ample with the 3.5-liter V6, but the six-speed automatic's rough, delayed downshifts frustrate passing efforts. Convertibles weigh up to 400 pounds more than sedans, and are notably slower from a stop and in highway passing/merging situations. Fuel economy isn't bad. A test four-cylinder Touring sedan averaged 19.5 mpg in city/highway driving. With the 2.7-liter V6, a Touring sedan averaged 21.0 mpg in similar driving conditions. In another mix of city/highway driving, a Limited convertible with the 3.5-liter V6 managed 18.3 mpg. The four-cylinder and 2.7 V6 use regular-grade fuel. Chrysler recommends 89-octane fuel for the 3.5 V6. Sedans provide good isolation from bumps and rough surfaces, but highway-speed stability is compromised by excessive body float over dips and swells. Convertibles are reasonably well isolated, though some body shudder is noticeable over cracked pavement. Little difference in rigidity is evident between convertibles with the soft top and hard top. Nimble at low speeds, Sebrings suffer from steering that has a less precise feel than that of most midsize competitors. Body lean is notable in aggressive cornering. Brakes have proven strong in simulated panic stops. Road and wind noise are effectively muted, but the gruff four-cylinder engine roars loudly during even moderate acceleration. The 2.7 V6 is modestly more refined. Most hushed is the 3.5-liter V6, but even that one trails most rivals' available V6s for overall polish. Gauges are simple, though difficult to read at night. Climate controls are set too low for quick adjustment. Chrysler's available navigation system absorbs some audio functions, but its controls are fairly intuitive. The convertible's fabric top takes 27 seconds to raise or lower; the hardtop, 30 seconds. The retractable hardtop on one test Limited convertible sometimes stopped during the closing procedure; it would take several minutes for the system to reset, allowing the top to close fully. Cabin materials are more sturdy than rich, notably downmarket of class leaders. Front riders can expect generous headroom, even beneath the sunroof's housing. Chrysler said Sebring bodies were about as wide as other midsize sedans, but interior cabin width is more on par with the compact class. Shoulder room is limited for larger occupants. Narrow roof pillars contribute to good outward visibility. Adult-adequate headroom is available in sedan backseats, with fine seat support, but there's no excess of legroom. Relatively long sedan doors aid entry/exit, but the narrow cabin rules out three-abreast adult seating. Convertible rear seats are best for teenagers and youngsters, and access demands some twisting. A short deck lid and high liftover limit utility of the small but usefully shaped sedan trunk. Rear sedan seats split 60/40 and fold nearly flat. Load possibilities are expanded if the available flat-folding front passenger seat is installed. The narrow center console and smallish glovebox compromise interior storage options. Convertibles have a trunk that's nearly as large as that of the sedan. In fact, space is sufficient for two golf bags-even with the retractable hardtop down.

Value for the Money
As redesigned for 2007, Sebring was a vast improvement over the 2001-06 generation. New-car prices were attractive, with well-equipped V6 models starting below $23,000. Unfortunately, the new Sebring lacked the powertrain refinement and interior roominess offered by leaders in this segment. Convertibles appeal with the choice of a sort top or the all-weather security of a power-retractable hardtop. They're reasonable alternatives to competitive drop-top models.