Chrysler Sebring Coupe
I was looking forward to the debut of this model but was quite disappointed with the styling. Chrysler made a big mistake. They used the Crossfire styling as a theme. That styling is dated already. They would have been better off using the 300 if they wanted to copy a style. I note that Toyota didn't feel it had to copy a style in designing the new Camry. This is the problem with American designers. Just check out the grill on the new Lincoln SUV.
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I dont think the Sebring looks like anything else on the road and in person it's not nearly as ugly as I thought. It's pretty distinctive and it has a lot of features. I'd rather have an aura but on many levels the Sebring is competitive, especially with the Sonata and Fusion. It's also much cheaper than a comparable Camry or Accord.
Happy New Year
Despite the fact that they share (modified) 2.4 liter engines, the Sebring seemed a lot louder and cruder than the Optima.
Although the interior looks a step cleaner than the Dodge Caliber it trails the Optima by a fair amount in the fit and finish department.
I was OK with the styling, and the accessories were pretty well done. However, LOTS of engine noise and the plastic in the interior is awfully cheap looking.
Also-- The Sebring sub-boards aren't divided between 07 and earlier cars. This will present all sorts of problems in the future as people discuss two completely different platforms on the same forums.
We currently have two discussions for the 2007 model -- this one and the 2007 Chrysler Sebring: First Drive. Once this discussion for this model gets going, I agree that it'll make sense to split it up according to its specific issues. If you'd like to open another topic now, feel free to do so -- just click the "Add a Discussion" link at the top of the Sebring group.
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Just a thought,
DJP
I don't know what the other cars are ACTUALLY getting in mileage. I drive mostly highway and have moved up to 30 avg. mpg in my 2.4 Base model. (just hit 3000 for the first month of ownership)
It has all the creature comforts I need. This past Sunday we ran a round trip all highway of 275 miles and posted 34 for the trip according to the gas pump @ top off.
Even after all this time I get many compliments on my car's appearance (100% stock, no mods). The optional alloy wheels really bring out the car's simple, but elegant lines. I'll admit I really like the way the 2001-2006 gen looks, so again -- I was hopeful for the 2007 model.
I was quite disappointed when I started seeing spy shots of the new model. The person who said it looks better in real life is correct, but it still looks some type of weird offspring of a Saturn Ion and Crossfire, with a Corolla rump. Bleah. I'll admit it's not horrible in darker colors, but the medium blue on my dealer's showroom floor was not flattering to its lines.
That said, kudos to Chrysler for not going a more conservative route. For better or for worse, from most angles no one will mistake the 2007 Sebring for anything else.
Someone mentioned that Chrysler should have made a mini-300, and I totally agree. But I read that the designers tried very hard to do that with this platform and it just was not turning out right for various reasons. So they went with plan 'B' and looked to the Airflyte concept for inspiration. That wasn't one of my favorite styling exercises, but at least they can say they brought another concept to production, lol.
The 2007's interior seems a step down in quality from the prior generation, which itself wasn't great, but a bit better than average from a domestic manufacturer for the early part of the decade. Slight cheapness aside, the room, amenities, and design beat the 2001-2006 model by a long shot. And I didn't notice the seats being uncomfortably firm. My 2002 has seats that were too soft at the beginning and it surely has not improved over time. Maybe these "church pew" seats are a reaction to that.
One more thing about the interior bits -- they are WAY better than what's in the Caliber and Compass. Even given that they're in a different price class, those cars' plastics are surprisingly nasty.
I've been a Chrysler guy for some time so I will probably give the 2007 Sebring (and Dodge Avenger) another look when it comes time for a new vehicle. I am hoping this model is at least moderately successful for them and that Chrysler overall can get it together.
I am planning on getting an SRT Caliber in October when it comes out, plastic does not bother me. The dollars and cents value of the car versus other makes adds up in my pocket book.
The plastic does not give adverse glare in the windshield so I am happy. I have already considered a woodgrain kit for the Sebring but not the R/T. The sister in law has done the woodgrain in the Compass and it looks good for her Khaki color.
You're right, the plastics are from the same manufacturer. But the dashboard on the Compass felt a lot different to the touch than did the Sebring, at least to me. The Compass I looked at was one of the very first ones, maybe they changed it a bit ...
I was looking at the woodgrain kit for the doors.Anybody ever try one of these from Ebay?
Do avoid the flawed 2.7 engine which needs 100% synthetic motor oil due to oil distribution problems.
Like the Buick Lacrosse and Taurus, the Sebring could be a reliable car which is best bought used. Anyone buying it new should do their homework (learning invoice price and all special offers) and bargain hard.
Know the Chrysler and Hyundai versions are not identical, although most of the development was shared across companies.
I am very happy with it so far. It drives so quiet and smooth. The MyGIG "infotainment" system is a fun thing to play with. During my lunch hour I go out just to tinker with it. The Boston Acoustics speakers sound great.
I love the many features that it came with that are too numerous to list and I'm sure I'd forget a few anyway. I hope I'm still this happy with my purchase 5 years from now.
Problem:
When accelerating (at any speed, or from stand-still), there is a high-pitched whine that comes from the engine compartment. If you gun the accelerator hard, it tends to not even be audible (not sure if it goes away completely, but I can't hear it then).
Cruising along, while maintaining any speed, you can hear it. Press a little more on the gas, it gets louder. Let off the gas altogether, it stops altogether.
I took it into a Chrylser dealership today, and they called me 4 hours later saying there was a recall on a part that was making the sound. I asked for details on the part, and they were vague, saying something about "G39, that's all I know".
Turns out Chrylser just put a recall out on their website (Nov 14th 2007), and the part description is "Radiator fan motor connector", and the entry links to "G39.pdf". The recall text isn't available yet. I can't imagine how that would have anything to do with the symptoms of this problem! So I'm concerned.
To me it sounds like a noise related to the fuel delivery (injector, something)... or worse, a characteristic of the automatic transmission... something they'd give me the run around about, until they finally say, "We can't do anything".
Anyone have experience with this high-pitched whine in the 4 cylinder Sebring? :confuse:
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
CHRYSLER / SEBRING 2007-2008
DODGE / AVENGER 2007-2008
Manufacturer : DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V473000 Mfr's Report Date : OCT 02, 2007
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 102042
Summary:
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE LEFT RADIATOR COOLING FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR.
Consequence:
THIS CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONNECTOR FOR CONTAMINATION OR DAMAGE, INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY, AND REPLACE THE FAN MOTOR FREE OR CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes:
DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. G39. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
The recall was taken care of, and had nothing to do with the high pitched whine. At first the mechanic (who went for a test ride with me, thanks to a talk I had with the assistant manager) said "That's the characteristic whine of this transmission". I couldn't believe that, and then demonstrated that the whine stopped when I released the gas pedal.. he said, "That's not the transmission".
They took it in, and determined the EVAC sensor (I think) was to blame. After replacing that, the whine was gone. And what a relief it was!! I'm enjoying my Sebring much much more now.
i have never had one of these cars before
but it seems to me that the engine is a little loud when i drive and push on the gas to go
does anyone know anything about this ???
If you both think it's too loud you might have a shop check for an exhaust leak. Muffler shops will usually check it for free and if it just needs a bolt torqued down they'll probably do that for free with the hope of gaining your future business.
I know it's still under warranty but the dealer would probably keep it overnight.
However, I really don't mind it that much... I got used to it quickly. I like the gas mileage, and I like the rest of the car.
i just bought it this week i only payed 13,$ for it and its a 2007 with about 28k miles on it , so i thought that i got a good deal its really nice , i went from a 05 Dodge Neon to this so yeah i am happy with it i think that you are right about the sound that it just has bad insulation on it and all . but i love it just put my Sirius Radio in it , i had a friend ride with me and they just think thats how its suposed to be and im not used to it and all
so its ok
On the performance, you apparently have the 2.4L 4-cyl. I test drove a 2.7L and wasn't happy with it. I bought the Limited with the 3.5L V6 and 6-speed autostick, which works well for my needs.
Thanks All !!
Look for a copy of the February 2008 Popular Mechanics. There's a very detailed 3 page section on replacing tie rods, complete with photos, starting on pg 93.
The degree of difficulty is rated as being moderate.
thank you
THANKS,
hope this helps!
Kind of makes you wonder what some of these "professional" magazine reviewers don't see that we, as owners, do.
I have an 07 Sebring Limited with the 3.5L and I simply love it. The MyGIG with nav and all the other gadgets it came with is like my playground on wheels. It has a very quiet and smooth ride and decent fuel economy. I'm getting 21-22 mpg combined city/hwy. Only one mostly highway trip thus far when it was new but got 26 mpg.
I just finished its 9,000 mile oil change. I read your other post about your 20,000 mile report. I'm looking forward to many years of fun with this car.
taking it into the dealer 02/13/09
As for me so far so good, although I've kept her garaged since the new year 5 snowstorms here in NYC, Been using the beater. Taking her out for a trip to AC this week to roll over the gas.
I think I had posted earlier about buying a mygig on ebay. It works great and was the easiest car radio Ive ever installed in a car. It has a 20 gig hard drive but you really only have about 10 gigs for media as the rest is used for firmware. For me thats plenty. you can find the non gps one for less than $200 now.
could you perhaps link me to compatible mygig systems, with and without navigation? i ran a search on bay, but as i have little to no knowledge of cars, i couldn't ascertain which systems were compatible with an 07 sebring (and i didn't see it written anywhere).
to all 07 sebring owners...
also, im looking for chrome pieces for my exterior (grille, door handles, pillars, etc.). can anyone direct me to a legit website from which i can purchase these?
last but not least, is the base 07 sebring compatible with HID headlights? if so, where can i purchase HID headlights that will fit my sebring? if not, how and where can i convert my sebring so that it is compatible.
thanks for your time.
Be sure you get one that is compatible with your 07 Sebring. It uses a low speed Bus. If the description doesn't mention the Bus speed ask before bidding.
MyGIG radios run on two different Bus systems, a low speed Bus (CAN and a high-speed Bus system (CAN C). MyGIG radios designed for a high-speed electrical bus will not work on a vehicle with a low-speed bus, and vice versa.
Also, the MyGIG RER includes the nav. Be sure yours includes the GPS antenna. The REN version does not have nav.
and REN doesn't include navigation.
thanks a lot!