Chrysler's all-new Sebring sedan enters the 2007 model year with impressive styling, loads of features, and much improved performance.
Chrysler is optimistic, hoping their Sebring will fair well in this segment. Knowing Sebring's competitors, Chrysler has prepared a vastly improved car.
To help make Sebring more appealing, Chrysler styled it with inspiration coming from their Chrysler Airflite concept. The result is a sedan that looks athletic and elegant.
The new Sebring sports the distinctive face of the Chrysler brand, which is further accented by a uniquely styled hood and large headlamp assemblies.
To me, the new Sebring looks somewhat like a sedan version of the Crossfire. I like Sebring's new look and hope it will fair much better than its sports car look-a-like.
Inside Sebring, you'll find a roomier interior that offers stain resistant fabric or leather, heated/cooled cup holders, rear seat entertainment system, LED interior lighting, and MyGig, an optional entertainment and navigation audio system that includes a 6.5-inch screen, 20-gigabyte hard drive, and USB port for loading audio and/or video files. The radio screen can display movies when the vehicle is not in motion.
Safety features include side curtain airbags and standard anti-lock brakes. To my disappointment, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is not standard equipment, but it is offered as an option. This is a good system that should be considered as a must add-on.
The 2007 Sebring comes in three trim levels: Base, Touring and Limited. Base models come nicely equipped; Touring models add alloy wheels, stain-resistant upholstery, LED interior lighting and more available options; the Limited model adds leather seats, tortoise-shell interior accents, upgraded audio system and automatic climate control.
I especially liked the LED interior lighting found inside my Sebring Touring tester. The LED lighting delivered a bright, whitish radiance making it easier to find items in the dark. The LED lighting is a welcome addition and adds to Sebring's elegant theme.
Stepping up to the Sebring Touring model also adds a fold-flat front passenger seat that provides a nice work surface.
Seating inside Sebring is for five, but the middle rear seat passenger will complain about the significant hump in the floor. On a positive note, four large adults do fit comfortably inside the new Sebring.
There are three different engines offered in Sebring. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that delivers 173-horsepower. Mated to a standard 4-speed automatic transmission, this combo is rated at 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Also available is a Flexible Fuel (FFV) 2.7-liter V6 (189-horsepower) mated to a 4-speed automatic. The 2.7-liter V6 runs on gasoline or up to 85-percent (E85) ethanol.
Those wanting more power will need to step up to the Sebring Limited. Optional in the Limited is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 235 horsepower. The 3.5-liter V6 is mated to Chrysler's new 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 6-speed automatic is designed to provide better launch acceleration and closer ratios for a smoother, quieter overall feel.
My Sebring Touring tester came equipped with the FFV 2.7-liter V6. There's plenty of power from this V6. Acceleration was good from both stops and at higher speeds.
Sebring feels more refined and composed than previous models I have driven. The cabin is fairly quiet with very little noise permeating.
Sebring did well at limiting body roll in corners, but you wont' mistake this sedan for a sports coupe. Overall, the ride is very pleasing. Those in the mid-size sedan segment should give Sebring a good look.
2007 Chrysler Sebring Touring Sedan
Engine: 2.7-liter (189 hp) V6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive Type: FWD
Fuel Economy: 22 city/30 highway
Base Price: $19,520
As Tested: Not available
Website: http://www.chrysler.com