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Last post on Apr 21, 2013 at 11:46 AM
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Chrysler Sebring Forum.
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Chrysler Sebring, Convertible
#9 of 64 Re: No action, real mess... [csandste]
by claires HOST
Jan 24, 2007 (1:02 am)
Hi, csandste,
We currently have two discussions for the 2007 model -- this one and the 2007 Chrysler Sebring: First Drive. Once this discussion for this model gets going, I agree that it'll make sense to split it up according to its specific issues. If you'd like to open another topic now, feel free to do so -- just click the "Add a Discussion" link at the top of the Sebring group.
#10 of 64 Cynics
by giggs
Feb 06, 2007 (8:42 pm)
I count myself among the many who traditionally bashed the North American car manufacturer and its Union masters for bellying up to the trough for far too long. However, I have recently felt compassion for the rank and file who have been lead mindlessly to the slaughterhouse and to that end saw fit to lay down some cold hard cash in the past year on two separate N/A sedans. the 'o6 Impala was a pleasant surprise but still dissapointing. I dumped it this week after only 10 months and just brought home an '07 3.5 Limited. There is much to like in this 35k (Cdn) redesign of a less than satisfying sedan. Deiter insisted on more and I think he delivered - but still has a way to go. I could go on but suffice it to say this car deserves another assessment. During the past few years I have owned an '02 A4, '03 E-Class, and an '03 S-type. I had never even considered buying a Chrysler in the past. Prior to tasting the imports, I always drove GM's. But, this car caught my eye when I was considering a replacement N/A car for a less than satisfying '06 Impala LTZ. I see incredible value in my '07 Sebring 3.5 Limited. When you consider what they have done here - for the price - I give Dieter and the gang full credit. It's worth another look folks.
#11 of 64 They hope to sell these things!
by ukjim
Feb 10, 2007 (3:12 pm)
I had to rent one over the weekend. A park bench is a more comfortable to spend time than the rock hard seats; enough engine noise to make you wonder if there is any insulation on the firewall; tire noise to make you think it is wearing knobbly truck tires; a gear shift that hits anything plugged into the front power socket; I could go on but why flog a dead horse. Germany needs more control over what Chrysler foists on the public.
#12 of 64 Not that bad.
by djp_63
Feb 15, 2007 (10:51 am)
I drove a base model with a 2.4 litre engine and all the options you want without having to pay for a lot extra fluff. The car looks good to me too. I was told by the salesman that it was designed to compete with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Well, I am a Mopar guy, and I think this is a little bit of a stretch. I wish Chrysler had the reliability record of Toyota. But then again, the ubiquitous Camry is a huge yawn to look at and drive. However, for price, the Sebring is a GREAT car compared to a Sentra, Corolla, Yaris, or Civic. The base Sebring we drove was quiet, smooth, had some engine noise (it was a 4 cylinder), interior was fine with nice solid doors and hardware. The styling is kind of Audi looking. The 2.7 V6 does have a bad reputation for sludge issues. Do not know if they ever rendered that situation.
Just a thought,
DJP
#13 of 64 07 Sebring
by mirde98
Mar 18, 2007 (12:54 am)
I drove a spanking brand new Sebring Limited white/gray leather interiors and that wood steering wheel. First impressions was like....mmmmm looks good....looks like grampa car...but thats where is mainly marketed (beside rental fleets). I opened the door... sat in what they called "seats" and all my hopes were crushed. Geez those catholic church wood bench are more comfortable that the Sebring seats. I felt like in a "bathtub", low and im 6 feet and my legs were cramped. Dash looks attractive until you look close, geez those air vents are so homemade, the radio is horrible. door panels and interior in general is all cheap hard plastic. Very Chrysler typical. Engine is noisy and slow. In conclusion, this car is mediocre. Perfect for rental fleet. Thats all. Fusion/Milan are better choices.
#14 of 64 Re: 07 Sebring [mirde98]
by zeen
Mar 18, 2007 (5:53 am)
Hard to believe Daimler didn't take the opportunity to teach those Chrysler designers something. The mistake was not taking a proven design (the 300) and making a more compact version. Look at the BMW line. The 5 series is very similar in design to the larger 7 series.
#15 of 64 Re: 07 Sebring [zeen]
by mirde98
Mar 18, 2007 (9:45 pm)
True. I mean they saw success with the 300...then what happened? They started all over again with the crap...example the Nitro, Sebring, Caliber, Compass, all brand new vehicles, all mediocre. They all share the worst of Chrysler. Oh well....i guess they didn't learn nothing after all....,maybe thats why Daimler kicked out ChryCorp.
#16 of 64 I own one and I like it.
by orangert
Mar 19, 2007 (5:54 pm)
I own one. I like it a lot. "YES" it does have "cheap" looking plastic, "YES" the seats are firm(perfect for me), "YES" the engine can be heard. I got used to it real quick and REALLY like it. Price it out and get the best discount you can and it is VERY, VERY affordable.
I don't know what the other cars are ACTUALLY getting in mileage. I drive mostly highway and have moved up to 30 avg. mpg in my 2.4 Base model. (just hit 3000 for the first month of ownership)
It has all the creature comforts I need. This past Sunday we ran a round trip all highway of 275 miles and posted 34 for the trip according to the gas pump
top off.
#17 of 64 Re: 07 Sebring [zeen]
by bringman
Mar 31, 2007 (4:05 am)
I was hopeful for the 2007 model. Currently, I own a 2002 black Sebring LX. I bought it brand new for a really good price. It feels very solid and it's proven to be a faithful soldier. Only 2-3 minor problems surfaced during these past 5 years and all have been covered under warranty.
Even after all this time I get many compliments on my car's appearance (100% stock, no mods). The optional alloy wheels really bring out the car's simple, but elegant lines. I'll admit I really like the way the 2001-2006 gen looks, so again -- I was hopeful for the 2007 model.
I was quite disappointed when I started seeing spy shots of the new model. The person who said it looks better in real life is correct, but it still looks some type of weird offspring of a Saturn Ion and Crossfire, with a Corolla rump. Bleah. I'll admit it's not horrible in darker colors, but the medium blue on my dealer's showroom floor was not flattering to its lines.
That said, kudos to Chrysler for not going a more conservative route. For better or for worse, from most angles no one will mistake the 2007 Sebring for anything else.
Someone mentioned that Chrysler should have made a mini-300, and I totally agree. But I read that the designers tried very hard to do that with this platform and it just was not turning out right for various reasons. So they went with plan 'B' and looked to the Airflyte concept for inspiration. That wasn't one of my favorite styling exercises, but at least they can say they brought another concept to production, lol.
The 2007's interior seems a step down in quality from the prior generation, which itself wasn't great, but a bit better than average from a domestic manufacturer for the early part of the decade. Slight cheapness aside, the room, amenities, and design beat the 2001-2006 model by a long shot. And I didn't notice the seats being uncomfortably firm. My 2002 has seats that were too soft at the beginning and it surely has not improved over time. Maybe these "church pew" seats are a reaction to that.
One more thing about the interior bits -- they are WAY better than what's in the Caliber and Compass. Even given that they're in a different price class, those cars' plastics are surprisingly nasty.
I've been a Chrysler guy for some time so I will probably give the 2007 Sebring (and Dodge Avenger) another look when it comes time for a new vehicle. I am hoping this model is at least moderately successful for them and that Chrysler overall can get it together.
#18 of 64 Re: 07 Sebring [bringman]
by orangert
Apr 01, 2007 (6:59 pm)
Unfortunately I don't agree with the reference to the Caliber/Compass plastic being different. I also own a Caliber R/T and my brother in law & sister in law own a Cali and Compass. They are the SAME plastic interior pieces. Check the manufacturer and they are the SAME!!! I have no problem with them though. \
I am planning on getting an SRT Caliber in October when it comes out, plastic does not bother me. The dollars and cents value of the car versus other makes adds up in my pocket book.
The plastic does not give adverse glare in the windshield so I am happy. I have already considered a woodgrain kit for the Sebring but not the R/T. The sister in law has done the woodgrain in the Compass and it looks good for her Khaki color.