2002
Chrysler Sebring coupe reviews and buying guide.
2002 Chrysler
Sebring coupe
The 2002
Chrysler Sebring coupe provides a combination of style,
driving dynamics and usefulness typically found in premium-priced
luxury sport coupes, but without the premium price tag.
"Style
and performance are the top customer priorities in the
lower luxury coupe segment," said Tom Marinelli,
Vice President—Chrysler/Jeep Global Brand Center,
DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "But we didn't stop
there. A long list of standard features, sedan-like
roominess and an affordable price make Chrysler Sebring
coupe a great car to not only be seen in, but also to
live with."
Chrysler
Sebring coupe was completely redesigned in 2001 with
a significant boost in performance thanks in part to
two all-new powertrain options. Sebring coupe's new
look was designed to emphasize the Chrysler brand's
expressive and athletic style.
Chrysler
designers created a European luxury image for Sebring's
exterior design. The chrome-surround grille and fog
lamps are a Sebring signature and the rear appearance
borrows from the Chrysler 300M. Sebring adds two new
exterior colors for 2002, Dark Titanium Metallic and
Caffe Latte.
On the inside,
Sebring coupe boasts a surprising amount of room for
a sport coupe. The passenger seat glides and folds forward
for easier entry and exit for rear seat occupants. Theater-style
seating also allows better vision for rear seat passengers.
The best-in-class trunk room at 16.3 cu. ft. translates
to versatile grocery-getting capability—up to 14
paper grocery bags worth. The 60/40 split-and-fold rear
seats allows for the easy transport of longer items
such as skis.
Chrysler
Sebring LX reinforces its reputation for thoughtful
features by offering the AM/FM four-disc CD changer
with six speakers in the Touring Package for 2002. On
Sebring LXi, the premium AM/FM four-disc CD changer
with seven-speaker Infinity sound system becomes standard.
The AM/FM cassette/CD radio is still available as an
option.
Another newly
standard feature that comes to the rescue—or prevents
the need for rescue—is the battery saver. The battery
saver will turn off interior lamps after three minutes
if the lamps are left on when the ignition is off.
A 3.0-liter,
SOHC 24-valve V-6 engine is standard on the Sebring
LXi and available on Sebring LX. It generates 200 horsepower
at 5500 rpm and 205 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. A
five-speed manual transaxle is standard for Sebring
LXi with optional four-speed automatic transaxle or
AutoStick®. The standard powertrain for Sebring
LX is the 2.4-liter, SOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine
mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle. It is rated
at 142 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 158 lb.-ft. of torque
at 4000 rpm. Newly available larger diameter 16-inch
tires (P205/60 HR16) enable Sebring LX to provide better
ride and quietness.
"We
have achieved a level of responsiveness and driveability
that exceeds many more expensive rivals in the coupe
market," said Larry Lyons, Vice President—Small
Car Platform Engineering, DaimlerChrysler. "The
result makes the Sebring coupe an elegant and agile
performer, reflecting the core values of the Chrysler
brand."
A front strut
tower brace, front and rear sway bars and the structural
rigidity of Sebring's body contribute to the responsive
handling characteristics. Sebring's suspension is tuned
for a smooth, refined ride. A single-piece bodyside
aperture, enhanced body sealing and sound absorbing
materials all help contribute to a quieter cabin.
Sebring coupe, designed by Chrysler Group and jointly
developed with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, is built
at Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America in Normal,
Ill
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