2010 Chrysler Sebring Review
The Chrysler Sebring is rolled out once again for another production
year. It is still available in both sedan and convertible formations.
The Sebring is mostly the same for 2010. This year it gets slightly
modified instrument-panel gauges and new tortoiseshell accents for the
interior. Both the convertible and sedan feature a new, smooth-looking
hood. The Sebring is available as a four-door sedan or two-door
convertible with a retractable hardtop or traditional soft-top. Sedan
competitors include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion,
while the convertible goes head-to-head with the Pontiac G6 and
Volkswagen Eos. The sedan is available only in the Limited trim; the
convertible is available in base LX, Touring and Limited trim levels.
2010 Chrysler Sebring Design
The Chrysler Sebring competes in the ultra-competitive
midsize car category and somehow pulls of daring looks and unique
features. Sebring gets large C-pillars and a stubby trunk. 17-inch steel
wheels are standard; seventeen- and 18-inch alloy wheels are optional.
The size of the 2010 Sebring is about average for its class, at 190.6
inches long, it is roughly the same length as the Camry, Accord and
Fusion. The sedan's trunk has 13.6 cubic feet of cargo room, but the
opening is quite small, making it difficult to get larger items in.
Powering the ’10 Sebring
The 2010 Chrysler Sebring is offered with three engine
options. The standard base engine is an inline 2.4-liter four-cylinder
engine. A 2.7-liter V-6 is optional, as is a 3.5-liter V-6 that runs
through a six-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick manual
shifting. Other engines use a four-speed automatic. Both V-6 engines are
rated to tow up to 1,000 pounds. The 3.5 V6 is only offered on Limited
models. It has more power with 235 horsepower, but one of the lowest
fuel-economy ratings in the midsize class at 16/27, even with a more
advanced six-speed transmission with autostick shift capability. The
Sebring Limited is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with
AutoStick manual shifting; other engines have a four-speed automatic.
Inside the Chrysler Sebring
The Sebring has a decent amount of passenger space in
it, but the sedan's trunk is on the small side, and the convertible's is
even smaller. The sedan seats five. The convertible offers good interior
space up front. The front passenger seat has an optional fold-flat
feature to accommodate longer cargo passed through the 60/40-split
folding rear seat. A windscreen is standard on convertible Limited
models; it stands behind the front headrests to help reduce noise and
turbulence commonly associated with convertibles. Both the Sebring sedan
and convertible have a simple cabin. Opting for the Convenience Group
Package on the base convertible adds a power top. The Sebring sedan
offers competitive passenger room, with plenty of room up front and a
useful rear seat. The Sebring cabin is pleasant. With an available DVD
rear-seat entertainment system, navigation and uconnect, the Sebring's
available technology is as good as or better than anything in the class.
2010 Handling and Driving
The performance of the Chrysler Sebring is not exactly
known as thrilling; in fact in some situations the smaller engines fall
a bit short. The 3.5 liter V6, however, offers great performance and is
well suited to power the Sebring. Ride quality is generally pleasant,
soaking up most bumps well. Handling is competent in the sedan. The
convertible lacks the driving feel of the sedan however.
Sebring Convertible
The 2010 Sebring convertible is a popular version of
the Sebring and offers a convertible at a very reasonable price.
Availability of a retractable hardtop convertible distinguishes the
Sebring lineup from its popular competitors. The Sebring convertible
offers a choice of vinyl or cloth soft tops or the retractable hard top.
The convertible adds over about 400 pounds to the car's curb weight, and
the convertible roof stows beneath a hard tonneau cover. The
convertible's trunk opens like a normal trunk with any of the tops up or
down and has 13.1 cubic feet of cargo room. Cargo room shrinks to 6.6
cubic feet with the top down.
Summary
Overall, the 2010 Chrysler Sebring is a safe bet for consumers looking
for a solid sedan at a reasonable price. The Sebring has an EPA Fuel
Economy of City: 16 – 21 and Highway: 26 – 30. It has a starting MSRP of
$20,120 – $34,705. A domestic mainstay in the midsize segment, the
Chrysler Sebring is one of only a handful of reasonably priced vehicles
to be offered as both a sedan and a convertible. The current Chrysler
Sebring is the result of a full redesign that was undertaken in hopes of
making it more desirable and competitive.