2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Given the choice of investing in the stock market or gambling that Chrysler’s Sebring convertible redesign would be conservative, I’d take Chrysler any day. Some things are a given.
When you are the best-selling anything in the American automotive market, you don’t mess with success. Since the first generation Sebring has held that status in the convertible category for some time, Chrysler had no desire to toy with a good thing. So what we find with this 2001 overhaul is refinement, improvement and enough fresh to make some of those 248,400 Sebring convertible owners want to trade for an update. Not to mention attracting some new ragtop lovers.

I spent a snowy January week with the LXi, top of the line model. While it wasn’t exactly prime top-down cruising weather, I managed to get a feel for this Sebring’s potential.

The Good News
Even though this new Sebring convertible bears much resemblance to the old one, it was built as a convertible from the ground up (not a coupe conversion) and bears 85 percent newly shaped body parts. Interestingly enough, Chrysler assigned this remake to the Large Car Platform team, whereas the Small Car Platform Team fashioned the old one. Manufacturing has also moved from Mexico, now the domain of the PT Cruiser, to Michigan alongside the Sebring and Dodge Stratus sedans, which share platforms. Outside this convertible, you’ll see a more streamlined, more sophisticated, prettier car. An egg-crate grill and larger headlamps (25 percent more light) tailor the front, while wraparound taillamps and large, chrome license plate surround distinguish the rear. Inside, Chrysler was careful to retain this convertible’s largest-in-class honors. Passenger and cargo space combine for 101.6 cubic feet of convenience and comfort. This is as functional as a ragtop comes.

Added to the power top-down mechanism is an automatic window feature that rolls them all down as the top descends. There is still a full cloth headliner and solid glass rear window.

Powering all Sebring convertibles is a 2.7-liter twin cam V6 that produces 200 horsepower at 5900 rpm and 192 lb.-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm. That’s 32 more horses and 22 more lb.-ft. of torque than its predecessor. It’s also more fuel efficient and operates on regular lead-free. EPA rates it at 20 mpg city/28 highway.

While acceleration has definitely turned it up a notch, the most marked improvement is in body flex. Chrysler maintains that this convertible’s structure is 44 percent stiffer than the previous one, which means less flex. It’s something all convertibles fight, especially those as large as this Sebring.

The result is a more stable-feeling car overall, which contributes to ride and handling. Larger brakes are another improvement, one of several safety enhancements.

The Bad News
While critics will complain that the changes here – especially the cosmetics – are too conservative and therefore dull and that the refinements are too subtle, I find it hard to fault Chrysler. They’ve created a better convertible than the last one in every way, even if incrementally. Most significantly, they’ve held the price down.

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $26,830;
Price as tested, $28,190

Is it worth it?
I really like what Chrysler has done here. This 2001 is certainly a prettier, more svelte convertible than the first generation Sebring. They’ve also improved performance, increased fuel efficiency and safety and kept it very affordable as convertibles go. Yes, its updates are conservative. And I believe conservative will keep this ragtop on top.

If you love a convertible, but have a family or cargo to haul – or just like the feel and presence of a big car – this Sebring is hard to beat. There are far more refined and upscale convertibles out there, but their pricetags can be prohibitive.