Fading slowly, but with style - like a sunset  by Brian Chee

Chrysler Sebring – First Drive: We had climbed out of a crater in the heart of Death Valley and were headed to our cars when a bright red 2007 Chrysler Sebring pulled up. The group, which had been appreciating the view from the top of the crater, turned, looked and launched into a spirited fight. “Ugly, ugly, ugly!” said one. “Classy, cool and different,” said another. It was amusing, and appropriate. After all, you see Death Valley as either inspiring or a great vast nothing, and car buyers will likely see the Sebring in the same way. Sadly, unlike a sunset in the desert, there’s nothing here for everyone to love, and far too much that leaves car buyers with a case of the blahs.

The history of the Chrysler Sebring is like the history of a typical suburban neighborhood. Sure, it has one, but it’s a short story of new things in old places. At various times, the Sebring has been called the Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze. In 1995, it lasted until 2001 and was replaced by a new car and a new platform. In its glory days, the Sebring was heralded as sleek, powerful and luxurious, with a popular, top-selling convertible model for a number of years. Times do change, however, and the Sebring quickly got old. The new version replaces what has largely become a rental car. Related vehicles to the 2007 model include the Dodge Avenger.

When most people think of Sebring, they think of the convertible, which will be available soon as a 2008 model. The sedan, meanwhile, is on sale now in three choices: The base Sebring, which starts at $18,995, the Sebring Touring model ($20,195), and the Sebring Limited ($23,995). Prices include a $675 destination fee. Option pricing includes, a Convenience Group for $895, an Electronics Convenience Group for $915 and MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment Package for $1,895. Touring and Limited buyers can upgrade the standard 2.4-liter four cylinder engine: the Touring offers a 189-horsepower Flex-Fuel 2.7-liter V6 ($1,350), while Limited shoppers move up to a 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 for $1,550 – plus $200 for the six-speed automatic transmission.

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