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.
Likes:
- Available all-wheel drive
- Good interior room
- Lots of available features
Dislikes:
- Ungainly styling
- Mediocre performance
- Interior materials
- Four-speed automatic on four-cylinder
The mid-size 2008 Chrysler Sebring is an interesting choice for shoppers who like its creased and decorated body, but for TheCarConnection.com's editors, the unorthodox styling, the mediocre engine performance on mainstream editions, and the quality of its interior materials put it below the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla, and other larger sedans like the Ford Fusion.
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.
The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring's reasonable road manners and wealth of features are at odds with its ungainly looks and interior trim.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Chrysler Sebring, also consider:
- Ford Fusion
- Mazda6
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Corolla
Buying Tip:
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring doesn't vary much, though it sports three engine choices, two transmission options, and all-wheel drive. Striking the right deal on any version should be no problem since the sedan has been a slow seller from day one. TheCarConnection.com's team is not sold on the merits of all-wheel drive when the Sebring's front-wheel drive is so predictable, but slush-zone shoppers should consider it or plan on a good set of snow tires. TheCarConnection.com's editors also prefer toting an iPhone than having one more music hard drive that doesn't sync with their laptop--how do you back up a car's computer?
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Review was originally published at TheCarConnection.com
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