2010 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Review

Overview

For 2010, the Chrysler Sebring Convertible gets a refreshed exterior with sleek hood appearance, new aluminum and chrome-clad wheel designs, a new instrument-panel gauge cluster and driver and front-passenger active head restraints on all (LX, Touring and Limited) models. Debuting in 1996 as a midsize convertible, the Chrysler Sebring was off to a dream start. It became America?s top selling convertible in no time; it sustained this position for a good five years since its introduction. It was brought in as replacement for the LeBaron, which was sold for nearly two decades. Apart from the fact of being a best seller, the Chrysler Sebring Convertible was also unique for another reason - it was offered only as a Chrysler and its corresponding models were not released by either Dodge or Plymouth. It takes on other convertibles such as the Toyota Camry Solara; Volkswagen Eos and Pontiac G6 in the market.

Power and performance

The 2010 Sebring Convertible is offered in three trims: LX, Touring, and Limited. The base LX runs on a 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve dual VVT Inline-4 engine that emits 173 horsepower. The Touring gets a 2.7-liter; DOHC, 24-valve V6 flex-fuel engine that delivers a power of 186 hp. Both these engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The Limited is the most powerful of these trims, fitted with a 3.5-liter High Output V6 engine teamed to a six-speed Auto Stick that generates 235 hp. The Sebring Convertible offers a mileage of 20/29 mpg (city/highway) on the LX trim, 18/26 mpg (city/highway) on the Touring, and 16/26 mpg (city/highway) on the Limited.

Body and styling

AM/FM stereo radio with in-dash six-disc DVD/MP3 Player; Sirius satellite radio; driver's manually-adjustable lumbar support; center floor console; instrument panel storage bin; key-less entry; electroluminescent instrument cluster; silver cluster or color-keyed cluster bezel; inside emergency trunk lid release; auxiliary 12-volt power outlet; air filtering; rear courtesy console lamp; power six-way driver and front passenger seats; power rack-and-pinion steering; tilt/telescope steering column; and 13.1 cu-ft. of cargo space are some of the main interior features of the 2010 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. For the exteriors, this model gets a rear window defroster; a choice of 16, 17, and 18-inch wheels; sun visors with vanity mirror; variable intermittent windshield wipers; dual-note electric horns; illuminated entry; headlamp-off time delay; quad LHD optics headlamps; body-color fascias; non-locking fuel filler cap; tinted glass windows; front and rear solar-control glass; and removable short mast antenna among other features.

Safety Features

The 2010 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is a vehicle that scores highly on safety. It secured the highest possible score of five stars in government testing for side crash rating. Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes; child seat upper tether anchorages; LATCH; Sentry Key theft-deterrent system; door ajar warning lamp; speed control; advanced multistage front air bags; supplemental side curtain air bags; supplemental front seat side air bags that offer additional protection for front outboard occupants; power heated mirrors; and power locks are some of the safety features on board the 2010 Sebring Convertible.