2004 Chrysler Sebring Midsize Car Reviews & Ratings

Inside the Chrysler Sebring is a pleasant place to be, whether it's a sedan, coupe, or convertible. The cab-forward design extends the base of the windshield forward, making for an airy cabin that lets in a lot of light. The seats feel firm and comfortable. The driver's seat gets six-way power adjustments on Touring and Limited models.

The sedan and convertible cabins are roomy. The rear bench seats can seat three adults. The rear seats are split 60/40 and fold down to provide space for carrying long items. The Sebring provides enough room in the backseat for two adults to sit comfortably; and it's fitted with three-point seatbelts. Twin cup holders extend from the rear of the floor console. Front seatbacks tip and slide forward quickly for easy backseat entry, and the front seatbelts do not impede entry because anchors are integrated in top corners of the seatbacks. Trunk space is also good for a convertible; the trunk will accommodate two golf bags stacked together. Coupe models do not offer a lot of rear-seat space. Getting in and out is not easy and the front seat does not automatically slide forward when the seatback is flipped down. The pass-through feature has a relatively small passageway, but is useful for accommodating longer items. The coupe's trunk looks big, but the opening is relatively small.

All Sebring models come standard with cloth fabric. Several interior finishes are available, varying by trim level and body style. New interior amenities have been added for 2004, including the availability of an electrochromic rearview mirror and steering wheel radio controls, and revisions to the trim.

The convertible's power top drops in seconds with one-button ease to let the sun in and closes quickly to block a sudden shower. It's a snap to operate: Simply unlock two latches located above windshield visors, then touch a single button on the dashboard and the lid folds quickly into a well behind the rear seat. Continue to depress the button and side windows drop out of sight. Reverse the process to seal the top shut. It's quick. You can hide the collapsed roof by covering it with a smooth boot that locks in place with Velcro taps; when not in use, the boot folds and stows in the trunk.

There's a wrap-around feel to the Sebring cockpit even though the dashboard is essentially flat and linear. Window and lock switches are mounted on the driver's door. At the top of the dash, an available display provides compass headings, outside temperature readings, trip mileage, fuel economy and estimated distance to an empty tank.

The center console in the sedan houses the transmission shift lever and a padded armrest. Above the console, a central stack of audio and climate systems contains large rotary dials in a simplified and easy-to-operate scheme. HVAC controls are rudimentary dials and look like those of a compact car, but they work well.

The Sebring provides excellent outward visibility for the driver with broad and tall expanses of window glass and relatively narrow A-pillars. The top of the windshield features a shade similar to that used on Mercedes cars. The glass is thicker than usual, which helps dampen external noise. It combines with the structural streamlining and layers of insulation added to doors, body cavities and the floor and ceiling to reduce noise.

Safety systems begin with a rigid structure that encases the passenger compartment. Passive measures include three-point seatbelts for all five seat positions and dual-stage frontal airbags. Optional curtain-style side-impact airbags are hidden in the headliner.

The Chrysler Sebring is an enjoyable car to drive, whether coupe, convertible or sedan. It's no sports car, but feels tight and precise at speed, and nimble and confident without a lot of body lean in corners. At the same time, it offers a smooth, comfortable ride. There's plenty of power from the available V6 engine and we enjoyed the base four-cylinder.

When equipped with the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the Sebring feels energetic through the gears. The electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is quiet and efficient and works surprisingly well with the four-cylinder engine. Geared for stop-and-go city driving, the Sebring feels quick and accelerates briskly onto the freeway.

The optional V6 is smoother and generates more thrust. It delivers crisp acceleration performance from a standstill and responds quickly for passing maneuvers at freeway speeds. The 2.7-liter V6 used in the sedan and convertible uses an aluminum block fitted with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. It delivers 200 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 190 pounds-feet of torque at 4850 rpm. It also offers respectable fuel economy (an EPA-estimated 21/28 mpg) and operates on regular-grade gasoline. The exhaust emits a pleasant burble when idling. The 3.0-liter V6 in the coupe generates 200 hp at 5500 rpm and 205 pounds-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. It's a single overhead-cam design with four valves per cylinder.

Chrysler's optional AutoStick provides shift-it-yourself control of the automatic. The AutoStick is fun to play with when you're in a sporty mood. But the standard automatic mode works just fine for everyday use, where it shifts quietly and efficiently. The available 5-speed manual gearbox is easy to shift with smooth clutch engagement and easy up-shifts.

The Sebring suspension is fully independent and remains composed even in bumpy corners. Sedan and convertible share most suspension components, but a rear anti-roll bar on some models reduces understeer for sportier handling. Rack-and-pinion steering gives the Sebring a crisp feel. The coupe delivers a nice ride quality, but you do hear and feel bumps.

Anti-lock brakes are optional, but we recommend them. Chrysler's ABS Plus includes a software extension that senses when you're braking and turning at the same time, a tricky situation from a car control standpoint. Chrysler's system aids the driver in this situation by controlling the vehicle's yaw for improved stability. This is particularly useful on varying road surfaces, when the right side of the car is on a different type of surface than the left side. Other brake improvements include electronic brake distribution, which balances the brakes front to rear for improved stability and shorter stopping distances.

Regardless of body style, the standard Sebring comes with a 150-horsepower twin-cam 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A V6 engine comes standard on Touring, Limited, and GTC models. Sedans and convertibles use a 2.7-liter V6, while coupes get a 3.0-liter V6. Most models come with four-speed automatics, but five-speed manuals are available on coupes and the GTC convertible. Chrysler's Autostick is available, an automatic with a manual-shift feature.

The standard Sebring trim level comes with a cloth interior, air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks, cruise control, and an AM/FM/CD stereo. V6 is optional. Steel wheels with painted wheel covers and 15-inch tires are standard. Chrysler is phasing out its LX and LXi model nomenclature over the summer in favor of base, Touring, and Limited designations.

Touring sedans and convertibles come with the V6. Touring trim, formerly known as LXi, adds 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, eight-way power driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a premium sound system, trip computer, remote illuminated keyless entry, fog lights, bright exhaust tips, and a higher level of interior convenience features. Convertibles get a nicer, cloth-lined top and leather seats with ultra suede accents. The GTC convertible comes with the V6, sports suspension, and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Limited models add leather trim to the sedan and convertible.

Side-curtain airbags ($390) and anti-lock brakes with traction control ($695) are optional.