2007 Chrysler Sebring

The 300 has been a key car for Chrysler in a couple of ways. Since its introduction in 2004, the 300's classy, brawny blend has resonated with buyers to the tune of 300,000 sales. The 300's other contribution, while more subtle, has been no less important. It put Chrysler back on the map again as a builder of cars—not just trucks and minivans. With the road freshly paved for new product, the first entry just rolled out, as Chrysler debuts its new, midsize Sebring.

Styling

The 300 hadn't yet made its debut when the design development program for the 2007 Sebring kicked off. But even when the 300's success became apparent, the company decided not to make the new midsize Sebring a junior 300. Where 300 is chiseled and angular, Sebring has more continental lines. The front end shares some styling cues with Chrysler' sporty two-seat Crossfire, most notably the strakes set in the sculpted hood. Key slot-shaped quad headlamps wrap around the corner to a high-waisted side view. The slim greenhouse is capped by a curvy, coupe-like roofline, and the c-pillar extends nearly to the edge of the short, high back end. With the arrival of Sebring, Chrysler is now cultivating two distinct sedan styles, for its full-size and midsize passenger cars.


Sebring's cabin has a fresh look, even on entry-level models. Chrysler's historic wing shape is used as a styling theme inside to good effect. The shield shaped center stack flares into a wide wing, surrounding most of the dashboard. A three-bomb instrument cluster holds the gauges, ringed by satin silver surrounds. Three, two-tone combinations are offered, and Chrysler's designers mix textures and finishes agreeably throughout. Switchgear is easy to reach and simple to use. The deep, covered center console does triple duty. In addition to storage, the top slides forward to double as an inside armrest. And when the optional, rear seat entertainment system is specified, it's housed on the tail end of the console, swinging up for back seat viewing. Also on the option sheet is a heater/chiller for one of the two cup holders. Seats front and back are comfortable for trips long and short. Adults will fit in either row of the Sebring; rear seats fold down (as will the front seat, optionally) to add versatility for cargo carrying. The trunk measures 13.6 cubic feet.

Interior

Coming soon to the option sheet is a multifaceted multi-media system called My Gig. The $1,700 up-charge buys entertainment/communication/navigation capability, streamed through a 6.5-inch touch-screen with voice command access. My Gig's capabilities include a 20-gig hard drive: enough room to store roughly 1,600 songs, or a combination of music, photos and mapping data. Real-time traffic information is also available in select markets.


Buyers choose from three engines. A 2.4-liter four cylinder is offered on all three trim levels of Sebring (base, $18,995; Touring, $20,195; and Limited, $23,995). A 2.7-liter, flex-fuel V-6 is optional on Touring models, and a 3.5-liter V-6 is available on the Limited. The 2.4 and 2.7 are linked to four-speed overdrive automatic transaxles while the 3.5 gets a six-speed automatic. For some buyers, bigger is better when it comes to motors, and those people will be quite satisfied with the 3.5's smooth combination of 232 hp spread across six gears. EPA-rated mileage for the 3.5 is 19 city, 28 highway. Flex fans will appreciate the fuel versatility and power (189 hp) of the 2.7L V-6. However, it's the most restless of the three motors, hunting through transmission gears on grades. The EPA rating on the 2.7 is 22/30. The 2.4L four-cylinder makes the most sense for most drivers. Rated at 173 hp, 166 lb.-ft. of torque, it has enough power for all normal driving applications, and boasts the best mileage of the lot, at an EPA-rated 24/32.