The Sebring creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Despite being quite capable at high speeds, I didn't want to rip around in it like some of the sportier cars I've had. Rather I wanted to take my time, enjoying my CD's in the optional AM/FM, 6-disc in-dash CD player - which incidentally is well worth the extra $455. After all, Chrysler has gone to all the trouble of fitting in a standard 150-watt Infinity audio system, making sound quality precise and undistorted even at a high volume. I particularly like the CD changer controls on the back of the steering wheel, a common feature found in higher-end cars and SUVs.
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| The Sebring's drop top is simple, easy, and not frustrating, as some convertible tops can prove to be. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Another calming point about the Sebring was the ease at which the top drops. It's simple, easy, and not frustrating, as some convertible tops can prove to be. Just release the two latches located above the vanity mirrors, push the button and the rest takes care of itself. It opens quickly too. One thing that was a little more time consuming was putting the protective cover (tonneau) over the convertible top. There are a few reasons for this procedure; one, it keeps the dust and foreign objects out of the folds in the material, two, the material is less likely to get damaged or snagged, and three, it looks good. The total time it took me to go topless is an estimated two minutes max. Fast and easy, just what I like about convertibles.
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| Although not a sports car, the Sebring's 200-hp 2.7-L V6 moves it along quickly. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Now that the top is down, how does it drive? Well, it's smooth, up until it hits a bump in the road. Then the wrath of a long wheelbase combines with the lack of steel in its roof resulting in fairly low torsional rigidity, or in other words, the shakes and shimmies. But don't get me wrong. To get it off line the bumps have to be severe. Under normal conditions it's pretty stable, not particularly sporty but like I said, smooth.
And it's fairly quick too. Again, not sports car fast but lively considering its 1,571 kg (3,491 lb) curb weight. Chrysler's 2.7-L V6 is the reason, producing 200-hp at 5,800 rpm and 190 lb-ft of torque at 4,850 rpm.
