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2009 Chrysler Sebring Performance Review

June 15, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

not especially refined
Car and Driver

underwhelming
Motor Trend

adequate acceleration
Cars.com

Editors at TheCarConnection.com are underwhelmed by the 2009 Chrysler Sebring's performance and handling. Competitors almost unanimously do better.

The Sebring offers three engine choices: a standard 2.4-liter, 173-horsepower four-cylinder; an optional 2.7-liter, 189-hp V-6; and an optional 3.5-liter, 235-hp V-6 coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle. ConsumerGuide notes that although the 2009 Chrysler Sebring has trouble passing, it "copes adequately with around-town driving." Edmunds observes, "This engine is still a tad light on launching power but satisfyingly smooth once it spins up."

Four-cylinder Sebrings have it particularly rough when taking on the likes of the Malibu and Accord. Cars.com reports "the four-cylinder engine provides acceptable performance in city driving, but it runs out of power at highway speeds, where it lacks any kind of urgency when acceleration is called for."

The V-6 Sebring is a bit more impressive, but still no class leader. According to Motor Trend, the most powerful Sebring "ran the quarter mile in 15.3 seconds... underwhelming when compared with the midsize, V-6-powered missiles from Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and, most recently, Chevrolet with its new Malibu." They also report "the engine struggles to move the 3699-pound car." Car and Driver calls either engine "not especially refined."

Motor Trend feels the "six-speed automatic is oddly geared, with a gaping ratio between first and second and a very close one between second and third." Of the transmissions, Cars.com says the four-speed automatic "shifts smoothly and kicks down quickly when necessary."

Fuel economy in the 2009 Chrysler Sebring is unimpressive. "When equipped with all-wheel-drive, it delivers gas mileage worse than a 430-hp Corvette," Edmunds points out. The Sebring is rated at 24/32 mpg for the four-cylinder and 22/30 mpg for the 2.7-liter V-6. The more powerful V-6 gets a six-speed transmission and drones less at speed, while turning in 19/28 mpg.

For a vehicle named for a racetrack, the 2009 Chrysler Sebring is mostly unengaging. In all versions of the Sebring, steering is direct if not razor-sharp, while the independent suspension is firm enough for a stable and secure feel during emergency situations and in tight corners. Braking and handling are just average, with Edmunds observing, “The Sebring exhibits moderate body roll around corners but has decently weighted steering."

Conclusion

The 2009 Chrysler Sebring will get you there—without much excitement.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:not especially refinedCar and DriverunderwhelmingMotor Trendadequate accelerationCars.com Editors at TheCarConnection.com are underwhelmed by the 2009 Chrysler Sebring's performance and handling. Competitors almost unanimously do better. The Sebring offers three engine choices: a standard 2.4-liter, 173-horsepower four-cylinder; an optional 2.7-liter, 189-hp V-6; and an optional 3.5-liter, 235-hp V-6 coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle. ConsumerGuide notes that although the 2009 Chrysler Sebring has trouble passing, it "copes adequately with around-town driving." Edmunds observes, "This engine is still a tad light on launching power but satisfyingly smooth once it spins up." Four-cylinder Sebrings have it particularly rough when taking on the likes of the Malibu and Accord. Cars.com reports "the four-cylinder engine provides acceptable performance in city driving, but it runs out of power at highway speeds, where it lacks any kind of urgency when acceleration is called for." The V-6 Sebring is a bit more impressive, but still no class leader. According to Motor Trend, the most powerful Sebring "ran the quarter mile in 15.3 seconds... underwhelming when compared with the midsize, V-6-powered missiles from Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and, most recently, Chevrolet with its new Malibu." They also report "the engine struggles to move the 3699-pound car." Car and Driver calls either engine "not especially refined." Motor Trend feels the "six-speed automatic is oddly geared, with a gaping ratio between first and second and a very close one between second and third." Of the transmissions, Cars.com says the four-speed automatic "shifts smoothly and kicks down quickly when necessary." Fuel economy in the 2009 Chrysler Sebring is unimpressive. "When equipped with all-wheel-drive, it delivers gas mileage worse than a 430-hp Corvette," Edmunds points out. The Sebring is rated at 24/32 mpg for the four-cylinder and 22/30 mpg for the 2.7-liter V-6. The more powerful V-6 gets a six-speed transmission and drones less at speed, while turning in 19/28 mpg. For a vehicle named for a racetrack, the 2009 Chrysler Sebring is mostly unengaging. In all versions of the Sebring, steering is direct if not razor-sharp, while the independent suspension is firm enough for a stable and secure feel during emergency situations and in tight corners. Braking and handling are just average, with Edmunds observing, “The Sebring exhibits moderate body roll around corners but has decently weighted steering." ConclusionThe 2009 Chrysler Sebring will get you there—without much excitement. 2009 CHRYSLER SEBRING STYLING | [6 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "passenger cabin [is] defined by clean, contemporary styling and a generous helping of metallic-looking trim" Autoblog: "the Sebring has odd proportions and a bulbous rear end" Car and Driver: "Styling might be too ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The Ford Fusion and the Mazda6 are both sportier-feeling rivals to the Sebring, and they perform much better in nearly every way. The Fusion is a bit larger than the Sebring, while the Mazda6 may handle more in tune with some drivers' tastes and has a distinctive new look and feel that’s more luxurious. Surprisingly, the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla might compete more at the four-cylinder level with the Sebring than the Accord and Camry. The Honda and Toyota options shine for quality and dependability.

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See the Chrysler Sebring in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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