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In the 2006 model year,
the Sebring is general mediocrity aged to an unacceptable level in this class.
Virtually unchanged since 2001, it lacks the interior packaging and quality,
ride comfort and refinement, and safety ratings to keep up with its
competitors. The Sebring’s only bragging point is a relatively low price, but
it’s not worth $23,000 even before you consider what else is available at the
same price.
The Sebring
rides quite stiffly, with road imperfections being poorly
filtered. This firmness does not however give the car a more stable feel, it
lacks control over larger bumps and at highway speeds. This comfort deficit at
least pays off in the car’s handling; while it is not particularly fun to
drive, body roll is at least capably controlled, the steering is accurate, and
the car feels reasonably agile. The 2.7-liter V6 provides adequate
acceleration, but falls near the back of the horsepower wars that have
recently gripped this market class. It’s not quiet either, especially for a
V6. Wind and road noise are clearly audible as well. Fuel economy is good for
this class.
Inside, the front seats are comfortable enough,
if a bit too low soft. The long cushion offers very good support, but taller
occupants will want more headroom, particularly with the optional sunroof
(included here). The rear is much less accommodating, with a low, small
cushion, little headroom, and no head restraints. The dash is finished poorly
even on the well-optioned model reviewed here, a splash of false aluminum or
wood (both are offered) along the dash does not distract from the cheap,
ill-fitting plastics that furnish virtually the entire interior.
 The gauges could use more
contrast, and though the instruments are conveniently laid out, some could be
higher. As noted, the car lacks rear head restraints, which somewhat improves
rearward visibility, but the small windows and thick roof pillars still
compromise visibility. Entry/exit is easy enough for front-seat occupants, but
the sloped roofline, low seat, and rather narrow footwell complicate access to
the rear seat. The trunk is adequately roomy, but the opening is too narrow.
The Sebring did well in its NHTSA frontal crash
test, earning five out of five stars for both the driver and front passenger,
but received a less-impressive three stars for both the driver and rear
passenger in the NHTSA side crash test, without the optional side airbags. The
IIHS rated the Sebring Acceptable, the third-highest of four ratings
(virtually all competitors score the highest rating of Good however), but was
Poor in their side-impact crash test. Its head restraints were also judged to
be Acceptable, but only on seats with a power-recline feature (included here,
other seats were rated Poor).
The Sebring reviewed here came in at a
reasonable $23,297, but lacked such features as a power passenger’s seat,
satellite radio, torso-protecting side airbags, and stability control.
Overall, the $23,000
midsize Sebring cannot be considered better in any major way even than some
$18,000 compact cars, despite its larger engine and exterior dimensions. And
with its lack of refinement, interior space and quality, and safety ratings,
its relatively low price alone cannot make it competitive with other family
sedans. It beats the Grand Prix thanks to its lower price, but nothing else.
The 2007 model year brings a much-needed redesign.
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