2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

For most of the last decade, the Chrysler Sebring convertible was the best selling drop top in the land. But all good things come to an end, and for 2008 the Sebring convertible is new from nose to tail. Now this crossfire inspired bathing beauty is also aimed at an even broader audience with more top down choices than ever. So let’s see if the spotlight of sunny sales will shine on the open top Sebring again.

There’s no question that the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible covers the convertible market like an open sky.

While the trend is to switch from soft to hardtops, the Sebring gives buyers an unprecedented choice of three power tops; vinyl, cloth, and for the first time, retractable steel.

All use the same mechanicals, you only have to activate a single switch, all drop in under 30 seconds, and all are concealed by a hard tonneau cover for a super clean look.

Otherwise the new Sebring Convertible follows the latest Sebring Sedan by taking its bolder styling cues from the Chrysler Crossfire.

The front end shares the Crossfire’s expressive Chrysler grille, quad headlights, and multiple hood accent strakes.

Sharp character lines also crease the top and bottom of the doors, yet it also adopts the Sebring sedan’s bland tail, with big family car lights and a barely-there deck-lid spoiler.

Under the new look is a stout new chassis, with a wheelbase that’s grown almost 3 inches to 108.9-inches, and it meets the road through a wide selection of wheels, from 16-inch painted steel, to 18-inch chrome alloys. All have tire pressure monitoring.

The front wheels are also driven by a selection of familiar power plants, standard on the base car 173-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder.

Touring trim adds an E85 ethanol capable 189-horsepower 2.7-liter V6.  And in our Limited test car, a 3.5-liter single-overhead-cam 24-valve V6 with 235 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque.  The 3.5-liter V6 is mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode which combine to deliver government fuel economy ratings of 16 city/26 highway. Our mixed test drive delivered a good average of 22 miles-per-gallon on mid-grade gas.

The 6-speed 3.5 also gives Sebring good performance, hitting 60 in 7.9 seconds, and running the full quarter-mile in 16.1 seconds at 90 miles-per-hour. 

Punch the gas and the Sebring launches smartly, spinning the front tires a bit as it leaves the line. The engine revs quickly but smoothly, with strong power in the upper reaches of the rev band.

This 6-speed is very refined, with tight ratios that make good use of the engine’s power on the track and on the street. Definitely one of Chrysler’s best drivetrain efforts.

Handling performance on the other hand, is on the soft side. Even with optional electronic stability program, there’s heavy front-plow and quite a bit of body roll. Yet, overall handling is stable and safe, and the hardtop adds to the solid feel of the already stiffened chassis.

So, it’s definitely a more relaxed cruiser than back-road bomber, and in that role it excels, delivering a smooth controlled ride with low levels of body flex and cowl shake even over broken pavement.

Bringing our Sebring V6 down from speed are 4-wheel disc brakes. Four-cylinder car use rear drums, but ABS is standard on all. Stops averaged 135 feet from 60, with a soft pedal but fine stability.

The inviting cabin is well equipped. Power windows, locks, air conditioning, cruise, and tilt/telescoping steering wheel are standard.

Front seats are wide and well padded and include side airbags. Power adjust for driver and passenger are standard, while leather and heat are available, as are tech intensive features like navigation, a Harmon/Kardon stereo with 20-gig hard drive, and even heated and cooled cupholders.

More wheelbase means a rear seat that can now more comfortably accommodate two adults. Cargo room is an impressive 13.1 cubic feet with the top up, and will still hold two golf bags with the top down.

Prices for the new Sebring Convertible start lower than last year, starting at $26,145. Select Touring trim and pay $28,745. While the top line Limited model goes for $32,345.

This 2008 Chrysler Sebring does indeed seem to have the convertible world covered. Besides more tops, it delivers more refinement, more comfort, and more features.

That’s a lot of more! Indeed, the new open-air Sebring is better than its predecessor in almost every way. And a great way for a foursome to leave their cares blowing in the wind.