While there’s plenty of good things to say about Sebring retractable-hardtop convertible, some of those good things have related deficiencies. The Limited trim level I tested had a smooth 3.5-liter V-6, but the engine is tied to a six-speed automatic transmission that was especially clunky during our test when shifting into gear from Park, and when downshifting. Unacceptable.
With the hardtop up, the Sebring is almost as quiet as a traditional closed-roof car. However, despite adding hundreds of pounds to make the convertible stiffer, it creaks a lot when that top is in place.
Chrysler's Tortoise Shell interior trim is interesting, but one passenger found the cabin's silver-colored trim and center console plastic to be cheap looking, and this was in the top-of-the-line model. Ouch.
- By Mike Hanley, Cars.com car reviewer
The interesting thing during my time with the Sebring was that I got stopped more than once by someone who said, “That is quite attractive.” I guess Chrysler did something right, because besides looks, everything else can be measured objectively.
Mike is being kind when calling the transmission clunky. During a congested highway commute the downshift was so jarring I thought the engine had died. Acceleration was just this side of acceptable; the steering was capable, as well.
I too heard the creaks that Mike heard with the top up, especially when navigating the parking garage next to Cars.com headquarters. You could hear the weight shifting with each turn. That’s not good.
I will say one positive thing, the retractable top works perfectly, and the trunk — with the top up or down — holds a lot of stuff for the class. Oh, and the MyGig system was neat. I guess that’s two nice things. Otherwise…
- David Thomas, KickingTires editor
Comments