The larger alloy wheel and tire package does make a difference when the road gets curvy, allowing very good lateral stability and impressive poise during panic lane changes. The brakes are quite good as well, due to 4-wheel discs at each corner and optional ABS. Power off the line is either adequate or exciting depending on the choice of engines. Standard forward thrust comes from Chrysler's venerable 2.4-L 4-cylinder also found in the Neon R/T and PT Cruiser, with 150-hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. That's a lot of torque for this class of car, and works quite well with the standard 4-speed automatic transmission. That said it is a little noisy and not as smooth as the optional engine, a sophisticated 2.7-L V6 with dual-overhead cams and 4-valves per cylinder. The 200-hp engine snaps quickly off the line and zips to highway speeds in no time at all. To make driving more enjoyable the LXi sports the sequential shifting AutoStick transmission. I don't often use manual mode in the city or when cruising on the highway, but it's a lot of fun when the road starts winding and maximizing throttle control is important. Slapping the stick sideways for up and down shifts takes a little getting used to, as it's the only manually shifting automatic actuated in this manner.
Safety features? While second-generation front airbags are standard, side-impact airbags are available at a $390 premium. As I mentioned previously, anti-lock brakes are available across the line.
In summary I have to admit that I'm beginning to be swayed toward a few domestic sedans. Call me a snob but my own money would have been spent on an import a few years ago, but now it would be a tougher choice mostly because of a few well executed domestics like the Sebring. It delivers exciting performance and excellent comfort for exceptional value. How much? That's the good part. With all its standard features it starts at $23,495, less than any of its midsize competitors except the smaller Malibu, at $22,760, which doesn't include power locks, windows or cruise control as standard equipment. So if you're searching for a midsize sedan the Chrysler Sebring is definitely worthy of serious investigation.
Safety features? While second-generation front airbags are standard, side-impact airbags are available at a $390 premium. As I mentioned previously, anti-lock brakes are available across the line.
In summary I have to admit that I'm beginning to be swayed toward a few domestic sedans. Call me a snob but my own money would have been spent on an import a few years ago, but now it would be a tougher choice mostly because of a few well executed domestics like the Sebring. It delivers exciting performance and excellent comfort for exceptional value. How much? That's the good part. With all its standard features it starts at $23,495, less than any of its midsize competitors except the smaller Malibu, at $22,760, which doesn't include power locks, windows or cruise control as standard equipment. So if you're searching for a midsize sedan the Chrysler Sebring is definitely worthy of serious investigation.