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In just two years on the market, the Chrysler Sebring convertible has become the best-selling open-top car in the nation, commanding one-third of all ragtop vehicle sales last year.

There’s good reason for that. This is the only affordable convertible that provides roomy, comfortable seating for up to four adults.

Sure, some of its competitors — such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro — have back seats, but they’re mostly for show. The dog fits back there, but not people.

In the Sebring, you can put the top down and take the family for a ride around the block or across the country. It even has a decent-sized trunk, another unheard-of attribute in the realm of ragtops. There is enough room for a couple of full-size suitcases packed for an extended vacation.

The previous Chrysler convertible, the LeBaron, enjoyed limited success because it, too, was roomier than the average topless car. But the styling was rather boring.

Not so for the Sebring, whose sleek curves give the car a futuristic look. Inside and out, the car is elegant without being ostentatious. The Sebring uses Chrysler’s “cab-forward” design that minimizes engine-compartment space while maximizing interior volume.

New for 1998 is the Limited edition ($27,390 plus transportation), which we tested. This is the best-equipped of the three Sebring convertible models; the others are the base JX ($20,575) and the midlevel JXi ($25,040).

Limited models come with all of the JXi features plus a 2.5-liter, single-overhead-cam, V-6 engine with AutoStick transmission; four-wheel antilock brakes; traction control; chrome-plated cast-aluminum wheels; leather interior with woodgrain trim; special instrument cluster with “electroluminescent” lighting, and “Limited” exterior badging.

The Limited’s engine is rated at 168 horsepower, compared with 150 horsepower for the JX’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The four-speed AutoStick transmission allows for either fully automatic operation or clutchless manual shifting.

The front bucket seats are very comfortable; in the Limited, there is a padded center console that doubles as an armrest.

Also new for ’98 is Chrysler’s “Smart Key” security system, which operates like General Motors “Pass Key” system. A computer in the car reads a chip in the key, and if the two don’t match, the vehicle is electronically immobilized. This is in addition to the standard remote-control security system that includes an alarm and panic-button feature.

Sebring convertibles also now come with the next-generation, depowered air bags on the driver and passenger side.

Although this car carries the same name as the Chrysler Sebring Coupe, it is not the same car. To make the convertible roomy enough for families, Chrysler built it on the platform of the midsize Cirrus sedan, one of the roomiest vehicles in its class.

To help keep prices affordable, Chrysler builds the convertibles in Mexico. Even fully equipped, the Sebring is far less expensive that some of its European competitors, including the Saab 900, BMW 323/328 and Audi Cabriolet.

Performance is better than that of the typical family sedan, even if it isn’t up to the level of such competitors as the Mustang, Camaro and Trans Am. This car handles well, acceleration is more than adequate, and except for some shakes and shimmies on bumps, the vehicles feels as though it is very solidly constructed.

The AutoStick transmission lets the driver control the shifting, but without the bother of a clutch. While in the manual mode, the transmission eventually will shift on its own if the driver forgets, however. That prevents inadvertent over-revving of the engine.

The interior is well laid-out, with easy-to-read instruments and easy-to-reach controls. The ride is remarkably quiet with the top up; wind noise is very minimal.

Lowering the top is easy — just pop the two latches over the windshield a push the electric top switch. The rear window is glass, rather than cheap plastic, allowing for excellent rear visibility.

Standard amenities included power steering, power windows and door locks, power heated mirrors, air-conditioning, stainless-steel exhaust, AM/FM/cassette stereo with six speakers (remote CD changer optional), fog lights, power trunk release, tinted glass, cruise control, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel and shift knob, and intermittent wipers.

EPA fuel-economy ratings are 19 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The tank holds 16 gallons of fuel.

1998 CHRYSLER SEBRING JXI CONVERTIBLE

The package: Midsize, two-door, four-passenger, front-wheel drive, V-6 powered convertible.

Advantages: Nice styling, roomy enough for four adults, easy-to-operate convertible top.

Disadvantages: Shakes and shimmies a bit on bumps.

Competitors: Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Pontiac Trans Am convertibles; Audi Cabriolet, BMW 323i convertible.

Base prices: $25,040 plus $535 transportation.

Price as tested: $27,925, including transportation.

EPA fuel economy: 19 miles per gallon city, 29 highway.