Review: 2002 Chrysler Sebring GTC Convertible

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