2008 Chrysler Sebring - Review

The Basics:

The car experts at TheCarConnection.com read a wide range of reviews from around the Web to compile this conclusive review of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring sedan. To bring you more detail and better advice, as well as to help you decide where other reviews might differ, TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2008 Chrysler Sebring and used that hands-on experience and research to arrive at numeric ratings.

The Sebring offers three engine choices: a standard 2.4-liter, 173-horsepower four-cylinder; an optional 2.7-liter, 189-horsepower V-6; and an optional 3.5-liter, 235-horsepower V-6 coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle. Neither the four-cylinder nor the smaller V-6 has extra power to hand out, but it's the four-speed-only automatic that's a glaring, dated touch. Fuel economy 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. Most Sebrings are front-wheel drive, but an all-wheel-drive Limited is offered this year, for those who really need it.

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. For a vehicle named for a racetrack, the 2008 Chrysler Sebring is mostly unengaging.

Interior space is fine for four adults, though a bit tight for five. The backseats fold forward and open up to the trunk; the front passenger seat also folds flat for loading long objects inside the car. The plasticky interior is not wonderful to touch, but the controls are laid out logically.

The 2008 Chrysler Sebring gets mostly five-star ratings from the government for crash protection, with four-star scores in passenger side-impact and rollover resistance. Side-impact and curtain airbags are standard across the line, but stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes are optional on some models.

The 2008 Chrysler Sebring kills in available features. There's a Harmon Kardon information, entertainment, and safety navigation audio system with 6.5-inch touch-screen display, as well as a 20GB hard drive that includes a Music Juke Box interface for organizing music and pictures, as well as a USB connection for both MP3 connectivity and downloading of WMA, MP3, and JPEG files. A six-disc changer is standard on all models, as is Sirius Satellite Radio. Other standout features include an optional heated/cooled front cup holder that can warm beverages to 140 degrees or chill them to a near-freezing 35 degrees.