2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

2:43 min

Chrysler�s all new 2008 Sebring convertible may not redefine open top cars but it does hit a few high marks that bode well for the future of Chrysler convertibles. First and foremost, the Sebring is an attractive car, it�s much better looking than the previous version and actually looks more like the luxury car we always knew it could be. The addition of a power hard top gives it an extra measure of style. That folding top will set you back about $2000 on the Limited and it replaces the standard cloth top. The hard top is fully automatic and can even be raised or lowered via the remote key fob. Standard on the Limited is a 3.5 liter V6 that�s good for 235 hp. Power is adequate and the V6 is relatively smooth but don�t expect snappy acceleration. With the optional hard top, the Sebring weighs in at nearly 4000 lbs - the result is a rather mediocre 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds. The Sebring�s heft also has an impact on braking � it took 133 feet to come to a full stop from 60 miles per hour. On the road, the Sebring is quite comfortable and easy to drive although there�s plenty of body roll and the car will never satisfy even a slight inclination toward sportiness. The ride is soft and that�s just about how Sebring customers want it. While the interior tends toward luxury, it never really hits that mark. In Limited trim, there�s a tortoise shell look applied to the steering wheel and various interior bits but virtually all the metallic trim is painted plastic. The seats look inviting and are reasonably comfortable although the leather covering those seats isn�t exactly Lexus-soft. Unlike many convertibles, the Sebring has adequate seating for four adults. A real bright spot inside the Sebring Convertible is the available hard drive navigation system with storage space for music. The system also plays DVD audio and video discs. Ultimately, the 2008 Chrysler Sebring isn�t a true luxury convertible. It is a pleasant, attractive open top car that has the added benefit of an automatic folding hardtop. While the Sebring isn�t the least bit sporty, its soft ride, smooth V6 and room for four interior should appeal to those who want to put the top down but want none of the usual compromises that go along with open top cars.