Vehicle Overview
This front-drive coupe comes from the same design as the Mitsubishi Galant and is built at Mitsubishi’s Normal, Ill., plant. Both the Sebring and similar Dodge Avenger coupe use a Mitsubishi engine, but the styling and interior designs are from DaimlerChrysler’s staff.
This is expected to be the last year for the current Sebring coupe and Avenger. New models based on the Galant platform and built at the Mitsubishi plant are scheduled for next fall. Chrysler also sells a Sebring convertible, but that is a larger car derived from the Chrysler Cirrus sedan.
Interior
Sebring comes in LX and LXi price levels, and both seat five. The front passenger seat slides forward when the backrest is tipped to ease entry to the roomier-than-average rear seat. The split rear seatback folds for additional cargo space. Leather seats are standard on the LXi.
Exterior
The 103.7-inch wheelbase places the Sebring among small cars, but at 191 inches overall it ranks among midsize cars in exterior dimensions. Sebring’s styling is marked by a low nose, high rear deck and a prominent grille with a Chrysler emblem. It bears no resemblance to the Mitsubishi sedan from which it is derived.
Under the Hood
A four-cylinder engine formerly was standard in the LX but has been dropped. Both models now come with a 156-horsepower 2.5-liter V-6 and a four-speed automatic transmission.
The Sebring coupe has style and more interior room than most two-door rivals, but the V-6 engine makes more noise than power.
