2007 Chrysler Sebring Sedan

The last generation Sebring long ago disappeared into the sludge of the mid-size sedan market, so unremarkable were its dynamics and so anodyne was its styling. The new Sebring, with its pastiche of design cues from other Chryslers, including the Crossfire, is as interesting to look at as the old car wasn't. We certainly can't call it beautiful--there are far too many strakes, creases, and fussy details for that--but at least it should get noticed. The engine lineup is much improved and includes a 172-hp, 2.4-liter I-4; a 190-hp 2.7-liter V-6 that's flex-fuel capable; and a 235-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. The base engine gains variable valve timing, and the top-spec V-6 is mated to a six-speed manu-matic. (The other engines are saddled with a four-speed automatic.) An optional Harmon Kardon navigation and stereo system features Bluetooth capability along with a twenty-gigabyte hard drive to store music, photos, and movies transferred via a handy USB port. Head, leg, and shoulder room have all grown, but cargo capacity decreases. The current Sebring convertible will remain on sale until a new droptop debuts next year. That car will be available not only with a traditional cloth top but also with a retractable hard top so that it can compete with the Volkswagen Eos and the Pontiac G6 convertibles.