2004 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible

Roughly one in every eight convertibles sold in this country last year was a Chrysler Sebring, and that didn't just happen by accident. Though the Sebring Convertible isn't the fastest or most nimble-handling or most luxurious of all the cars that allow dropping the top when the weather's dandy, it is a definite popularity leader. For 2004 it gets some detail refinements inside along with some exterior cosmetic surgery to keep it as one of the best-looking ragtops on the road; the new and attractive front end helps it face the new year.

Overview
In ascending order there are four trim levels: LX, GTC, LXi and the top-of-the-line Limited. The standard engine in the LX is a 2.4-liter DOHC, 16-valve four of 150 horsepower. Optional in the LX, and standard in the other three, is a 2.7-liter DOHC V-6 with 200 horsepower. A four-speed automatic is fitted across the board, though the sportier GTC is available with an optional 5-speed manual.


We checked out a Sebring Limited that included, as standard equipment, pretty much everything you'd want or need: anti-lock brakes with traction control, remote entry, power locks, security alarm, power six-way driver's seat, 150-watt sound system, leather seating and trim, trip computer, power windows, power top, fog lamps, 16-inch aluminum chrome-plated wheels—and that's not the whole list. Optional on our car were heated front seats, Cold Weather Group, Driver Convenience Group and a sound system upgrade to the AM/FM/cassette/CD player with a six-disc in-dash CD changer.


We had a snappy looking convertible and a sunny blue sky to drive it under. What more could we want?

On the Inside
The people at Chrysler have given the Sebring Convertible a great interior. It looks terrific and has a lot of thoughtful touches, like the forward portions of the seat cushions being upholstered in a nice, soft suede. The instrumentation is round, white-faced dials that are a refreshing change from the more common black. Under the center armrest is a storage box for tapes, CDs, loose change or whatever, and there are two 12-volt power outlets—one below the in-dash CD stacker and another in the armrest storage bin.