Chrysler Sebring (NEW FOR 2007!)

Impressions: With most of the rest of the Chrysler lineup already reshaped, restyled and recharged, it was only a matter of time before the front-wheel-drive Sebring, which should be considered Chrysler's bread-and-butter sedan, was summoned for a complete makeover. Although not nearly as dramatic a redo as the LH series (the 300) received a few years back, which unfortunately means that pretty much everything else has paled by comparison, the new Sebring comes out swinging with a wide range of powerplants that take you from thrifty to downright peppy. Base models come with a 172-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder while two V6s — a 190-horsepower 2.7 (down 10 ponies) and 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 — are optional. (The latter is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission.) Close the hood and you'll notice a half-dozen creases that are obviously inspired by the Crossfire coupe/convertible and matching indentations that run the length of each side. Designed to be larger than the outgoing Sebring (which will be a blessing for rear-seat passengers), the driver's seating position is 2.5 inches higher in relation to the floor, which means a better view of the road and more long-distance comfort. The versatile cabin includes a 60/40 split rear seat that folds flat into the floor to help with bulky items. You can also specify a fold-flat version of the front passenger seat. Six airbags are part of the safety package as are anti-lock brakes, while traction and stability control are optional. For a base price of around $21,000, you get a good assortment of power features and air conditioning as well as a heated/cooled front cupholder, LED interior lighting and MP3 music player hookup. If you're wondering about a return of the convertible, we're told that one is on the way for spring. Base price: $19,000 Type: Four-door sedan Base engine (hp): 2.4-liter DOHC I4 (172) Optional engines (hp): 2.7-liter SOHC V6 (200); 3.5-liter SOHC V6 (235) Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive Transmissions: Four-speed automatic; six-speed automatic (opt.) Mileage (city/hwy): 23/31 (2.4, est.) Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes, traction control (opt.); stability control (opt.); tire-pressure monitoring Weight (lb.): 3,400 (est.) Basic warranty: 3/36,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: chrysler.com