2003 Chrysler Sebring GTC Convertible

DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler brand sales have been on a roll for more than a decade. Quadrupling from 130,000 units in 1991 to a record 530,000 in 2001, the marque's U.S. market share grew from 2.8 to 5.6 percent in the same period.


Chrysler vice president Jim Marinelli has predicted an additional 42-percent improvement by 2004, which would bring Chrysler brand sales to some 850,000 units by that year. Even considering that former Plymouth products have been upgraded and re-badged as Chryslers, that will be a more than impressive achievement. This forecast is based on high expectations (100,000-plus units annually) for the new Pacifica, billed as a "segment buster" that combines the most desirable attributes of vans, station wagons and SUVs, plus 10,000 or so image-enhancing two-seat Chrysler Crossfires as well as updates and redesigns of every other Chrysler-brand product in the next two years.


Marinelli described Chrysler's appeal as "affordable aspiration," meaning premium, yet not luxury. "We must have a premium image to attract younger, more affluent buyers," he said, "but we don't want to be at luxury prices." Other "premium" brands in his sights include Acura, Audi, Buick, Honda, Saab, Toyota, Volvo, VW and Chrysler's own Jeep. "Over the next 24 months," he added, "we will re-make our entire product line and rekindle pride in American cars. I predict that by this time next year, Chrysler will be the hottest brand on the planet."

Chrysler's 2003 Sebring GTC convertible more than lives up to the brand's lofty aspirations at a fairly affordable price.

Chrysler literally revived the American convertible with its 1982 LeBaron ragtop after everyone wrote them off in the mid-1970s, and today's Sebring is their best yet. The '03 convertible comes in four tempting flavors: LX, GTC, LXi and Limited. All but the LX are powered by Chrysler's smooth and eager 200-hp 24-valve DOHC 2.7-liter V-6 engine driving the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic or (optional on the GTC only) 5-speed manual transaxle. The LX comes with a 150-hp 16-valve DOHC 2.4-liter four but offers the V-6 as an option. Unique to the Limited as part of the Driver Convenience Group package is an AutoStick that lets you shift the automatic manually, one gear at a time, like a motorcycle.


Standard on all versions are air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power windows, speed-sensitive power locks, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, a lockable console and safety features including multi-stage front air bags, front seat belt pre-tensioners, an internal emergency trunk release and new LATCH child safety seat restraints.