1998 Chrysler Sebring Sports Car Review & Performance

We tested the mid-line JXi model. Although the JXi is more bountifully appointed, the Sebring convertible is

so sharp that it almost seems insulting to describe the JX as the base model. The paint job on our JXi test

model--a purplish-black color called Deep Amethyst Pearl--was darkly elegant.

Improvements for '98 include a new engine mounting system, new ignition key lock for added security and a

refined anti-lock braking system (standard on the JXi, optional on the JX), with an optional traction-control

system. The JX offers new wheel covers, while the JXi sports new cast aluminum wheels, plus gold badges and wheel

accents.

The Sebring JXi's sculpted corners give it an eye-catching but dignified European look--unlike the wedge-shaped

Sebring LX coupe and aggressive Dodge Avenger. Indeed, in some ways, its Teutonic-inspired lines suggest a Mercedes

450 SL. The Sebring's narrow, compact grille, its sloping, smartly contoured hood and its squinty headlights give

it an imposingly self-assured visage.

The Sebring's firmly-mounted retractable top is a snug fit, and is attractively decorated with a glass light

in back. Its trunk space is commodious for a convertible, with enough space for six shopping bags and a medium-sized

suitcase.

Including the $545 destination charge, our JXi test model had a base price of $25,575. It was equipped with

such options as the 2.5-liter, 24-valve 6-cylinder engine ($800); the AutoStick transmission--an automatic that can

be shifted like a stick shift ($150); an Infinity stereo system with cassette, CD player, 150-watt amplifier,

premium speakers and graphic equalizer ($340); and a $175 luxury convenience package that consisted of a HomeLink

garage door opener integrated into the driver's side visor and an inside rearview mirror with the day/night feature.

The total price was $26,660.

Standard equipment on the base Sebring JX convertible includes: dual airbags, air conditioning, vinyl

convertible top (fabric on our upmarket JXi test model), rear defroster, tinted glass, front bucket seats,

tilt steering column, map pockets, power windows and heated exterior mirrors.

The Sebring may also be ordered with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, the AutoStick transmission (on the

optional 2.5-liter V6), an enhanced theft alarm, an optional electrochromic rearview mirror, a trip computer

with compass (JXi), and the addition of trunk-unlock and panic-alarm modes for the optional keyless remote entry

system.

We loved the retractible top's ease of operation. Chrysler designers have spared us the agony of having to

pore over an owner's manual and wade through a painfully sequential list of instructions. Instead, you can retract

the Sebring JX's top by pressing a single power switch. (You'll need to flip two windshield latches first.) So,

if you're caught in sudden cloudburst, you can raise the top while sitting at a stoplight.

Once lowered, the top can be tucked under a boot that fastens with Velcro tabs. And when it's time to

raise the top--by simply pressing the "up" button--the front-seat windows automatically slide down a few inches

allowing them to align properly with the top.

The seatbelts are height-adjustable, and are deftly integrated into the back of the front bucket seats--to

prevent rear-seat passengers from tripping over them when climbing in and out. The seats are supportive and quite

comfortable.

Our Sebring JXi was powered by the optional 2.5-liter, 168-hp V6. The V6 was so nimble that we don't think

our sportier side would be happy with the standard 2.4-liter, 150-hp four-banger. Besides being smaller, the

four-cylinder engine is inherently noisier. After all, if you're in the market for a sporty convertible, you

shouldn't short-change yourself in the powerplant department. The extra $800 for the V6 will be money well

spent.

The AutoStick--for a scant $150--is also recommended. With the AutoStick, you can manually upshift or

downshift by sliding the shift lever down, and then to the left or right. It's fun to operate on winding

roads and in the mountains. Shift up early to save gas, shift up late for maximum acceleration.

The extra oomph of the V6--and the quicker response offered by the AutoStick--came in handy in critical

passing situations. The Sebring JXi accelerates quickly from a dead dig, but fades a bit in the homestretch:

it took more than 10 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph.

On the downside, the Sebring JXi suffers from some engine noise. Whether accelerating from a dead stop or

punching it on the freeway, the engine raises a ruckus. And, of course, a ragtop doesn't filter out road noise

the way a hard top would.

On the up-side, the taut suspension kept body roll to a minimum in hairpin-turns and the power rack-and-pinion

offered precise steering response allowing us to handle these maneuvers without worry.

If you're a real convertible enthusiast--and, in our hearts, aren't we all?--you know there's nothing like

cruising along a twisting, tree-lined road with the top down. We like the Sebring's clean, aerodynamic body lines.

Based on our experience, it's a great car for enjoying the pastoral pleasures of a rural road on a sunny day.

The Sebring's smart windshield design provided unblocked sight lines in all directions. And our heads were

subjected to minimal wind buffeting.