2001 Chrysler Sebring

The 2001 Chrysler Sebring is a new model that almost looks like a custom-body European coupe from an outfit such as Italy's Pininfarina.

But the new front-wheel-drive coupe is built far from European exotic car styling outfits. It's made in a Mitsubishi plant surrounded by cornfields in Downstate Normal because it shares its powertrain and platform with the refined Mitsubishi Eclipse. So does the similar-but-sportier Dodge Stratus.

There also are new, handsome 2001 Michigan-built Sebring sedan and convertible models that use Chrysler components. But the coupe is the hands-down beauty of the three models.

The coupe has a Ferrari-style grille and an elegant shape, with a flowing roofline, slick rear styling that resembles that of the Chrysler 300M--and prominent wheel openings for attractive wheels and large tires.

Looks are skin deep, but the Sebring has the refinement and power to back up its appearance--at least with its V-6.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder is standard for the base coupe. It develops 142 horsepower with its standard four-speed automatic transmission. No manual is offered.

But a smoother, quieter Mitsubishi 3-liter, 200-horsepower V-6 also is offered.

Here's how it breaks down: The base $19,910 Sebring LX has the four-cylinder, with the V-6 offered for $850 extra. The higher-line $21,475 LXi coupe comes standard with the single-overhead-camshaft V-6, which provides snappy acceleration off the line and good 65-75 mph passing times on highways.

Both engines are fairly economical, delivering in the high teens in the city and in the high 20s on the highway.

The LXi model has a standard five-speed manual and optional automatic. The LXi automatic costs $825, or $990 if you want it with a clutchless manual shift feature. The LX is not offered with a manual.

That's curious, because base models from most automakers have a manual, with an automatic optional. Higher-line models such as the LXi usually have a standard automatic. However, DaimlerChrysler feels most buyers of the LX would order it with an automatic.

The LX would be better off with a standard manual transmission, because it would allow livelier acceleration with the four-cylinder engine. The LXi should have a standard automatic--although both models really should come with the V-6.

DaimlerChrysler is trying to position the Sebring coupe as a European-car fighter by making a manual standard with the V-6 because German cars such as BMW offer manual transmissions.

But it is doubtful that many buyers of the Sebring LXi will want a manual. And few Chrysler dealers are likely to order an LXi without the automatic.

In any case, the automatic is responsive, and the manual works with a nice clutch. Its shift lever only gets balky when rushed.

The Sebring isn't one of those cars that provides exceptional styling at the expense of passenger or cargo space. There is good room for four 6-footers and a big trunk. The cargo area can be enlarged by folding the rear seatbacks forward.

The interior of my test LXi was quiet, except for some wind noise at highway speeds. It was especially luxurious with the $1,045 leather interior option.

Both Sebring models are well-equipped. Even the LX has standard air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette, cruise control, remote keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors.

The LXi adds items such as an upscale sound system with a CD player, leather-wrapped steering wheel and body color outside mirrors.

However, anti-lock brakes aren't offered for the LX coupe. They cost $565 for the LXi with a manual transmission and $740 for that model with an automatic. A traction control system comes at no extra cost with the LXi automatic and anti-lock brakes.

The power steering is a bit light, but is quick and precise. A very rigid body helps the supple suspension provide good handling and a smooth ride.

Front and rear anti-roll bars allow the Sebring to confidently zip through curves without uncomfortable body sway, although it has a softer, more luxurious feel than the Dodge Stratus R/T coupe I tested.

The LXi has wider tires than the LX for better handling. The LXi also has disc brakes at all wheels for superior braking, instead of the LX front disc/rear drum brake setup.

A car that looked as good as the Sebring usually was an unreliable foreign coupe that cost a small fortune to buy and keep running. Times sure have changed.