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2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Performance Review

November 3, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

ride and handling characteristics aren't at the top
Kelley Blue Book

a rattling, thumping, lolling tragedy of a car
L.A. Times

The Sebring is no fun at the dance
Car and Driver

either six-cylinder engine is a better choice
Road & Track

struggles in passing and merging situations
ConsumerGuide

On the road, the Sebring convertible is fun to drive
Detroit News

The 2008 Chrysler Sebring’s standard four-cylinder engine is the company’s much-touted “World Engine,” which is used in several other vehicles, including the Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass. While its fuel economy is acceptable, if not spectacular by today’s standards, the four-cylinder engine has some serious shortcomings. The 173-hp four-cylinder is mated to an automatic transmission and musters 23/31 mpg but is sluggish in nearly all driving modes, freeway or city. It’s the car that Chrysler sends to rental-car fleets, and to say it’s unentertaining is a vast understatement.

The pleasures of top-down driving aside, most sources agree that the 2008 Chrysler Sebring is significantly underpowered. ConsumerGuide acknowledged that the optional V-6 engines provide “ample power,” but this power gain is negated by a less-than-adequate transmission that shifts slowly and “harshly.” The 235-hp V-6 option is teamed with a six-speed automatic; TheCarConnection.com’s editors believe it’s markedly quieter and more pleasant but just not enough for a convertible skirting $30,000.

The four-cylinder engine may be adequate for sedan models, but it definitely struggles with the extra weight of the convertible. Chrysler recommends against using the four-cylinder Chrysler Sebring Convertible for towing; however, both V-6 versions are capable of hauling a payload of up to 1,000 pounds.

Cars.com notes that the Convertible weighs about 400 pounds more than the Sebring sedan, and the mass takes a toll. In terms of handling, the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible has a fairly smooth ride, but its dynamics pay a price for the convertible top. The steering has decent feedback, but Edmunds notes that “handling is also compromised by all that weight over the rear wheels.” ConsumerGuide noted some "body shudder" when driving the convertible over rough surfaces.

Conclusion

The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is an acceptable performer only with the V-6 engine—and even then, handling is far from crisp.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:ride and handling characteristics aren't at the topKelley Blue Booka rattling, thumping, lolling tragedy of a carL.A. TimesThe Sebring is no fun at the danceCar and Drivereither six-cylinder engine is a better choiceRoad & Trackstruggles in passing and merging situationsConsumerGuideOn the road, the Sebring convertible is fun to driveDetroit News The 2008 Chrysler Sebring’s standard four-cylinder engine is the company’s much-touted “World Engine,” which is used in several other vehicles, including the Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass. While its fuel economy is acceptable, if not spectacular by today’s standards, the four-cylinder engine has some serious shortcomings. The 173-hp four-cylinder is mated to an automatic transmission and musters 23/31 mpg but is sluggish in nearly all driving modes, freeway or city. It’s the car that Chrysler sends to rental-car fleets, and to say it’s unentertaining is a vast understatement. The pleasures of top-down driving aside, most sources agree that the 2008 Chrysler Sebring is significantly underpowered. ConsumerGuide acknowledged that the optional V-6 engines provide “ample power,” but this power gain is negated by a less-than-adequate transmission that shifts slowly and “harshly.” The 235-hp V-6 option is teamed with a six-speed automatic; TheCarConnection.com’s editors believe it’s markedly quieter and more pleasant but just not enough for a convertible skirting $30,000. The four-cylinder engine may be adequate for sedan models, but it definitely struggles with the extra weight of the convertible. Chrysler recommends against using the four-cylinder Chrysler Sebring Convertible for towing; however, both V-6 versions are capable of hauling a payload of up to 1,000 pounds. Cars.com notes that the Convertible weighs about 400 pounds more than the Sebring sedan, and the mass takes a toll. In terms of handling, the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible has a fairly smooth ride, but its dynamics pay a price for the convertible top. The steering has decent feedback, but Edmunds notes that “handling is also compromised by all that weight over the rear wheels.” ConsumerGuide noted some "body shudder" when driving the convertible over rough surfaces. ConclusionThe 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is an acceptable performer only with the V-6 engine—and even then, handling is far from crisp. 2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE STYLING | [5 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: “Unique styling…sets the Sebring apart” Cars.com: “recall(s) a kindler, gentler Chrysler” Jalopnik: “lackluster performance and…a body to match” Car and Driver: “No Longer the Ugly Duckling, but Hardly a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Ford Mustang is strictly a soft-top affair, but its retro looks are spot-on perfect and the rear seats are usable--and there’s no denying the visceral appeal of its V-8 engine and 1,000-watt audio system. The Volkswagen Eos is TheCarConnection.com’s favorite four-seat hardtop convertible; its well-detailed interior and V-6 performance are only let down slightly by conservative looks. The four-seat Pontiac G6 Convertible is the Sebring Convertible’s nearest colleague, and markedly better-looking.

Next Steps:

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See the Chrysler Sebring Convertible in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2001

Comments (3 total)

  1. By nick #1, Posted: 6/18/2008

    2008 sebring

    love the car.4cylinders work very good for power.watch the rpms and use it as a standard.goes like crazy about 3500 to 6000 rpm.roof is awesome.very quiet at 130 mph.lol.

  2. By nick #2, Posted: 6/18/2008

    owner

    love the car.4cylinders work very good for power.watch the rpms and use it as a standard.goes like crazy about 3500 to 6000 rpm.roof is awesome.very quiet at 130 mph.lol.

  3. By 2008 owner #3, Posted: 11/5/2009

    The "so called" critics....complain about styling ...don't hear them trashing Toyota styling ...which Chrysler mimic....or the previous conv...which copied Camaro....I shopped all the brands....interior materials suck in all of them....Chrysler was nice given the price point....Critics trash it on handling....Whoa.... I don't drive it at the track...neither does anyone else....a more realistic test would how it handles with a 32oz Big Gulp in one hand and a Big Mac in the other!!! I read the reviews and its apparent some of them spent no time in it...based on errors in their self absorbed reporting.... ie: one says "center arm rest not extended far enough"...Hey Knucklehead it extends out if you pull it....guess you didn't notice since you never drove it !! Critics said the Chevy Malibu was above average ..another one they didn't test much...all have steering column/ front end clunking problems....mine ate 2 automatics in 35,000 miles....Highly Rated junk....Their reviews are worthless....they just sell magazines.

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