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The redesigned-for-2007
Chrysler Sebring and new-for-2008 Dodge Avenger (which are mechanically
identical) replace previous Chrysler vehicles that received consistent
criticism when they appeared in the IFCAR comparisons, yet despite some
improvements over the 2001 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus, these too
fail to meet the standards of the class. Ride and handling do not impress,
the two base engines are weak and noisy, interior quality is nearly
shameful, the seats are not comfortable, and the trunk is small. A price
advantage has already been put in place to try and move these cars (there is
currently more of a price advantage on the Chrysler than the Dodge, as the
Dodge hit the market a few months more recently) but right now there are far
superior competitors priced even more competitively. Chrysler is proud of a
few various gimmicks offered on these cars, such as a hard drive and a
heated cupholder, but that is only because there is nothing else they can
boast about their new midsize sedans.
The Sebring and Avenger
ride well enough, better than their predecessors but not as well as most of
the others here. The Sebring has a more absorbent ride but is more prone to
highway-speed float, while the Avenger doesn’t absorb bumps as well but has
more control on the highway, but the two generally feel similar. The Avenger
handles slightly better, but neither does as well as most of the competition
or as their predecessors. A lack of steering feel and excessive body lean is
obvious in both cars. The Sebring and Avenger offer three engine options: a
weak and noisy 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a moderately peppier and quieter
2.7-liter V6, and a much more quiet and powerful 3.5-liter V6 that is only
available on top-of-the-line models priced out of this group’s range. Gas
mileage does not excel with any of the cars’ engines. Wind and road noise is
also pronounced.
Inside, the cars have
small, hard, and misshapen front seats that at least offer sufficient head
and leg space. The rear similarly offers a roomy but overly hard
and upright seating position. Interior quality is appalling for a new model.
The Avenger and Sebring each have their own dash design (shown at right in
that order), but the interiors of each are
sloppily assembled with hard, cheap plastics. The higher-trim versions
have a few nicer materials ,
but they are few and
not immediately evident.
The instrument layout of the two cars is nearly identical despite the
appearance differences on the dash. Most instruments are simple to use, and
the gauges are clear enough. Visibility is compromised by thick roof pillars
and a high trunk. Entry/exit is easy enough. The cars’ trunks are small but
reasonably well-shaped.
The Sebring 4-cylinder
was the least expensive of the four reviewed here, at $17,910, and the
identically-equipped Avenger was about $1,100 more. (Credit additional
discounting on the Sebring and its standard vs. optional antilock brakes.)
As equipped at those prices, the cars lack traction and stability control,
which is available only on V6s and high-end 4-cylinders, but do include
satellite radio and a tire-pressure monitor. The V6 models of the Sebring
and Avenger come in at around $2,300 and $1,800 more than their 4-cylinder
equivalents, respectively, and add alloy wheels and an 8-way power driver’s
seat. The Sebring further adds automatic headlights. Note that most of the
oft-advertised features on the cars, like the heated and cooled cupholders
and washable upholstery, are only available in pricey options packages.
Though new, the Sebring
and Avenger are well below this class’s standards in almost every way, and
do not yet have the price advantage that the eventual $5,000 rebates will
need to bring before too long. But even at those prices, it would be
difficult to praise these cars.
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