2001 Chrysler Sebring Overview

Introduction

(Chrysler's Sebring Convertible, Sedan and Coupe have all been completely redesigned this year; they share the same sporty body style, but differ in engineering details.) Behind the slick shell is a stiff new structure, new suspension components that produce sporty ride traits, and a new engine charged to 200 horsepower.

This new Sebring Convertible was designed to maintain that leadership position, with generous room for backseat riders and best-in-class interior space.Its water-tight drop-top disappears behind the rear seat with the touch of a button.

Handsome new exterior styling looks dramatic with smooth lines similar to the new Sebring coupe and sedan.

Best of all, this new Sebring, like its popular predecessor, carries an attractive price, starting at just $24,370.For 2001, Chrysler rolls out a fresh design for the sleek Sebring Convertible.The new Sebring Convertible brings increased horsepower, while expanding the best attributes of the previous edition.For the past five years, the Sebring has scored as America's best-selling convertible, lauded for its sleek design, roomy back seat and attractive pricing.Chrysler has introduced a totally new Sebring Coupe for 2001.This new two-door replaces the previous coupe by the same name.But it rolls on a stiff new platform and is powered by bigger engines than the predecessor.It comes with a sleek new shell and an all-new interior.

The Sebring label also applies to a new four-door Chrysler sedan.Despite a shared name and similar styling, the sedan should not be confused with the coupe, as they do not share chassis, powertrains, or components.Instead, the Chrysler Sebring coupe shares components with the new Dodge Stratus coupe.

Consider the coupe variation of Sebring an entirely new product rigged for comfort.Powertrain choices provide two different flavors.The Sebring coupe comes out of a joint-venture assembly plant in Illinois that also produces the Stratus and the Mitsubishi Eclipse coupes; Sebring, Stratus and Eclipse use the same engines, chassis, and suspension designs.

Behind its smooth shell, the Sebring coupe provides a generous interior environment that adds a quality rare for a two-door sports coupe: Genuine legroom in the rear seat.

Another rare trait among sporty coupes concerns the bottom line, as Chrysler casts the Sebring coupe with a price that begins at $19,910.

Though it shares its name and styling cues with the sleek Sebring coupe (totally redesigned for 2001), there are key differences: The sedan offers the convenience of four doors to access a spacious cabin and comfortable seats aboard for a family of five.And the Sebring Sedan and Sebring Coupe are built on two different chassis, so they each have their own character in terms of ride quality and handling.

Sebring Sedan drives as sporty as a coupe, thanks to its stiff new structure and exacting handling components.Its pavement manners make it easy to control, matching those good traits of the Japanese mid-size Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.Suspension tuning, while precise, favors smooth riding comfort.Chrysler has introduced an all-new mid-size sedan for 2001 called the Sebring.Read full review