2010 Chrysler Sebring

The Chrysler Sebring competes in the ultra-competitive midsize car category with more daring looks and unique features than most of its competitors, including offering a convertible version. For 2010, flex-fuel capability is available on the 2.7-liter V6 engine, and active front head restraints have been added. Also for 2010, the Sebring gets slightly modified instrument panel gauges and new tortoise shell accents for the interior. Both the convertible and sedan feature a new, smooth-looking hood. The Sebring is available as a four-door sedan or two-door convertible with a retractable hardtop or traditional soft-top. A domestic mainstay in the midsize segment, the Chrysler Sebring is one of only a handful of reasonably priced vehicles to be offered as both a sedan and a convertible.  The Chrysler Sebring in LX, Touring and Limited trim levels. Base Sebrings start out reasonably well-equipped with full power accessories, front side-impact and full-length head curtain airbags, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Sedan competitors include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion, while the convertible goes head-to-head with the Pontiac G6 and Volkswagen Eos.

Powering the Sebring

 For the 2010 Sebring, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard. A 2.7-liter V-6 is optional, as is a 3.5-liter V-6 that runs through a six-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick manual shifting. Other engines use a four-speed automatic. Both V-6 engines are rated to tow up to 1,000 pounds. The softly sprung Sebring exhibits plenty of body roll around corners. Optional on the Sebring Touring sedan and standard on Sebring Touring and Limited convertibles, is a 2.7-liter V6 good for 189 hp. With either of these engines, a four-speed automatic transmission routes power to the front wheels. Available on Limited models only is a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 backed by a more sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission.

Chrysler Sebring Design

The sedan is decorated with creased character lines on its sides. Flowing rearward from the front quarter panels, these creases spread, expanding the distance between them and emphasizing the car's sharply outlined wedge shape. Mild fender blisters circle the wheel openings. Body-color, anti-ding door moldings are optional on all trim levels. Side windows are framed in flat black. Choosing the convertible over the sedan adds about 400 pounds to the car's curb weight, and the convertible roof stows beneath a hard tonneau cover. Viewed head on, both body styles feature the current rendition of the idiomatic Chrysler grille: egg-crate with bright horizontal strips and topped by the brand's winged crest. A substantial, but otherwise unremarkable bumper tops a slim lower air intake bracketed by two, smaller, grille-like openings at the outer ends of which pods provide housings for fog lamps.

Inside the 2010 Sebring

 The cabin of the sedan and convertible are virtually identical. The major difference is the convertible has a narrower rear seat that allows for seating of just two passengers in back, while the sedan can take three. The sedan's front passenger seat has a standard fold-flat feature to accommodate longer cargo passed through the 60/40-split folding rear seat. A windscreen is optional; it stands behind the front headrests to help reduce noise and turbulence commonly associated with convertibles. Cabin space is generally on par with the rest of the midsize car class, as the Sebring sedan offers respectable amounts of headroom and legroom. Front seat occupants in the Chrysler Sebring convertible will find the quarters similarly roomy, but the drop top's rear seat has considerably less legroom and can accommodate only two passengers. Cabin design is ergonomically sound, but the quality of the interior plastics is poor for this price range.

2010 Trim Levels

Limited sedan models come with leather trim, air conditioning, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, theft alarm, an eight-way power driver's seat, AM/FM/MP3 with six-disc CD changer, and a trip computer. Some options are grouped into packages, including an Electronic Convenience Group, which includes automatic air conditioning, fog lamps, a heated and cooled front console and cupholder, temperature gauge and compass, map lights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, remote start, garage-door opener, and tire pressure monitor. There is also an electronic stability program, sunroof, uconnect phone, uconnect gps, and a navigation and sound package that includes the uconnect phone and navigation.With the V6 engine, 18-inch wheels and tires are standard.

The LX convertible features a power vinyl soft top, six-way power front seats, power mirrors, air conditioning, rear defroster, a six-speaker sound system and 16-inch wheels and tires. It is powered by the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with the four-speed automatic transmission. Options for the LX convertible include 17-inch wheels and tires, and a Convenience Group, which includes premium seats, remote start and a security alarm.

The Touring convertible adds premium trim items, temperature gauge and compass, tire-pressure monitor, Touring suspension, power heated mirrors and 17-inch wheels and tires. Options for the Touring model include electronic stability program, uconnect, navigation and sound package, Electronic Convenience Group, and a Special Touring Group, which includes 18-inch wheels and tires, fog lamps, heated front seats, leather seating and trim, steering wheel audio controls and a windscreen. The Touring is powered by the 2.7-liter flex-fuel V6 with four-speed automatic transmission.

The Limited convertible adds additional exterior and interior trim items, remote start, security alarm, automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirror, Boston Acoustics sound system, steering-wheel audio controls and 18-inch chrome-clad wheels and leather seating and trim. Limited convertible options include the electronic stability program, uconnect, and uconnect gps, which includes an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and navigation.

Conclusions

Safety features on all models include multi-stage front airbags, torso-protecting front side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and constant-force retractors, rear-seat child safety seat anchors and tethers (LATCH), and antilock brakes. Sedans have head-protecting side curtain airbags for both seating rows. Electronic stability program plus traction control and Brake Assist, which enhances emergency braking, are optional. For the latest updates and details, visit Chrysler's official Sebring site.