It's like this: the
Chrysler Sebring JX
convertible is not a Sebring LX coupe with its top lopped off. In fact,
the Sebring JX convertible and the Sebring coupe aren't even the same car.
The two share only a nameplate and powertrains.
Some background: The Sebring coupe and Dodge Avenger are derived from
the Mitsubishi Galant sedan platform, while the Sebring JX convertible
is derived from Chrysler's Cirrus/Stratus platform. Indeed, the Sebring
JX convertible shares its front structural components and instrument panel
with the Chrysler Cirrus and Dodge Stratus sedans.
Confused? That's okay. All you need to know is that the Sebring JX ragtop
is the successor to--and a big improvement over--the stalwart LeBaron convertible
that Chrysler retired in 1996.
Despite their unremarkable styling and sleepy road manners, LeBaron
convertibles flew out of Chrysler's showrooms faster than you could say
"bailout"--a testimonial to the resurging popularity of convertibles.
It also didn't hurt that the LeBaron was designed as a convertible--unlike
some of its ragtop competitors, which were essentially guillotined coupes.
Chrysler product planners deduced that if a sluggish puppy like the
LeBaron could incite such enthusiasm, the company could really cash in
with a sleeker, more muscular topless model.
They were right. Like the LeBaron, the '96 Sebring was a true, by-design
ragtop, not a modified coupe--and buyers responded effusively to its elegantly
handsome lines, its one-touch, power-operated top and its competent road
manners.
Wisely, Chrysler didn't feel the need to gild the lily: Other than a
few refinements and new equipment options, the '97 Sebring JX convertible
is largely unchanged from the '96 model. The same is true of its two-door
cousins, the Sebring and Avenger. next page