The 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited Sedan One Week Road Test

The 2010 Chrysler Sebring sedan is a car with a very short lifespan (a redesign is right around the corner) and a whole lot of baggage. No, this has nothing to do with trunk space but everything to do with this car's image. People generally laugh at you when you tell them you are driving a Sebring sedan. And despite a number of flaws, that's really unfair.

The Sebring has gone through no Toyota-style safety scandal yet to most new family car buyers it is damaged goods. So much so that Chrysler may (or may) not ditch the name for its upcoming replacement. The main problem, I fear, is that the Sebring is saddled with two major issues. What are they, you ask?

A woefully misshapen exterior design and the fact that similarly equipped Altima, Mazda6, Accord, Sonata, Malibu, Fusion or Camry models all make for smarter choices. The 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited's competition simply offers more for less.

But that isn't to say the Sebring sedan is without any redeeming factors. What are they? Well, read on to find out more about the ups and downs of driving a 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited sedan for a week.

Exterior Design

As I said earlier, I am not a big fan of the Sebring sedan's exterior design. It actually looks like three different design teams were working on the car at once. One designed the front, one the middle and another one worked on the trunk. It lacks cohesion and any real visual drama.

Another issue is the fact that the $700 18-inch chrome clad alloy wheels on my tester looked like they were made out of plastic. It really cheapened the overall look of which is a shame because a good set of alloys could do wonders for the Sebring sedan. It would at least make it look a bit less like the offspring of a rhinoceros who mated with an armadillo.

Interior Design and Utility

This is where things start getting better thanks to Chrysler's recent drive to improve interior material quality as they ramp up to replace existing models. Most of the switches, knobs and trim are pleasing to the touch with the automatic temperature control knobs coming up for particular notice thanks to their ease of use. Unfortunately, the top of the dash looks and feels like it is made out of cheap plastic.

Sebring Limited models get the added benefit of uniquely stylish tortoise shell trim on the steering wheel, dashboard and doors. You don't find this used in any other car interiors and that is a shame as it looks so much better than most competing wood trims. The tortoise shell trim on the steering wheel also feels really cool in your hands as you are driving.

There is plenty of head and legroom front and back for six-footers although many competitors now do offer more room. The rear seats are best left for two and unfortunately the rear bench is mounted too low for long distance comfort. The trunk, however, is nicely shaped and competitively large at 13.6 cubic feet.

Features, Pricing and Economy

Chrysler's $1,695 navigation/Sirius/phone connectivity/iPod connectivity/Boston acoustics audio system upgrade is a worthwhile investment if you plan to buy a Sebring. Not only is it affordable but it is also easy to use and comes with 30GB for song storage.

Actually, the multi-media system may be the only option you really want when buying a 2010 Sebring Limited but it isn't the only one you need. While I think all vehicles should have this as standard (especially at this price point), you do need to fork out $425 for Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control. That technology could save your life so always remember to tick that option box.

Standard features on the 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited include power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, heated seats, 8-way power driver seat, 6-disc CD changer, aux-input jack, steering wheel mounted audio controls and a 2.4 liter 173 horsepower 4-cylinder mated to a four speed automatic. My tester came equipped with the 253 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 ($2,050) with a six speed automatic ($200).

All told, a 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited like the one I drove will set you back $29,750 yet my particular model didn't even have leather. Granted, leather is a no-cost option on Limited models but it really should be a standard feature on every Sebring Limited that Chrysler makes.

The 3.5 liter V6 returned a respectable 21.3 miles per gallon during my tests which means the 16 city/27 highway EPA figures are about right. The base four cylinder, however, does get 30 miles per gallon highway. The Sebring runs on regular unleaded (either engine) and the gas tank holds 16.9 gallons.

Driving Impressions

One thing that must be said about the 2010 Sebring sedan is that it has a very calm, smooth and serene ride quality that makes it a perfect commuting tool. Wind and road noise are kept to a minimum although engine noise can be intrusive under heavy acceleration.

The noise issue with the 3.5 liter V6, however, is only apparent when the engine is revved hard during passing maneuvers. Apparently this V6 doesn't like to work very hard because it sounds rough, strained and a bit like a rough 4 cylinder over 4,000RPM. Save your money and stick with the basic 2.4 liter motor.

The six-speed automatic usually went about its business in an unobtrusive manner but sometimes became harsh and indecisive during aggressive driving maneuvers. This is a problem because all roads in Southern California (where I live) require aggressive driving maneuvers.

So while the Sebring Limited sedan may be a comfortable cruiser, its steering gives you very little feedback during drives on twisty back roads. The steering does, however, lighten up nicely in parking lots for easy maneuvering. But what does that leave you with? Not a very fun to drive family car.

How Dog and Kid Friendly is It?

Interior plastics, trim and fabric quality is decent and everything appeared like it could easily withstand the rigors of daily canine or kid abuse. The trunk is large enough for family gear or huge bags of kibble yet there is nothing about the Sebring sedan that sets it apart as great for families or dogs.

Final Thoughts

The 2010 Chrysler Sebring sedan is a perfectly competent commuter or family hauler but unfortunately people also expect their cars to be fun to drive and stylish. So while there is nothing really wrong with the 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited Sedan (except maybe the price), there really isn't anything right about it either.

Vehicle Tested: 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited

Base Price: $22,155

Price as Tested: $29,750

Options on Tester: Electronics convenience group (automatic temp. control, fog lamps, auto dim rear view mirror, alarm, remote starting, tire pressure monitoring, universal garage door opener, trip computer)--$1,010, Navigation/phone connectivity/upgraded audio--$1,695, Electronic stability control/traction control--$425, 6 speed automatic--$200, 3.5 liter V6--$2,050, Sunroof--$775, Engine block heater--$40, 18 inch chrome covered aluminum wheels--$700

Base Engine: 2.4 liter 173 horsepower 4 cylinder

Engine Tested: 3.5 liter 235 horsepower V6

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

0-60: 7.7 seconds (Chrysler estimate)

EPA Economy: 16 city/27 highway

As Tested Economy: 21.3 miles per gallon

Fuel Tank: 16.9 gallons

Trunk: 13.6 cubic feet

Crash Test Ratings: IIHS "Top Safety Pick" (ESC models only)

NHTSA Crash Ratings: Front impact-(Five Stars driver, passenger)

Side impact-(Five Stars front seat, Four Stars back seat)

Rollover-Four Stars

Warranty: 3 year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper

5 year/100,000 mile powertrain

Assembled in: Sterling Heights, Michigan

Engine Assembled: United States

Transmission Assembled: United States