Not far removed from the ordinary

Not far removed from the ordinary

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Photos by -Autonet.ca
Joe Duarte
Published: 06 02 2007

So totally non-descript is the new Chrysler Sebring that even Chrysler's press materials proclaiming its "heritage" is chock full of information about Falcon, Valiant, Lancer, Dart and Barracuda ... but very little about Sebring.

Maybe that's because to touch on something even as brief as the history of the Sebring nameplate would lull readers into an immediate deep slumber (it was introduced in 1995 to reported widespread yawning).

The front end is immediately recognizable as a Chrysler, with the ribbed hood finishing off at a large egg-crate grille topped off with the Chrysler winged medallion header. The most interesting styling takes place along the side, where the doors are slightly recessed from the wheel wells to create a tapered, lean look. But then it's finished off in a non-descript rear end treatment.

And the interior is just as typically Chrysler. But unlike its exteriors, Chrysler actually builds attractive ergonomic interiors and the Sebring's is no exception. The general design is one of a dual cockpit separated by a large console to hold just about anything you need to take along. In the Sebring, it also holds an ingenious cupholder that will keep coffee hot and water cold (or vice-versa, if you like tepid water and cool coffee).

The instrument cluster is attractive in its font and cool backlighting combination. A meaty steering wheel looks like large enough for a Greyhound bus, but conveys an air of predictable performance and feels good in the driver's hands. The entire cockpit is an attractive blend of tradition with high-technology.

The seats' two-tone upholstery presentation adds to the interior ambience. Their simple design belie their comfort and support, and the rear will house two comfortably or three when needed. The car's long roofline means rear passengers won't lack for headroom, though legroom quickly vanishes when the front seats are pushed back. The rear seatback folds down in a 60/40 split, but not flat, to accommodate long cargo (aided by an available fold-flat-forward front passenger seatback).

As for ride and handling – yes, Sebring has them. The ride in everyday driving is solid with slight road imperfections efficiently swallowed up. But as the pavement deteriorates, the car doesn't seem to quite know what to do ... firm ... no, soft ... ok, give up.

On the handling front, the steering is light and precise and the chassis behaves in a predictable manner. Granted that's what a family sedan is paid to do, but it's all terribly boring.

Factor in our test vehicle's fuel-efficient but tired 2.7-litre V6 and you have a car that is very satisfying to the budget conscious family buyer, but one that is far from satisfying to the driving-inspired. The engine is even E85 ready, if you want to further your self-satisfaction over environment concerns.

It might have edged toward a bit of excitement with the inclusion of the 6-speed AutoStick transmission (sequentially shiftable) rather than a 4-speed automatic, but then what fun would there be in that?

I kept waiting for that defining character trait to open up my eyes to some form of potential for excitement, but it never came. Guess I'm not yet ready for the boring everyday driver.

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