New 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Interior Review
Interior - What the Auto Press Says
For 2008, the Sebring convertible has expanded its cabin, modified its design and boosted its features. But reviews are divided on whether the seating for four is comfortable and if the fit and finish is now upscale.
One example of how the writers disagree is determining the level of top-down cabin wind noise. To USA TODAY and others, "There's little buffeting in front when the top's down, though a fair amount in back. And those in the rear find it hard to hear what those in front are saying." Representing a different opinion, Cars.com states that "it's easy to have a top-down, windows-up conversation with passengers ... Some wind noise penetrates the cabin ... but overall the cabin is fairly quiet."
Seating
With extended dimensions for 2008, reviewers are appreciative of the added space in the Sebring convertible's four-seat cabin. The Chicago Tribune says, "Added width brings more room to stretch arms and shoulders, added height more space between melon and ceiling, even more appreciated with the hardtop, and added length means more room for legs and knees."
Nevertheless, added space doesn't translate into cushion comfort. Cars.com finds the "bottom cushions of the fabric front seats are pretty narrow" and USA TODAY determines that the higher-trims' leather front seats had "an uncomfortable bulge along the lower edge of the back rest ... there was no remedy for the non-adjustable, built-in bulge."
The Sebring convertible's back seat is described as cramped, but better than most of the class. The Chicago Tribune says "it's less confining, especially in back where rear seats have a deep-dish design so occupants sit low for ample head room." Edmunds states that the Sebring "offers more backseat space than the Pontiac G6 or the Volkswagen Eos, adding up to decent room for four." Only USA TODAY is not a fan, griping that the back has "little knee- and legroom. You have to assume persons of short stature are in front to call the car a four-seater."
Interior Features
Most critics agree the restyled Sebring has enhanced its cabin design, but Edmunds is the strongest voice to wish for more improvement. "Like the pictures on a McDonald's menu, the Sebring's interior looks far better than it really is," the review says. "Despite its ergonomically friendly art deco design that says Chrysler Building more than Chrysler car, materials are below average, with cheap plastics and hard surfaces." The Chicago Sun-Times finds something different. "The two-tone interior has a modern, upscale appearance, with such things as soft surfaces on 'touch points,'" it states. Most others back up the later opinion, with Motor Trend stating that "the cabin reflects tremendous improvement," and the Chicago Tribune noticing "rich soft surfaces" and that "controls are easy to see and use."
The 2008 Sebring's Limited trim also comes with a reviewer favorite. "There's a cooled and heated cupholder that keeps coffee at 140 degrees or Diet Coke at a cool 35 Fahrenheit," The Car Connection notes in the same breath as calling it "hallmark Americana." Autosite also loves the cup holders, but warns that the buttons to control them are hidden from view.
Other standard features include power windows, six-way power seats, an auxiliary 12-volt power outlet as well as a center console 12-volt power outlet, an electroluminescent instrument cluster and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
Stereo and Entertainment
Several reviewers are impressed with the 2008 Sebring convertible's audio system. Sebrings have an option for the MyGIG multimedia infotainment system, which features a USB port for downloading and sharing media files, a GPS navigation system, SIRIUS real-time traffic reporting and satellite radio, DVD playback and an audio jack. The Car Connection specifically likes MyGIG's voice memo recording function "that stores up to three minutes of you singing along to SexyBack, which should rightfully embarrass you." Automobile.com also enjoys this feature, and raves that "this all-in-one system provides functionality and technology never before seen at this level and size of vehicle."
Navigation
When using the navigation function on MyGIG, Edmunds is impressed that "it only takes a few minutes to figure out how to enter an address...thanks to simple menus and instructions." Allpar.com also appreciates the simplicity. "The navigation system now uses a touch-screen, with an optional 3D view, and is easier to use than in the past."
Cargo
The Sebring convertible's cargo space is notable for its class. With the top up, the Sebring holds 13.1 cubic feet of stuff, good to carry "four sets of golf clubs, or a heck of a lot of luggage or groceries," in the Chicago Tribune's opinion. Once the top is lowered the space shrinks to six cubic feet, still enough room for reviewers from The Car Connection. "Even when the top is down, the Sebring will be able to carry two golf bags, something we simulated with luggage and nearly, a consenting adult," they note. Those same reviewers go on to test the cargo room inside the convertible. "The front passenger seat also folds flat, so that a long object (say, a boogie board, or Grace Jones) can be carried without having to borrow a buddy's pickup," they write.
Allpar.com and others say in-cabin storage is good. "The last generation had many places to store small objects, like EZ-Pass devices; the current version has fewer places to put things, but still probably enough, with door map pockets, the two-level central bin, and the vestigial ashtray-like area," they say. New Car Test Drive also notes the interior storage "compares favorably within the class."
