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- Choice of three tops, including retractable hardtop
- Roomy, quiet interior
- Roomy backseat
- Smooth highway ride
- Large trunk with top up
- Below-average performance and handling
- Low-quality fit and finish
- Small trunk with top retracted
Based on the Sebring sedan, the Chrysler Sebring convertible offers three engine choices: a 173-horsepower four-cylinder, a 189-horsepower 2.7-liter V-6 and a 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6. The smaller engines come with a four-speed automatic, while the 3.5-liter engine is matched with a six-speed automatic. The front-drive Sebring convertible also offers three top choices: vinyl, fabric or a retractable hardtop, which is available for approximately $2,000 more. Reviewers are mostly unenthusiastic about driving the Sebring convertible, though they do admit the car has a number of virtues. Few convertibles offer as much interior or trunk room (with the top up). Like most other drop-tops, the Sebring convertible's trunk volume is reduced when the top is down, but it still has adequate space for two golf bags, reviews say.
Most reviews praise the Chrysler Sebring's smooth ride and interior, though some say the interior appearance, while initially inviting, feels cheap and overly plastic. Critiques are mixed when it comes to the exterior styling, though the majority of reviewers seem to dislike the car's design details. Reviews point to the Sebring's weak performance and clumsy handling as its biggest drawbacks, which, reviewers claim, take the fun out of driving. Reviews indicate that better performance can be found in the Ford Mustang convertible (*est. $24,475 to $32,245) or the Pontiac G6 convertible (*est. $30,210), though neither offers as much interior space as the Sebring. Also recommended is another smaller but more refined convertible: the Volkswagen Eos (*est. $28,990 to $38,100).
The best available review of the Chrysler Sebring is a seven-convertible comparison test conducted by Consumer Reports. Other well-done comparison tests include one from Car and Driver that pits the Sebring against two mid-priced American rivals. Automobile.com and TheTruthAboutCars.com also provide insightful comparisons against the Pontiac G6 convertible. Edmunds.com offers a full road test, complete with performance figures, specifications and more. The most positive review of the Chrysler Sebring convertible comes from the PBS radio show MotorWeek, which gives the Sebring its Drivers' Choice award for best convertible of the year.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of Consumer Reports review a 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible with optional retractable hardtop. Data on historical and predicted reliability compiled from owner surveys is included.
Review: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
2. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
In a three-convertible comparison, writer Patrick Bedard praises the Chrysler Sebring's smooth ride, quietness and attractive interior. The Sebring's "Gothic styling details," weak performance and mediocre handling, however, lead to it being ranked in last place.
Review: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Touring Review, Patrick Bedard, Aug. 2007
The Automobile.com website has well-written reviews and a few comparison tests, such as this one between the Chrysler Sebring and Pontiac G6 convertibles. The writer chooses the Sebring as the better car, thanks to a more rigid chassis and more practicality. Still, the Sebring is referred to as "one of the least sporty vehicles we've ever driven."
Review: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible vs. 2008 Pontiac G6 Convertible Comparison, Editors of American Auto Press
TheTruthAboutCars.com is a provocative car enthusiasts' website that offers strongly opinionated reviews. Writer Mike Solowiow says the Sebring convertible has a nice interior and drivetrain, but he concludes: "If it was my hard-earned $30Kish, I'd spend it on a Mustang GT Convertible, VW Eos, Saab 9-3, Mazda MX-5 or ANYTHING else."
Review: 2008 Pontiac G6 GT Hardtop Convertible vs. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited Hardtop Convertible, Mike Solowiow, Mar. 17, 2008
5. Edmunds.com
Contributor Colin Ryan makes a point of saying the Sebring is not designed to be a sports car; he also says "the Sebring convertible is a comfortable car, as it's easy to drive and maneuver, a light-effort ride for the boulevard." Ryan concludes that the Sebring needs "a more convincing impression of quality" to attract buyers.
Review: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Road Test Review, Colin Ryan, July 2, 2007
This convertible-specific review is a descriptive write-up based on other published reviews, as well as the editor's time behind the wheel. Padgett says the Sebring is comfortable for four, but adds that the base-engine models aren't fun to drive.
Review: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Review, Marty Padgett
7. Cars.com
Cars.com does not include the Chrysler Sebring on its Best Bet list, but it does feature a descriptive road-test review of the convertible model by staff writer Mike Hanley, who says: "The (Pontiac) G6 and (VW) Eos provide a little more sportiness than the Sebring, but neither can match the Sebring's ride quality."
Review: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Review, Mike Hanley, May 16, 2007
8. MotorWeek.comDetails/Subscribe
For 2008, the MotorWeek "Best Convertible" winner is the Chrysler Sebring, which earns this rating thanks to its three power folding-top choices, its "improved ride and solid feel," and a starting price under the $30,000 mark.
Review: Drivers' Choice Awards, Editors of MotorWeek
The brief write-up notes that although the Chrysler Sebring "has been criticized for its weird styling and uninspired performance, it remains one of the most passenger-friendly models on the market." The site links to a detailed review by Gorzelany, complete with pros and cons.
Review: Top 10 Most Practical Convertibles, Jim Gorzelany, May 13, 2008
Convertibles Runners Up:
8 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…
5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Car and Driver…
4 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Car and Driver…
4 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…
4 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov…
4 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…
3 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…
