2008 Chrysler Sebring

Few cars were as unanimously seen as a disappointment as the reborn 2007 Sebring -- and for good reason. Chrysler's approach was seemingly to take the already laggardly previous-generation car, water it down further, and hope to make up the difference with small conveniences and amenities.

This car is a let-down from the get-go. The interior greets you with a drab display of cheap, colorless plastics, after which you sink into a seat that grows noticeably less comfortable within the first hour. Drive it and you'll soon notice numb, tippy handling, dramatic ride motions, and soggy brakes (the Sebring is just about the only mid-sizer still using rear drum brakes). Chrysler is generous in offering three engines (a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, a 2.7-liter V6, and a 3.5-liter V6), but while they all make fine power, each feels unrefined and returns sub-par gas mileage, partly because the first two are hooked up to an outdated 4-speed automatic transmission.

On the high side, the Sebring does a decent job of isolation, courtesy of its soft ride and reasonable noise suppression. It's roomy, and its ergonomics are well-thought out. It also has optional features like chilled/heated cupholders, rear-seat DVD, and Chrysler's MyGIG audio/navigation system to set it apart. And it comes as a convertible.

All things considered, though, just about every other mid-size car on the market offers better engineering, a more pleasant driving experience, a richer interior, less geriatric styling, and higher resale value. It's hard to recommend the Sebring on any level -- even price.

What's new for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring: The Sebring now comes as a convertible, and is available with both a softtop (vinyl or cloth) and a steel hardtop.