Used 2009 Chrysler Sebring

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)