By: Nathan Adlen
Considering who the Chrysler Sebring Convertible caters to, I was a bit surprised to like it as much as I did. Now, that’s not to state that I liked it better then, say, a Toyota Yaris – but I didn’t hate it either. If I were as old as Betty White, played golf and lived in Palm Springs, this car would be an excellent choice – especially when cruising for ancient chicks.
As I passed by a retirement home, I could have sworn a lady using a walker showed me some extra kankle as I approached. This car is certainly is a babe magnet (of sorts). Just fire up the Glen Miller or Percy Faith, drop the top, put in your teeth and hit the bingo halls.
Chrysler Group LLC gave me the base LX convertible with the 2.4 liter engine. It ain’t exactly fast. The 173 horsepower engine can only muster a 10-second 0 to 60 mph time. Keep in mind: that time is up in Denver, Colorado where the air is rarefied. This engine makes a racket and the four-speed automatic transmission is a throwback to another time. If you like more ‘go’ – consider the beefier 2.7 and 3.5-liter V6s and MUCH better six-speed transmission.
I averaged about 22 mpg which is decent considering my odious driving habits.
The smooth ride, comfortable seats and massive trunk were among the main things that impressed me. If the top is up, there is enough room for a few good sized golf bags – which is exactly what this car was marketed towards – – golf, old men in hideous pants and spiked shoes. Despite bulky baby and child seats, everyone sat comfortably. As I said, there is some merit to this car.
The convertible top works fine – there is a hardtop convertible option for the Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited, which (I hear) works wonderfully. Chrysler cleaned up the exterior design by getting rid of the silly lines on the hood, giving the Sebring Convertible a cleaner look.
Handling is (ahem) relaxed. It goes where pointed, but forget any sporting pretensions whatsoever. It did move through traffic with relative ease and, once up to speed, the Chrysler Sebring Convertible is a good highway cruiser. If you push this car too much, it will over-steer like a drunken-diva. One the other hand, driven regularly this is a very easy car to drive.
Roman Mica, (despite his advanced years) and I prefer something that has some led in its pencil. We both recommend the (only slightly more expensive) Volvo C70 Convertible – check out its story HERE. Check out the Ford Mustang V6 Convertible too – it’s dynamically better. Still, for what equipment is available and for the overall comfort, the Chrysler Sebring Convertible ain’t too shabby.
The bottom line: If you were old enough to vote for (or against) Kennedy and want to go topless (please, just the car) you might like the Chrysler Sebring Convertible.
Now THIS is a better Chrysler.
