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From a vacation at the beach to an all-around daily errand hopper, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring is rated at 22 mpg city/30 highway, and offers three models that expands the heretofore common car experience. The 6-cylinder 2.7-liter model is outfitted as a flex-fuel with 189 hp and the Touring Edition base price is $19,520. Our Silver Metallic tester, equipped with the Electronics Convenience Group was $23,360 with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.
Initial Impression: Out on a wing
Christine: “With a distinctly cat-like expression, the Sebring stared back at me as the driver dropped the keys into my outstretched hand. This was not the car I had expected. A quick 360 and glance inside discreetly stated that I had indeed underestimated the elegance of this midsize sedan’s personality. This Sebring emanated strong presence right down to the glittering rectangular flex-fuel badge.”
Scott: “I hadn't yet had an opportunity to drive a Sebring, but I'll start out by saying I think Chrysler products take a pretty hard knock and they really don't have the most stellar reputation. So, I anticipated being underwhelmed at best. I had to admit as well, that a 2.7-liter 6 banger just seemed odd--flex-fuel or not--it seemed too small for a V-6. I'm thinking to myself ‘why not just make it a nice, big cube straight four?’ I was surmising that this car would be more of a handsome grocery-getter than comfy cruiser. At least the engineers should've given it a chance to get great fuel mileage. But you know what? A week behind the wheel proved to me that I think too much--I should learn to just shut up and drive.”
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Look & feel: Might make ya sing
Think an alt fuel vehicle will leave you wanting for the good ole days (of gasoline)? Not so when you sit behind the wheel of the flex-fuel Sebring. From the sculptured silver metallic clear-coat hood to the two-toned slate gray interior, the Sebring signature ups the ante on all-around comfort and a tight driving experience. And that’s not what either of us expected. Whether you’re like Christine and crave a mannerly and well-executed driving experience or even a commanding seating position (like her mom), the Sebring’s new higher H-point will please, albeit the front seats could use some more contouring across the mid-back to create a wrap-around feel. Thankfully the telescopic steering wheel and 8-way adjustable driver’s seat helped both Scott and Christine find the comfort zone.
The expansive 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space is accommodating with fold-flat 60/40 rear seats. A fun FYI for tall folks: the range on the passenger seat adjustability was the largest we’ve ever seen—able to create plentiful roominess without crushing rear passenger’s legs. And while you’ve probably heard more than you care during the cupholder era—we just have to say they really do seem to keep getting better. In the case of this Sebring, a push button keeps cool beverages at a refreshing 35 degrees, but that Starbuck's latte gets a 140 degree treatment. Sweet.
Fuel-ability: 3-in-1 zing
Who doesn’t like options? From multiple choice tests to clickable personality quizzes, choices seem to power our modern world. In the case of the Sebring, it’s fuel choice. Is E85 plentiful and cheap in your neighborhood? Fill ‘er up. Whether crossing the hot New Mexico Desert—or just caught low on your around-town errands, fill up at any gas station—no problem. The Sebring’s E85/gasoline gas cap is eye-catching yellow for a heads-up when it’s time to fill up.
Back to that 2.7-liter V-6: Scott thought our observed mileage wasn’t too bad—but for the slight increase in horsepower (189 hp V-6 vs. 173 hp for the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder), he’d be happier to see the four banger offered as a flex-fuel option. The Sebring has more than enough get up and go—and Christine actually found herself stepping on the brake frequently as it seemed to pick up and gather speed quickly. She couldn’t help but wonder if a smaller engine could have offered flex-fuelability but higher fuel efficiency. We both think folks who go for FFVs are not only looking to go greener, but tend to be frugal and would choose the option of better fuel efficiency from the smaller engine.
The Enviro-meter: Swing by for E85
See the color-coded yellow gas cap and think E85. The boon of E85 is its higher oxygen content—so that anytime the tank is filled with a high percentage, it burns cleaner. And less exhaust emissions result in less smog. Fill ‘er up with E85 and slash carbon dioxide by up to 46 percent, according to the National Vehicle Ethanol Coalition. One of the downsides to E85 though, is generally decreased fuel economy. Some cars drop off more than others and this particular Sebring dropped about 12 percent--from 25.5 mpg to 22.5mpg in mixed driving; however, the cost of E85 is generally 50 cents or so a gallon cheaper than gasoline, so the lost fuel economy is, at worst, a wash. At best, E85 vs. gasoline still comes out with cost/mile favoring E85.
We applaud Chrysler’s flex fuel system engine option—however it could be even better if it was offered with a 5 or 6-speed automatic transmission with a high overdrive ratio to extend the highway fuel mileage—and yes, offered in that spunky 4-cylinder outfitted for E85.
When crunchin’ the greenhouse gas numbers, it’s all in the fuel ratio. Use E85 and your contribution adds up to 6.9 tons/year, where the regular Sebring will spew out a higher 8.3 tons/year. Go for a blend and fall somewhere in the middle. According to fueleconomy.gov, drive 15,000 miles per year on E85 and your energy usage will be equivalent to 5.0 barrels of crude annually. However, choose to fill ‘er up with higher percentages of gasoline, and that rises significantly to 15.6 barrels.
Next page: When It’s All Said & Done, Pros and Cons, Details & Specs