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By James Gaffney Automotive writer This car definitely looks better with its top down. Nothing against the Sebring’s exterior bodylines when the retractable hardtop is in the covered position, mind you. It’s just that the full measure of any convertible’s inviting eye appeal is its succinct profile when the top is tucked away and the car looks streamline ready...

Photo by James Gaffney/The Times-PicayuneBy James Gaffney
Automotive writer

This car definitely looks better with its top down.

Nothing against the Sebring’s exterior bodylines when the retractable hardtop is in the covered position, mind you. It’s just that the full measure of any convertible’s inviting eye appeal is its succinct profile when the top is tucked away and the car looks streamline ready for fun-in-the-sun, wind-in-your-face cruising.

And, as can be counted on with all convertibles, when the top is down there are no blind spots.
 
This, perhaps, is where the 2010 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited really earns its stripes. As one of Detroit’s few affordable, mid-size coupes that offer all of the joys of convertible driving with the convenience of a true backseat with enough legroom for adult-sized passengers, the Sebring wowed both critics and consumers alike when it was first introduced as a convertible in 1996.

Today our love affair with the Sebring is a mixed bag.  Simply put, some critics love to slam it and owners love to drive it.

More than enough
Today the third-generation Sebring finds itself swimming upstream against critical opinion — this is no secret to Internet-savvy consumers and gearheads alike. There is simply no Photo by James Gaffney/The Times-Picayuneskirting the fact this car has been a favorite punching bag among respected auto zines ever since its all-new redesign was unveiled in 2007. After labeling this transporter ideal for an “older demographic” — aka retirees whom presumably adore “huge grilles” and “chunky” exterior styling — many reviewers then take to task the Sebring’s “underwhelming” handling and use of inferior plastic materials in the interior.

Elsewhere, U.S. News & World Report cited concerns over the Sebring’s “long-term out-of-pocket costs” and the fact that for 2010 Chrysler has dropped its lifetime powertrain warranty for the car.

If there is any consensus critic-wise it’s that the Sebring deserves good marks for its sporty highway feel and comfortable around-town handling. All of which still leaves one to wonder what if anything went wrong?

Perhaps absolutely nothing.

Photo by James Gaffney/The Times-PicayuneA quick perusal of consumer reviews from people who actually bought the car reveal that many seem not only pleased with the driving experience — especially those who ponyed up for the optional 3.5-liter V6 engine with six-speed transmission — but feel they got a solid deal for their hard-earned money. Some cited the generous cargo space (even if it’s literally shaved in half when the hard-top is retracted into the trunk) and choice of exterior colors. Considering these consumers probably drove a few cars before ultimately plunking down $25,000 to $37,000 (depending on trim level) on their Sebring convertible, could that many buyers be wrong?

Granted, the console cockpit is a little plain-Jane for my liking and the cabin materials admittedly are not of the highest quality. But unless your half-crazed pawpaw gets a mind to “polish” the console with his belt sander, chances are fairly good the plastic will last as long as you own the car.

Photo by James Gaffney/The Times-PicayunePersonally, I have always liked the Sebring and it never fails to catch my eye whenever I spy one on the road. Ditto for a friend living in Florida at the time she bought her Sebring convertible some years back. She absolutely loved the car and likened its affordability and top-down driving fun to a prayer answered. She well understood that it wasn’t a BMW or Audi. Yet she knew she was

Tags: Chrysler, is-featured

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WIND CATCHER: Is it time to give the Sebring new props? was originally published by New Orleans Auto Reviews: Chrysler. Read the full story by clicking here.