2009 Chrysler Sebring: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Chrysler Sebring sees some mid-year changes on top of the loss of all-wheel drive. Sebring is available as either a 4-door sedan or 2-door convertible. The Sebring convertible comes with a power soft top and heated-glass rear window and offers an optional power-retracting hard top. The sedan is offered only in Limited trim; the entry- and mid-level LX and Touring trims have been discontinued. The convertible remains available in LX, Touring, and Limited trims. The AWD Limited sedan has also been discontinued. The sedan and LX convertible come with a 173-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 186-hp 2.7-liter V6 is standard on Touring convertibles. This engine is capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. A 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 is standard on Limited convertibles and optional on Limited sedans. The 2.4- and 2.7-liter engines use a 4-speed automatic transmission, the 3.5 a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags (on sedans), and front side airbags. Also available is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a 30-gigabyte hard drive that can hold music or picture files, a wireless cell phone link, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information. Other available features include heated and cooled cupholders and remote engine start. Leather upholstery with heated front seats is standard on the Limited convertible and optional on the Touring convertible.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 5, Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Prius.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Galant, and Nissan Maxima.