Overview:
This week I tested the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. This car is a sunshine state kind of car, like California, Florida, Arizona and other southern states in the US. In that environment it is versatile and flat fun to own and drive. Chrysler is distinct in styling and they tend to be priced well. But the problem that has been hard to overcome is the historical quality issues that have plagued the product.
As much as I want to forget the past I’m reminded of the poor attention to assembly detail. The very first thing I did when I sat in the car was rolling the window down. When I put the window back up there was a scraping sound that spelled trouble. That starts with T and that rhymes with P and the Music Man said that stands for pool. Trouble – right here in River City.
Yes, it’s priced well but I don’t like to have to deal with bugs before I get into the driveway of ownership. My driveway – know what I mean?
Handling & Performance:
Surely the design provides very nice handling characteristics. It is sleek, low to the ground and corners well. It takes the dips wonderfully, and the ride is noticeably smooth. I didn’t have to look for it, the car talked to me. It made me feel comfortable and was fun to drive. It is quick with 200 horses pulling you and if you want more than that you need to move to Germany where you can actually drive really fast.
Styling:
Classic Chrysler and obviously consumers agree that it is nice looking because you see a lot of them on the roads. At least you see a lot of them in California. And the numbers don’t lie. It has captured 12% of the convertible market in the US that is not insignificant. There are over 20 convertibles sold in the US and this Sebring delivers great styling and relative value for the money.
Fit and Finish:
With the exception of the squeaky window I was impressed with the improvement over the early years. This Sebring is solid with a sound feeling, especially for a convertible. All cars have weaknesses and rattles can occur but some cars go beyond that and price doesn’t always make the difference. For example, I have a friend who bought a Mini Cooper, from BMW, and it turned out to be a rattletrap after only 20,000 miles. Go figure.
Conveniences:
Speed sensitive power door locks are not my idea of a convenience. It is an annoyance and intrusion on my manhood. I would like to make the decision on whether or when I lock the doors. The rebel in me says I shouldn’t have to wear seat belts, a helmet while riding a Harley motorcycle or lock my doors if I don’t want to. And I don’t like the annoying ding – ding – dings to remind me about putting on my seat belt that continues until I relent. I get it already, shut up. By the way, I happen to agree with seat belts, but simply don’t agree I should be forced to wear them unless of course I’m strapped into the child seat in the back.
Cost:
Price surely must play a part in the popularity of this car but if you want a convertible the field is limited.
Consumer Recommendation:
There are over 20 convertibles on the US market including Thunderbird, Mazda, Mustang, Honda S2000, Viper, Corvette, Camaro, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Audi TT, Aston Martin, Lexus SC 430, Mitsubishi, Firebird, Porsche Boxster and the New Beetle. This Sebring is not only price competitive it is among very few that have a rear seat people can actually use for seating.
The Competition:
Chrysler Sebring $19-31,000, Dodge Stratus $18-23,000, Volvo S40 $25-29,000, Mustang $18-39,000, Pontiac Grand AM $17-23,000, Ford Taurus $20-24,000, Chevrolet Malibu $18-23,000, Toyota Camry Solara $19-23,000, Toyota Camry $19-25,000, Honda Accord $16-29,000, Nissan Altima $17-23,000, Mazda $19-21,000, Volkswagen Jetta $17-24,000, Mitsubishi Galant $18-27,000.
There are very few convertibles that have a real back seat to varying degrees. Chrysler Sebring Convertible $27,745, Mustang Premium Convertible $25,895, Volkswagen New Beetle GTS Convertible $22,640. The Sebring Convertible is considered by most to be the best in this area.
Good News:
Sporty, fun to drive, convenient automatic power convertible top, reasonable back seat for convertible and the trunk space is also decent.
Bad News:
Questionable assembly fault (squeaky window)
Standard Equipment:
2.7 liter 200 horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed auto trans, front airbags, child rear seat anchors, 4-wheel disc brakes, rear window defroster, auto headlamps, sentry key theft deterrent system, cruise control, remote trunk release, air conditioning, keyless entry, speed sensitive power locks, stereo radio with in dash CD player and steering wheel mounted controls and six speakers, power 6-way driver seat, tilt leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, trip computer, power windows, vinyl power convertible top and boot cover, fog lights and power mirrors.
Gas Stats:
21 City and 28 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $27,745.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2003 – An Automotive Love Affair
