With the still-fresh Ford Fusion, the coming all-new Chevrolet Malibu and this 2007 Chrysler Sebring, Detroit’s Big Three have substantially improved products to take on the longtime leaders in the lucrative family-sedan segment, the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.
The last Sebring, except for the two-door convertible model that was, for the most part, a different car than the sedan, was an easy car to overlook. The 2007 model isn’t; I think it’s an attractive car, but a number of my colleagues don’t. Regardless, the fact that anyone has a polarizing opinion of the car means it’s ahead of where it was last year.
The new Sebring looks a little smaller than the model it replaces, but it isn’t. The 2007 model is several inches taller, but it’s quite similar in other dimensions. The ovalish shape means more room inside for people, but not a lot of room in the trunk for luggage — a smallish 13.6 cubic feet.
Power comes from the base engine, a 2.4-liter, 172-horsepower four-cylinder; a 2.7-liter, 189-horsepower V-6; or the 3.5-liter, 235-horsepower V-6 for the upscale Limited. The four-cylinder and smaller V-6 receive four-speed automatic transmissions, while the Limited carries a five-speed. No manual transmission is offered.
The test car was a midlevel Touring sedan with the 2.7-liter V-6, EPA rated at 22 miles per gallon in the city, 30 mpg highway. Though not as smooth as some competing V-6s, it’s certainly acceptable, and acceleration was more than adequate.
On the road, the Sebring’s steering is a little nervous, but otherwise, ride and handling are on par with cars of this size (overall length is 190.6 inches) and weight (3,421 pounds). The Sebring liked winding roads, with sure-footedness aided by 18-inch tires and wheels, a $250 option.
Inside, the Sebring’s cockpit is roomy, instruments and controls easy to figure out. The design of the stereo, though, stands out as dated compared with the rest of instrument panel.
With shipping, the base Sebring starts at about $19,000, and this Touring Sedan started at $20,920. Extra-cost options included the “Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat” paint at $225, anti-lock brakes at $450, stability control and traction control for $425, and heated seats at $250. The aforementioned wheel package and $675 in shipping brought the sticker to $23,195, similar to or slightly under the competition.
If you are among those not taken with the Sebring’s styling, Dodge gets its version, the Avenger, for the 2008 model year. And 2008 also brings a Sebring convertible, darling of the Florida rental fleets.
