The large rear-drive Chrysler 300 sedan set the world on fire when introduced a few years ago with its unusual styling and power. The
2007 Chrysler Sebring won't do the same, but might make a significant dent in the Japanese-dominated mid-size sedan market -- the most competitive in America.
The front-wheel-drive Sebring's sporty styling will draw attention -- my jet black test Sebring sure did. The styling will get the car to at least first base with car shoppers. However, the main thing is that it's affordable, efficient, comfortable and practical.
The steering is linear, handling is decent and the ride is comfortable, if a bit soft. Brakes are activated by a pedal with a nice linear action for smooth stops.
The Sebring's body is said to be inspired by Chrysler's 2003 Airflite auto show concept car. It has the hood strakes, sharp character lines and grille treatment of the Chrysler Crossfire two-seater -- and the headlights and back end of the first-generation 1999-2004 300M, which impressed the auto styling community.
The quiet, five-passenger interior is roomy and looks upscale, although gauges are too deeply set for a quick read during certain daytime hours.
The Sebring is competitively priced at $18,320 to $23,320 and comes in three trim levels: Base, Touring and Limited.
All have a standard 2.4-liter, 173-horsepower four-cylinder engine (up from 150 in the 2006 Sebring). Two V-6s also are offered -- a 2.7-liter with 189 horsepower and a 3.5-liter with 235 horsepower.
You might expect that the Touring would have 2.7 V-6 as standard and the Limited the 3.5 V-6. No dice. The 2.7 is offered for the Touring in a $1,400 option package and the 3.5 is available for the Limited in a $2,000 package, which contains such items as 18-inch tires. The Base Sebring has 16-inch tires, while the Touring runs on 17-inchers.
The 2.4 and 2.7 engines come with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.5 shoots power through a new six-speed automatic with an AutoStick manual shift feature.
The four-cylinder was co-developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai and is sophisticated, although noisier with less punch than either V-6. The Sebring's major Japanese rivals are the mid-size Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and most are ordered with a four-cylinder.
The bottom line is that a four-cylinder keeps the price down for those cars. Most mainstream families who buy a mid-size sedan opt for a four-cylinder because it's less expensive than a V-6.
The Sebring is designed to appeal mostly to folks 35-55 years old who are married and have a median income of about $65,000. Some 60 percent are college-educated and 55 percent are female. Many have one or two children.
One advantage of the sophisticated dual-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder is that it allows the Sebring to be lighter up front than Sebring V-6 versions and thus has slightly better handling. Another plus is that it delivers the best estimated Sebring fuel economy: 24 mpg in the city and 32 on highways.
The 2.7 V-6 provides 22 and 30 with conventional gasoline. It's a Flexible Fuel engine that can operate on any blend of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E-85 -- but good luck finding one of the scarce filling stations that offer such fuel.
The 3.5 V-6 delivers 19 city and 28 highway. It propels the Sebring from 0-60 mph in a quick 7.7 seconds. I tested the mid-range Touring model with the 2.7 V-6, which isn't as fast as a Limited V-6 but provides lively in-town acceleration and good 65-75 mph passing times.
The base Sebring model's standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, front side and side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, telescoping steering wheel, AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 connectivity and play capacity and a 60/40 split folding rear seat with a center armrest.
The Touring adds a fold-flat front passenger seat, an interior with more glitz and express up/down windows for the driver and front passenger. The Limited adds two-tone leather seats, premium sound system, eight-way power driver's seat, automatic temperature control, steering wheel audio controls and Sirius satellite radio.
There are a bunch of optional creature comforts and gadgets, including a cupholder that heats to 140 degrees and cools to 35 degrees -- and stability/traction control systems.
Families with kids should especially appreciate the stain- and odor-resistant and anti-static seat fabric, which is optional on the base model and standard on the Touring.
The interior is quiet, with large climate controls and small sound system controls. Front seats provide good support in curves, and front console cupholders are positioned to avoid spills.
The front power windows can be easily stopped while partially down or up, although the front passenger can't control the rear windows, which lower all the way. Large outside mirrors provide good rear visibility.
The large trunk has a wide opening and a lined lid that pops up well out of the way to prevent head-banging during hurried loading.
Fluid filler areas under the hood can be easily reached without spoiling clothes.
Chrysler has done a generally good job with the Sebring, which will need all its assets to compete in the fierce mid-size sedan market.
2007 CHRYSLER SEBRING
PRICE: $18,320-$23,320
LIKES: Sporty styling. Roomy. Strong V-6s. Nice ride and handling.
DISLIKES: Not a sports sedan. Standard four-cylinder engine for all models.