Review: 2002 Chrysler Sebring GTC Convertible
SEE ALSO: Chrysler Buyer's Guide
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS Ah, the joys of a convertible. Put the top down and cruise through town or country with your friends or family. But, if you want to take more than one other person along, especially for any length of time, the list of choices gets pretty small. The Chrysler Sebring convertible has been the best-selling convertible in the country since 1996, and for good reason. It hold four people with more room than any other currently-available convertible, and goes for a very reasonable price. First sold in 1996, the Sebring convertible was extensively revised for 2001, with new styling and a new V6 engine with greater power and improved fuel economy. Chrysler is not resting on its laurels, though. A new and sportier model of the Sebring convertible recently made its debut. The new-for-2002 1/2 GTC is the sports model of the Sebring convertible lineup, featuring a specially-tuned suspension, sport- oriented trim, and, most importantly for the enthusiast driver, a five-speed manual transmission that allows the driver to take the best advantage of the engine's willing performance. I've been driving one for the past week, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The five-speed and slightly firmer suspension make it a pleasant touring car on any sort of road, and the quick-acting power top allows a wind-in-the-hair experience or weatherproof comfort as desired. It's comfortable, versatile, practical, and fun. APPEARANCE: While it has the same general shape as the original Sebring convertible, the newest version is a little fresher and crisper. The 2001 redesign brought greater similarity in appearance to the Sebring coupe, convertible, and sedan, with the large oval Chrysler egg-crate grille and winged badge at the front of a well- rounded nose. The convertible's rear panel was restyled, with more angular taillights. Despite the long passenger cabin and consequent large top, the Sebring convertible maintains its graceful look with the top up. The GTC has body-color side molding, unique alloy wheels, and a small spoiler at the rear edge of the trunk. COMFORT: The Sebring convertible has a major advantage over any competitor - just ask the two rear seat passengers. While there are other convertibles that are nominally four-seaters, their rear-seat occupancy can be best suited for as little time as possible, small children, or even luggage. In some cases, rear-seat occupancy qualifies as cruel and unusual punishment. Not in the Sebring. If the front seats are all the way back, rear passengers over five-and-a-half feet will be cramped, but that would take an NBA first-round draft pick in the front seat. Even with the top up, rear headroom is good. As in the previous version, top-down wind protection is very good, even in the rear seat. The power-operated fully-lined top can be raised or lowered quickly, with two latches being the only manual part of the operation. In GTC trim, the front seats are supportive manually-adjustable buckets. As in the original car, the shoulder straps anchor to the seat backs, easing entry for rear passengers. The 2+2 rear seat has a comfortable back angle, and the trunk is reasonably-sized. Upholstery is ``Ultrahide,'' a leatherette synthetic. Like the exterior, the second-generation Sebring convertible's interior is similar to its predecessor's, but freshened. The GTC has sporty-looking black-on-white instruments and faux carbon-fiber ``pyramid weave'' trim on the instrument panel. Because few people, even convertible buyers, live in areas with perfect weather year `round, the Sebring convertible is designed to be a year-round only car, and so has an excellent heating and air conditioning system, a well-insulated, multi-layer top, and a heated, glass rear window. SAFETY: The second-generation Sebring convertible's unibody structure was redesigned for improved crashworthiness and control of impact energy. ROADABILITY: Last year's redesign also improved chassis rigidity, for more precise handling and a quieter ride. The Sebring convertible was designed from the start as a convertible, and is not a conversion from another car. Despite the large, open, passenger compartment, there is little cowl shake, even on less-than-perfect roads. All models share a fully-independent suspension, with double wishbones in front and a multilink system in the rear. Befitting its sports status, the GTC has a slightly firmer suspension tuning than other models. Like a European touring sedan, it's comfortably soft over rough roads but well-damped, for sporty handling. The Sebring convertible is a bit large and heavy to be a serious sports car, but excels at a moderately quick pace on a scenic road, especially with the top down. PERFORMANCE: A ``proper'' dual overhead cam engine gives the Sebring Convertible GTC sporting credentials, and the 2.7-liter alloy V6 is a sweetheart of an engine, especially with the standard five-speed manual transmission. (A four-speed automatic is available.) It has a reasonable amount of torque off the line, but, like many import sports powerplants, it must be revved for maximum effect. And it likes to spin, rewarding the driver with 200 horsepower at 5800 rpm, 190 lb-ft of torque at 4850 rpm, and a classic six-cylinder sound. Good shift linkage adds to enjoyment. Keep the revs over 3000, keep the top down, and enjoy the convertible life. CONCLUSIONS: Travel in sun, fun, and style with the 2002 Chrysler Sebring GTC Convertible. SPECIFICATIONS 2002 Chrysler Sebring GTC Convertible Base Price $ 25,250 Price As Tested $ 27,315 Engine Type dual overhead cam aluminum alloy 24 valve V6 Engine Size 2.7 liters / 167 cu. in. Horsepower 200 @ 5800 rpm Torque (lb-ft) 190 @ 4850 rpm Transmission 5-speed manual (4-speed automatic available) Wheelbase / Length 106.0 in. / 193.7 in. Curb Weight 3452 lbs. Pounds Per Horsepower 17.3 Fuel Capacity 16 gal. Fuel Requirement 87 octane unleaded regular Tires P205/60 TR16 Goodyear Eagle LS Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc, antilock available Suspension, front/rear independent double wishbone / independent multilink Drivetrain front engine, front-wheel drive PERFORMANCE EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon city / highway / observed 20 / 27 / 22 0 to 60 mph 8.5 sec (est.) OPTIONS AND CHARGES Inferno Red-tinted pearl coat color $ 200 Cold Weather Group - includes battery and engine block heaters $ 40 Security Group - includes security alarm, sentry key theft-deterrent system, power automatic central locking $ 195 Audio system - includes AM/FM/cassette/4-disc in-dash CD changer $ 250 Infinity speakers with 150-watt amplifier $ 475 Smoker's Group (ashtray) $ 30 Full-size spare tire with matching wheel $ 250 Destination charge $ 625