Picture: Front corner view with top down

We looked at a lot of cars. Lori really liked the Toyota Celica convertible as well, but for the price, it seemed like you got so much more with the Sebring. We also looked at the Chevy Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Pontiac Sunfire, Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Sebring seemed the classiest of the group. If we had a little more money, and wouldn't have wanted the upcoming V6 anyhow, we would have looked at the BMW Z3, but it was just a little out of reach. The two cars we never gave much consideration were the Ford Mustang (it just didn't trip Lori's trigger), and surprisingly Lori's old "fave", the Mazda Miata (there are just too many of them on the roads now).

Picture: Rear corner view with top down

The new "Cab Forward" design of the Chrysler cars gives the Sebring an attractive stance. It looks mean, but refined. Personally I think the Alloy Rims add a lot to the look, but Lori didn't even seem to notice they were there.

Picture: Front corner view with top up

Putting the top up makes it look less like a fun car and more like a comfortable car.

Picture: Front view with top up

We have noticed a fair amount of wind noise with the top up. We have already thought about taking it in to see if they can tighten it up at all.

Picture: Rear view with top up

Infact, tonight, when we were washing it, we got a little bit of water on the inside. Not a terrible amount, but more than I would have expected.

Picture: Dash Board

The "Cab Forward" design, also makes for a pretty roomy passenger area. The JXi version that we got comes with the wood look on the dash and door trim, and it also has leather interior. It is pretty comfortable to sit in, but not extremely cushy.

Picture: Front Seats

The front seats have the seat belt built into the seat. That is kind of nice for a couple of reasons. First of all the seat belt doesn't cut into you as much, and secondly, there is no seatbelt in the way of the people getting in and out of the back. The driver side seat has power controls.

Picture: Rear Seats

The Back seat has enough leg room for at least two adults. I have sat back there myself, and it is pretty comfy. Two adults should really be the limit since Lori discovered that there is only two sets of seat belts.

Picture: Stereo & Environment Controls Console

The stereo is pretty impressive. It is AM/FM /Casette /CD. We initially didn't want any CD, then decided that we wouldn't mind having a changer in the trunk, but the car that was available had an in-dash CD. We got it, and I think we both like it. I notice Lori listening to CD's pretty frequently. The system is fine with the top up or down. It has six Infinity speakers to keep the sound moving. Much better than the stereo in my Jeep!

Of course the car has air-conditioning as well. That way Lori can irritate me by driving around with the top down and the air-con on. In fact, I think that was the only reason she wanted to get a convertible.

Picture: 24 Valve, 2.4L, V6 Engine

The car could improve on performance some. Inspite of the 24 valve, 2.4L V6, it is kind of sluggish. The Celica that we test drove was only a four cylinder, but it was much peppier. But, if you really insist on it, the Sebring will move for you. You just really have to punch it.

Some other miscellaneous items. It has the "home link" system that allows to you program your garage door openers (up to three of them) into three buttons on the drivers side visor. That does away with your remote. It also has remote keyless entry. The trunk is a lot better than the Fiero's, but it isn't extremely big. We were able to fit a boogie board, two beach chairs, and various fun-in-the-sun paraphenalia into it last weekend however.

Well, that about wraps it up. Sorry for the large number of pictures, but hey it's a picture page, and that is what you get. If you have any comments or questions for either Lori or myself, drop us a note at:

Thanks for stopping by,

Lori & Bret