Chrysler has had a pretty rough time with the pretty rough times the auto industry has been dealing with. What with the bankruptcy, alliance with Fiat and associated complications the fact that, yes, they build and sell cars you can get a dealership down the street has almost been overshadowed.
So it was a very pleasant surprise that a new Sebring Limited Convertible rolled into the Top Secret Area Fiddy-one Test Facility last week, because what I thought was going to be a kludged-out yawner has turned out to me a very pleasant experience. The cloth convertible top (a folding steel version is also available) is unusually stout with two thick layers and is quite quiet at speed. When you hit the button to put said top down, it folds neatly into the trunk in the fashion similar to the steel units and even leaves a bit more trunk space that usual for a bit of practicality (with the top up trunk room is generous, with outstanding access thanks to the clamshell trunk lid). There’s a lot less cowl shake with the top down than with a lot of other convertibles out there, and overall the sucker feels very solid and well-built. A product of the state of Michigan (imagine that), I also discovered a smooth, refined powertrain, great brakes, supple ride and an overall enjoyable driving experience. You can also fit actual adults in the back, provided they’re not Ents. Pretty dadgum decent car, this ‘Bring. Consumer Reports hated the one they tested, but that was in 2008 and they seem to have experienced a very different car compared to the one I’ve got. That certainly happens, and I in no way impugn their authority as overall they really are the the best out there. But who knows? As for me, we likes this one, a lot.