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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Chrysler Sebring

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2010 Chrysler Sebring

Overview

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2009 Chrysler Sebring Review

By KBB.com Editors

Accounting for more than one in every four passenger cars sold, the midsize sedan market remains the most popular in the country. Currently, the segment consists of the class leaders, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and a host of "category alternatives," some of which are more compelling than others. Lately, though, it seems almost every new or redesigned entry shows up to the party with a combination of attributes attractive enough to merit consideration. Chrysler's entry, the Sebring Sedan, has not lived up to expectations, partly due to stiff domestic competition from both the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu, but also because of perceived weaknesses in the areas of interior quality and engine noise, both of which Chrysler has addressed with the 2009 model. Still, the Sebring does offer standout styling and some of the most compelling features available in the category.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the balanced nature of a midsize sedan but want or need some of the in-cabin goodies not traditionally available in the segment, the Sebring might be just the car for which you've been waiting. Unique styling also sets the Sebring apart from the crowd.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Sebring sedan's overall sense of refinement doesn't match the Honda Accord's or Toyota Camry's, or even that of some domestic rivals like the Saturn Aura.

What's New for 2009

Dark Slate Grey interior color and a new acoustic insulation package mark the major changes for the 2009 Sebring. All models receive luxury floor mats, an air filtration system, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) and sunglass holder, while Touring and Limited trims receive more standard equipment.

Driving the Sebring

Driving Impressions Although the 2009 Sebring is a vast improvement over Chrysler's previous mid-size entries of late, the car still falls short of the standards set by Honda, Toyota and even Hyundai....

And on the list of things we do like about the Sebring, its ride and handling characteristics aren't at the top. Compared to a direct competitor like the Saturn Aura, for instance, the Sebring is neither as comfortable on the highway nor as eager on a winding road. Furthermore, the cabin isn't as quiet and the powertrains aren't as smooth. On all those fronts the Sebring is far beyond acceptable, however, especially for anyone attracted more by its styling and amenities. In fact, loaded up with uconnect tunes, uconnect studio with rear-seat DVD system and the heated and cooled cupholder, some could argue that the Sebring offers the most stuff for the money in the entire segment.

Favorite Features

uconnect tunes
This optional hard drive-based system includes navigation with real-time traffic information, MP3/WMA music and JPEG image uploading, a high-speed USB 2.0 port, auxiliary audio input, voice recognition, voice message recording and playback, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity and more.

Rear-seat Entertainment
The Sebring's rear-seat DVD video system – the first offered in a midsize sedan – includes dual headphones plus audio, gaming and SIRIUS Backseat TV capability.

2009 Chrysler Sebring Details

Interior

With a passenger cabin defined by clean, contemporary styling and a generous helping of metallic-looking trim (plus an abundance of average-grade plastics), the Sebring might not be as warm or welcoming as some of its competitors, but it's comfortable and attractive nonetheless. Complementing a host of available in-cabin technologies is a fold-flat passenger's seat that can make laptop work easier (or help accommodate longer cargo). In between the base cloth and available leather seating, the Sebring offers an exceptionally stain-resistant seat fabric. Limited models get a touch of tortoise shell-like trim and a heated/cooled cup holder.

Exterior

Before its introduction, many figured the new Sebring would show up looking something like a scaled-down version of the larger Chrysler 300 Sedan that has been such a big hit for the automaker. According to company officials, however, that car's bold look just didn't downsize well. Instead, the Sebring adopts the general styling direction that now defines more than half the vehicles in the Chrysler lineup, a look that includes the grille, headlamps and distinctive hood strakes that made their debut on the Chrysler Crossfire two-seater. Limited trim-level models are differentiated by chrome door handles, fog lamps and dual chrome exhaust outlets.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base Sebring LX includes a six-CD/DVD/MP3/SIRIUS Satellite Radio sound system with auxiliary input jack, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, four-way adjustable steering wheel, delayed-off headlamps, cloth seats and 16-inch covered steel wheels. Standard safety equipment includes front, front-side and side-curtain airbags and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS). The Touring adds an eight-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, traction control, premium headliner with aimable LED map lights and 17-inch wheels. Limited models include heated leather front seats, automatic climate control, a Boston Acoustic sound system and remote start.

Optional Equipment

The highlight of the Sebring's optional equipment list is the comprehensive uconnect navigation, entertainment and communication system. Other standouts include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, SIRIUS Back Seat TV, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity, heated and cooled cup holder, six-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick manual shift feature, 2.7-liter flex fuel or 3.5-liter V6 engines, all-wheel drive (Limited trim only), heated front seats, leather seats and a power glass sun roof.

Under the Hood

The Sebring's base four-cylinder engine delivers highway mileage of up to 30 miles per gallon, the range-topping 3.5-liter V6 offers 235 horsepower and the 2.7-liter V6 balances the economy and power of the two while offering the Flex-Fuel capability of running on gasoline, E85 ethanol or any mixture of both. The 3.5-liter benefits from a six-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick manual-shift capability, while the other engines are matched to a traditional four-speed automatic.

2.4-liter in-line 4
173 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
166 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 (Sedan), 20/29 (Convertible)

2.7-liter V6
186 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
191 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 (gas) 12/19 (E85)

3.5-liter V6
235 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
232 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/27 (FWD)

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2009 Chrysler Sebring Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.6

Out of 10

Based on 265 Ratings for the 2007 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

8.0/10

Quality

7.8/10
Reliability

8.2/10

Performance

7.8/10
Comfort

8.2/10

Styling

8.4/10

love this car "almost"

By nessa (FL) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "get up and go unbelievable!!"

Cons: "no trunk space when top is down"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"The looks and performance are fantastic. I have one gripe, no trunk space at all when roof is down. I like to carry beach chair and umbrella at all times for beach every day. Can't put these in trunk! Therefore I almost never put the top down. What a waste!!"

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love this car

By Helen (NJ) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "pricey, but worth it. Fun to drive."

Cons: "none so far"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this car. It's comfortable, dependable and gets great gas mileage. On my last coastal trip I got 35.5 miles per gallon"

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The funnest car to drive

By kariohoh7 (NY) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Handles well; accelerates quickly; comfortable"

Cons: "Can't think of one"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had a 2008 Sebring for years now and just love it. The 6 cylinders give it that get up an go and it really zooms along on the highway, accelerating very quickly when passing. Seats are very comfortable, even in the back. Love that the back seats fold down providing lots of room for big things. We fit a 6' shelf in there recently. The car is a looker too, sometimes people think I am driving a Mercedes. :-) Overall the Chrysler Sebring exceeded expectations. Cannot believe it was so affordable - you get a lot of bang for your buck."

4 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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SEBRING CONVERTIBLE;VERY SAFE

By LIAM (PA) on Thursday, April 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 39,415

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "THE BEST CONVERTIBLE WITH A GREAT SERVICE CONTRACT"

Cons: "UNKNOWN"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I HAD THE FOUR CYLINDER MODEL PRIOR TO THE TOURING AND PERSONALLY CRASH TESTED IT AND SURVIVED. IT WAS NOT MY FAULT. I WENT UP A CURB KNOCKED OUT AN ELECTRIC SCHOOL CROSSING SIGN, THEN A FIRE HYDRANT, AND SMASHED INTO A DIRT EMBANKMENT, THE DESIGN IS IMPECCABLE!"

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horrible

By kstro (KS) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 83,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "sporty"

Cons: "lots of brake problems"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I have now owned this car for 7 months and out of the 7 months it has been in the shop for at least 3 in and out. THe transmission was slipping it cant hold up a set of brakes and roter (im on my 3rd) and the air bag light likes to come on im sooo sick of this car"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Loved this car

By ANG (NJ) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 82,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "very good on gas"

Cons: "Electrical wiring not that great"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I owned this car for only 9 months, before totalling it. I wish i could find another one like it. It had all the bells and whistles. It ride smooth, the look is sexy and sporty. The only issues that I had, was some times the radio or lights inside would go out, and stay out for a few hours. Don't know why it was a limited edition. They should go back to this moble. Do not like the newer model 200, too plane inside."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 265 reviews