2002 Chrysler Sebring sedan reviews and buying guide.

2002 Chrysler Sebring sedan

Drawing on the design heritage of the Chrysler brand, the 2002 Chrysler Sebring sedan offers a combination of sophisticated design, athletic performance, top government safety ratings and roominess that stand out in the mid-size sedan segment.

"Chrysler Sebring sedan is an important part of the Chrysler brand's portfolio of premium cars and minivans, giving the brand a strong entry in the competitive mid-size car segment," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President—Chrysler/Jeep® Division Global Brand Center, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "Sebring sedan allows consumers to meet their practical daily driving needs, while setting them apart with a great combination of distinctive design, fun-to-drive character, safety and performance."

All-new for the previous model year, the 2002 Chrysler Sebring features three new exterior colors: Steel Blue Pearl, Onyx Green Pearl and Light Almond Pearl. In addition, a new optional AM/FM CD/cassette stereo is available.

Together, the Sebring sedan, coupe and Convertible are given a greater family appearance to reinforce their presence in the market. Chrysler Sebring sedan features a signature, rectangular, textured grille and chrome surround inspired by the larger Chrysler sedans.

Under the hood of the Chrysler Sebring sedan is the all-aluminum 2.7-liter DOHC 24-valve SMPI V-6 engine. This engine is rated at 200 horsepower at 5800 rpm, and 190 lb.-ft. of torque at 4850 rpm. The 2.7-liter V-6 engine is optional on the LX model and standard on the LXi. The standard powerplant for Sebring LX is the 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve SMPI four-cylinder engine, which produces 150 horsepower at 5200 rpm, and 167 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm.

Both the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the 2.7-liter V-6 engine are mated to a standard four-speed automatic transaxle. The 41TE transaxle used in all Sebring sedans remains a leading example of fully adaptive, electronically controlled automatic transaxles. It also remains the simplest, lightest, most compact transaxle of comparable torque capacity in the industry.

For added fun and driving enjoyment, the optional AutoStick® feature provides drivers the control of a manual transmission shifter with the convenience of an automatic transaxle. AutoStick is available as part of a new enthusiast package, including an electroluminescent cluster and sport suspension, on LXi.

Five-Star Safety Rating
Not only is Chrysler sedan given a high rating for being fun to drive, it also received the highest safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Sebring sedan was given a five-star rating by NHTSA for both the driver and front passenger in a frontal impact.

Additional Sebring sedan safety features include an advanced occupant restraint system, beefed-up body structure and trim for improved impact protection, internal trunk latch release, best-in-class brakes with optional ABS Plus, and optional side air bag curtains.

The Sebring sedan builds on the strong quality reputation of the first-generation mid-size sedans, which won three of the top four positions in the 2000 J.D. Power & Associates' Initial Quality Survey (IQS) in the Lower Mid-size Segment, as well as a history of being among the best in J.D. Power rankings. In its first year out, Sebring sedan was given the Top Car Award in the $15,000-$20,000 category by AAA Car & Truck Buying Guide, and was named the Best Family Sedan in MotorWeek's Driver's Choice Awards.