The Sebring JXi pictured here is one of many promotional shots you will find on the www. The Sebring convertible is touted by Chrysler as the "best selling convertible in America," which may indeed be true. If nothing else, the massive fleets of rental Sebrings will guarantee a huge used car market for the JXs.
Sebring convertibles and Sebring coupes (and sister car, the Dodge Avenger) share very little besides the name. The coupe is built on a Mitsubishi platform at the same Illinois plant as the Galant (I believe, I'm not that familiar with the Mitsu models). The Sebring convertibles, all JX,
JXi and Limited cars
are built on the "cloud" car platform--the Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze,
Chrysler Cirrus. They are assembled at Chrysler's plant in Mexico. The convertibles shares
the platform, front "clip" and dash layout with these vehicles. The engine is
the most noted weak point of the car. The 4 cylinder is a capable performer, but
overloaded with the convertible weight. The 2.5 liter V6 is Mitsubishi built and is rated
at 168 for the convertibles and 163 for the coupes. Ironically, the coupes are considered
more high performance than the convertibles and are equipped by Chrysler with Z-rated
tires and no electronic speed limit. The convertibles are not considered so and even with
the "performance" options such as auto-stick, traction control, etc. are not
equipped with high performance tires and are electronically limited to 108 mph.
The Chrysler
Sebring convertibles were introduced in 1996 to replace the LeBaron convertible, which
held the same claim as the best selling convertible in America. Chrysler couldn't build
them fast enough. The new svelte euro-look of the Sebring has been seducing potential
buyers as well as automotive critics since day one. Designed from the ground up as a
convertible, the Sebring has additional pan stiffeners and frame re-inforcements. This
heavy-duty construction eliminates much of the body flex and cowl shake associated with
convertibles in the uni-body construction era.
Independent suspension at all 4 corners via double wishbones keep the Sebring convertible sure-footed and nimble at all times. The 4 link rear suspension and coil spring/shock/stabilizer front suspension are isolated by firm rubber bushings to keep road shocks from being transmitted to the relatively stiff body.
I like best how Mike Knepper of Car Test Drive describes the styling, "The hood
has a dramatic slope, ending in a slanted grille flanked by thin, flush headlights and
turn signal/side marker lights that wrap around
into the fenders. Large driving lights
flank a chin spoiler and air scoop. With the rear wheels positioned so far aft, the rear
deck is a bit, uh, truncated, and there's not a lot of space under the lid. But the design
is so compelling it's hard to care about practical things like trunk volume. Long nose,
short rear deck and a wide stance give the Sebring a masculine, almost aggressive look,
softened by elegant sculpting and smooth, flowing lines." Couldn't have said it
better myself, Mike!
Regarding Mike's remarks about the trunk: considering the competition (which, in reality is very limited) the Sebring trunk is positively huge! In addition, Chrysler managed to engineer trunk hinges that do not intrude into the cargo space of the trunk. It's something you don't notice immediately, but try stowing a weekend's worth of gear in the Sebring and then another domestic convertible and you'll see it instantly!
Other features that set the Sebring apart from it's competition are, while not really
"little" things, they are things that you don't realize until AFTER you've
gotten out of a Sebring and into another convertible. I'm talking 
about things like
the window/top interface where, when the top switch is activated, (going up or down) the
electric windows automatically lower an inch or two to insure no weatherstrip gets pinched
in the process. Also, the incomparable 150 watt Infinity stereo system that automatically
adjusts the sound for premium audio performance when the top is down. Then there's the
passenger seat that not only flips forward to allow entry to the rear seat, but slides
forward to ease that entry, also! And how much easier is that entry to the back seat when
you don't have to jump over or crawl under a seatbelt to do so! The integral seatbelt
shoulder strap is the first for a domestic car. The front seatbelts are built into the
seats rather than the shoulder harness strung back into the interior quarter panel of the
car. It is an incredibly clean design and one that works extremely well.
OK, OK! Lest I sound like Dorothy gushing about back home in Kansas, the
Sebrings are not without their shortcomings. First is the engine; what a beautiful package
to be limited to 168 hp! I'm sure Chrysler could manage it differently to pull another
20-25 hp out of the multi-valve engine. A car this beautiful deserves more than barely
adequate power. Second; the front seats need some sort of memory stop so that when you
finally get it adjusted "just right" and someone climbs into the back seat, you
don't have to go through all the adjusting again! Finally; and I may be getting really
petty here, but the cup holders in the front of the console are absolutely worthless! IF
you find a cup that will fit there you run the risk of hanging the top of it on the lower
edge of the dash as you try to snake it up to your lips for a sip! Well, one more; for the
level of sophistication to which Chrysler aims this car, 4 wheel anti-lock disc brakes
should be standard!
Feel free to comment on my critique of the car, add to, dispute, etc. My e-mail is faulkner@commandnet.net or you can discuss your issues at the Sebring Convertible Owners Message Board at www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb568905
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