The Chrysler Sebring Convertible enters its 11th year in production and it continues its run as America’s favorite convertible.
Earning this distinction is the result of providing consumers with an affordable, appealing, and properly-proportioned drop-top that offers a wide-range of creature comforts.
It’s been five years since I last visited the Chrysler Sebring Convertible and a couple of years since a new front fascia was applied to provide a more aggressive, yet elegant theme.
In an effort to offer more luxurious amenities in the Sebring Convertible, Chrysler has added to the 2006 option list a SIRIUS Satellite Radio, a full-screen Navigation CD radio with a six-disc CD player, genuine California Walnut wood trim, premium leather-trimmed seats with available heaters and a great premium Infinity sound system.
The Sebring Convertible comes in one of four trim levels, with prices starting at $26,790. Pricing for the top-of-the-line Limited model starts at $31,475.
The base trim level Sebring Convertible is powered by a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine, which is coupled with a four-speed automatic transaxle.
The GTC, Touring and Limited models feature a 200-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine, also coupled with a 4-speed automatic transaxle.
My Limited tester was easy to spot in a crowded parking lot thanks to its magnificent Inferno Red Crystal Pearl paintjob. And like most convertibles, my Sebring tester looked even better with its top down.
The top on the Limited model is either black cloth or dark taupe cloth, while the other trim level Sebring Convertibles feature a black vinyl top.
Regardless of top material, all feature insulation and a glass rear window with integrated defroster, making the Sebring Convertible all-weather friendly.
There is a rather large blindspot due to the wide section of top material located between the rear side windows and the top’s rear glass.
That blindspot obviously disappears with the top down. It takes a mere seven seconds to go topless. The tonneau cover is manually applied.
I like the Sebring Convertible’s spacious cabin with room for four adults. There’s also a nicely sized trunk to accommodate your shopping or traveling needs.
I found the leather seats (with suede inserts) both appealing and comfortable. The suede will help keep from burning your skin on hot days, or freezing your back end on cold days, but we wonder how easy it will be to keep the suede clean.
Of course, the Sebring Convertible is fun to drive. But we did notice a fair amount of windshield shake while driving over bumpy roads. That’s a trait many manufacturers strive to eliminate by installing extra braces underneath a convertible’s structure.
The 2.7-liter V6 in my tester was adequate, but we’d have preferred a bit more punch for highway passing and accelerating from a dead stop.
The four-speed automatic delivered smooth shifts but with more manufacturers going to five or six-speed units, we would expect to see more speeds (or maybe a CVT) in the future.
And without an available manual gearbox, some consumers might be passing up on the Sebring Convertible. Nevertheless, the Sebring Convertible does what it was designed to do.
Maybe it’s not the most elegant or refined, maybe it’s not the most agile or athletic, but the Sebring Convertible provides an exhilarating topless driving experience without breaking the bank.
2006 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible
Engine 2.7-liter (200 hp) V6
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Drive Type FWD
Fuel Economy 21 city/28 highway
Base Price $31,475
As Tested $34,180 (includes $675 for destination)
Website http://www.chrysler.com