2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited (825)

Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited Sedan that has grown up and matured nicely. It never ceases to amaze me how great Henry Ford was for the world. Sure someone else would have invented the production line eventually but the fact is it was him. That allowed everyone to be able to afford to own a car – and that car was, of course, the Model A that was first sold in 1928.

The bad news is, however, that we can’t really improve on that inventive way of making things enough to overcome the unrealistic labor costs here in the US. Thus we must ship production processes over to China, South America, Korea and soon to India.

Opinion:

We can thank the Unions for having to send all our jobs to other countries. American auto workers have shot themselves in the foot and crippled their entire industry. Forest Gump would say, “Stupid is Stupid does”, but Greed has more to do with it and workers bought into the “Heavy Handed” tactics of Union bosses. Workers were emboldened by the power of Unions and therefore allowed themselves to be complicit in crooked and greedy demands of the very companies that gave them the jobs. The Unions single handedly destroyed every industry they attacked.

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “Those who would give up liberty for security deserve neither”. So the moral of the story is that the ‘chickens have come home to roost’ now because of the strong arm practices of Unions. Reminder – Unions have outlived their usefulness and are now more the problem than the solution. There is no question they did some good to wake up management to the grievances of employees but once they got a foothold in the business culture they became destructive. Collective bargaining simply became ‘Extortion’ and the results are so clear today.

Handling & Performance:

The Sebring has truly grown up in size and performance. After a week behind the wheel I found it hard to remember that the price was only $22,000. I was immersed in the comfort and handling that rival much more expensive cars.

Styling:

Nice! That was my son’s comment as he observed what I was driving this week. That’s because the look is easy to like instantly. The lines are clean and uncomplicated.

Fit and Finish:
Very good.

Cost:

Ok, let’s get real. If you look back to 1928 the Ford Model A 4-door sedan was priced at $570. In today’s dollars that would be like $142,000. Most can still afford to own a new car in this Sebring class price range but lets face it, not many can justify buying a Ferrari or Lamborghini or a Porsche or any other high end luxury car. $25,000 is looking pretty good to me for a car of this quality.

Conveniences and comfort:

Take a look at the list of standard equipment. It is good but I would make a few changes. I’d add Stability and Traction controls for $425. I’d buy a portable NAV system for about $300. My options = under $800. Options listed = about $7,000. I like mine better.

Consumer Recommendation:

The 18 competitors here are really an impressive lineup of very nice cars. In this price range you can buy two for what you’d pay for that over priced badge like Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes. One for you and one for your wife and before you know it the kids will will be asking for the keys. I remember buying a Ford Fiesta and when Jenny turned 16 the keys were given to her for being a good student. It was 8 years old but a really nice first car.

Recognized Competition:

Chrysler Sebring $20-33,000, Buick LaCrosse $26-33,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22-27,000, Dodge Avenger $20-22,000, Ford Fusion $17-29,000, Ford Fusion Hybrid $28,100, Honda Accord $21-31,000, Hyundai Sonata $19-25,000, Kia Optima $18-23,000, Mazda 6 $19-29,000, Mercury Milan $22-28,000, Mitsubishi Galant $22-24,000, Nissan Altima $20-30,000, Pontiac G6 $19-32,000, Saturn Aura $23-27,000, Subaru Legacy $20-31,000, Suzuki Kizashi $19-27,000, Toyota Camry $20-29,000, and Volkswagen Jetta $18-25,000.

Good News:

Well priced basic features configuration, nice styling and solid design.

Bad News:

I didn’t notice any problems.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 235 hp V6 engine, 6-speed auto trans., front side and rear airbags, LATCH child system with child safety locks, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, power windows and locks, keyless entry with theft deterrent system, cruise control, tire pressure monitor, air conditioning, front passenger fold flat seat, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, rear 60/40 folding seat, media center 6-CD/DVD, MP3 6 speaker radio with SIRIUS satelliteservice, tilt and telescopic steering column, steering wheel audio mounted controls.

Options:

Preferred package – climate control, fog lights, remote start, security alarm, compass and temp, trip computer – $1,010; Nav and sound group – 6.5” touch screen, Traffic Service, upgrade radio, GPS Nav, Uconnect phone with voice command – $1,695; Electronic Stability and traction control – $425; 18” Aluminum wheels, AutoStick trans upgrade, High output engine – $2,050; Power sunroof – $775; Chrome clad wheels – $700.

Gas Stats:

$3.03/ Gal avg. August 15, 2010
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

16 City and 27 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $22,115 and $29,010 including options.