G14 AUTOMOTIVE THE CAR PAGES Among steep competition, it’s no climber
way upMineHill Road, which rises nearly 1,500 feet above sea level. The telltale signs of an overbur-
W
dened four-cylinder engine pre- sented themselves—coughing, wheezing and egregiously down- shifting.Until then, I was pre- pared to argue with the many crit- ics of the thoroughly ordinary Chrysler Sebring sedan. It’s not such a bad car in an un- stressed driving environment— say, along a straight highway on a day of mild weather and middling traffic. It can handle that. In fact, it excels under such circumstanc- es, almost becoming likable in the mind of a charitable critic. The car, driven in its leather-be-
decked Limited version for this column, most certainly is comfort- able. The fake tortoise-shell ac- cents in combination with brushed aluminum along the in- strument and interior door panels are attractive, albeit not terribly well mounted. Brian Armstead,my longtime
friend and often partner in auto- motive evaluations, decided to poke and prod one of the instru- ment panel’s tortoise and alumi- num pieces before I leftNorthern Virginia for these parts.He wasn’t being nasty or abusive.He’s a big fellow, a man ofNational Basket- ball Association proportions, who was just being Brian—touching and pushing everything he can touch and push in an automobile to see if it would hold up. In the 2010 Sebring Limited se-
dan in our possession, it didn’t. It gave, almost to the point of de- tachment. Brian uttered an exple- tive, translatable to “Cheap dung!” But, even then, I was prepared to give the compact, front-wheel- drive Sebring the benefit of the doubt. My reasoning was this: Ordi-
nary isn’t bad simply because it is ordinary. Ordinary can be good, if only to set the stage for the possi- bility of excellence. And that pos-
cornwall, n.y.
hat was remarkably or- dinary and even pleas- ant in its normalcy be- came miserable mid-
Ride, acceleration and handling: Adequate on flat, straight terrain. Acceleration and handling are poor in more challenging driving environments, such as curvaceous mountain roads.
Head-turning quotient: Attractive in a classic sort of way.
Body style/layout: The 2010 Sebring is a compact, front-engine, front-wheel-drive family sedan. It is also available as a convertible.
Engine/transmission: A 2.4-liter, 16-valve (with electronically controlled variable valve lift and timing for better fuel economy) four-cylinder engine is standard — 173 horsepower, 166 foot-pounds of torque. The transmission is a four-speed automatic. A 2.7-liter V-6 engine (186 horsepower, 191 foot-pounds of torque) is available. But it consumes more fuel without a commensurate increase in performance, in part because it’s also linked to an aging four-speed automatic transmission. It is not recommended by this column.
Capacities: Seats for five people. Maximum luggage capacity is 13.6 cubic feet. Fuel capacity is 16.9 gallons; regular gasoline is recommended.
Mileage: The federal rating is 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. But highway mileage improves by nearly two miles per gallon if you drive at posted speed limits.
JIM FRENAK/CHRYSLER
WARREN BROWN On Wheels
sibility exists in the Sebring. Exterior styling is attractive. It
is a sleek, beautifully sculpted car, an American piece with hints of European aristocracy, most proba- bly the result of its recent, now failed vehicle-development associ- ation with Germany’sMercedes- Benz. The interior appointments are
good to look at, as long as that does not involve aggressively touching and pushing them after they’ve spent hours in a 90-dee- gree summer sun, thus, apparent- ly, weakening their adhesives. There is adequacy in the
Sebring’s 2.4-liter, in-line four-cyl- inder engine (173 horsepower, 166
foot-pounds of torque). It will car- ry you to work and back in straight-lane, sea-level traffic with something approaching aplomb. But adequacy in a field of excel- lent rivals is a vice. And that vi- ciousness manifests itself as in- competence in the 2010 Sebring sedan when it is asked to do any- thing difficult. Getting upMineHill Road here
can be difficult for many cars and trucks. But most make the ascent without threatening to pass out, or laboring with such drama that the driver seriously considers turning around and heading downhill instead of continuing forward. Such performance would be
bad enough if the 2010 Sebring se- dan offered exceptional fuel econ- omy. But it doesn’t. It gives you 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway, which is nothing to cheer about. I beg you, dear reader, not to conclude frommy misgivings that the Sebring is an awful car. It has excellent government crash rat-
ings for survivability in front and side collisions. Rollover crash pro- tection is quite decent at a four- star (with five stars being tops) government rating. And if a Chrysler dealer is willing to offer the 2010 Sebring Limited sedan at a base price of $19,000 instead of the listed $22,115, it’s a steal. Otherwise, the bottom line for
this one is dismal. Italy’s Fiat, Chrysler’s newowner, is going to have to markedly “up” the Sebring’s game to render it com- petitive in a midsize/compact se- dan market in theUnited States occupied by the likes of the Ford Fusion and Focus, Toyota Camry and Corolla,Honda Accord and Civic, ChevroletMalibu and Cruze,Hyundai Sonata and Elan- tra, and Nissan Altima and Sentra. The Chrysler Sebring does not
top any of its rivals in any area of build quality or road perform- ance. And that’s just plain unac- ceptable.
brownw@washpost.com Brown is a special correspondent.
Safety: Standard equipment includes four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front, solid rear) and side and head air bags. Electronic stability and traction control is an option on the Sebring sedan. Get it.
Price: The base price on the 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited sedan is $22,115. Dealer’s invoice price on that model is $21,241. Price as tested is $25,075, including $2,210 in options (electronically operated glass roof, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, premium sound system, electronic stability and traction control, tire-pressure monitoring) and a $750 destination charge. Dealer’s price as tested is $23,958. Consumer rebates are available.
on
washingtonpost.com Chat with Warren Brown
11 a.m. Fridays at
washingtonpost.com/discussions. Also, listen to On Wheels with Warren Brown from noon to 1 p.m. Sundays on WMET World Radio (1160 AM) or
www.wmet1160.com.
3Next week: Warren Brown reviews the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan.
6washingtonpost.com/cars Search a database of past reviews, plus the latest auto news.
2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited NUTS&BOLTS
OPQRS
BD
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2010
SAVE BIG AT THE TOYOTA NATIONAL CLEARANCE EVENT COME INNOWFOR INCREDIBLE DEALS WITH $0DOWN& $0 SECURITY DEPOSIT
#172065, #172090, #182025, #182042
NEW 2011 TOYOTA 4CYL, AUTO, 4DR,
CAMRY LE $17,690 #077818, #077784, #08P427, #08P415
NEW 2010 TOYOTA AUTO, 4CYL, 4DR,
PRIUS II $20,590 #070515, #070533, #080524, #080698
COROLLA LE $13,590
NEW 2010 TOYOTA 4CYL, AUTO, 4DR,
RAV-4 NEW 2011 TOYOTA
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, 4CYL ENGINE, #172070, #172042, #182028, #182041 36 MONTH LEASE.
CAMRY LE $0 DOWN FOR LEASE ONLY #064433, #064476, #053169, #053330
NEW 2010 TOYOTA 4CYL, AUTO, 4X2,
$19,690 $109/mo
#070428, #070456, #080701, #080601. 36 MONTH LEASE.
COROLLA LE NEW 2010 TOYOTA
$0 DOWNFOR LEASE ONLY $
79/mo
YARIS AND TUNDRA FOR
0% 60 MONTHS NEW 2010 TOYOTA
AUTO, 4x4, #064443, #053399 36 MONTH LEASE. $0 DOWN
RAV-4 $189/mo NEW 2011 TOYOTA
BASE, AUTO, 6 CYL, #160159, #160130, #151171, #151172. $0 DOWN.
SIENNA $22,690 888-828-7649 | 15625 FREDERICK RTE 355 ROCKVILLE, MD | 355.COM | M-SAT 9-9 SUN 11-7
DARCARS See what it’s like to love car buying 355 TOYOTA IN ROCKVILLE
888-869-1610 | 12210 CHERRY HILL RD SILVER SPRING, MD | DARCARSTOYOTA.COM | M-SAT 9-9 SUN 11-7 DARCARS TOYOTA OF SILVER SPRING
$0 down, $0 security deposit, 1st month payment, tax, tags, freight, aq fee $650, $100 processing charge due at signing. Not all buyers will qualify. Customer is responsible for excessive wear and excessive mileage charges of $.15 per mile in excess of 36,000 miles. Offer ends 8/2/10. *All prices are plus taxes, tags, freight $650-$750-$800-$850 and dealer processing charge of $100. Leases are + taxes, tags, proc fee $100, freight $750 and aquisition fee $650. Offer ends 8/2/10. See dealer for details. %0 APR on approved credit. Offer ends 8/2/10. See dealer for details.
$0 DOWN $0 SECURITY DEPOSIT NEW 2011 TOYOTA 4X2
4CYL, REG CAB, AUTO #067099, #067104, #055064
TACOMA $14,690
BOTTOM NEW 2010 NISSAN
Model #11150 • Stock #045046, #045050, #045051 $
VERSA AC
9,697 $
129 39 MONTH LEASE
NEW 2010 NISSAN SENTRA
$12,897
AUTO • Model #12010 Stock #040054, #040086
NEW 2010 NISSAN XTERRA Stock #048528
$
22,897 4x4 • Model #24410
MODEL YEAR-END SALES EVENT $
NEW 2010 NISSAN MURANO FWD-S
$24,297 $
Model #23110 Stock #048040
179 39 MONTH LEASE
NEW 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S Stock #046048, #046049
Model #13110 $16,897 $
370Z Touring AUTO • Model #16110 Stock #042009
$
27,897 NEW 2009 NISSAN
MANUAL • Model #56369 Stock #943019
DARCARS MAXIMA $
157 39 MONTH LEASE
NEW 2009 NISSAN
CUBE 1.8S AUTO
$14,797 $
Model #62219 • Stock #041339
179 39 MONTH LEASE
NEW 2010 NISSAN ROGUE
$
Auto • FWD • Model #22110 Stock #041114, #041138
289 39 MONTH LEASE
23,797 NEW 2010 NISSAN
17,697 KING CAB XE-2WD
See what it’s like to love car buying
DARCARS NISSAN COLLEGE PARK 888-236-5043 l 9330 BALTIMORE AVE COLLEGE PARK , MD DARCARSNISSAN.COM l M-SAT 9-9 SUN 11-7
DARCARS NISSAN ROCKVILLE 866-893-0627 l 15011 INDIANOLA DR ROCKVILLE, MD
DARCARSNISSAN.COM l M-SAT 9-9 SUN 11-7
Taxes, tags, freight ($720 cars; $800 suv, crossovers and trucks), and $100 processing fee are additional. With approved credit. Leased payments are based on $2999 down plus taxes, tags, freight, 1st payment and $100 processing fee. Payment based 39 month lease 12k miles per year. *Available on approved credit. 0% APR financing available on select models, up to 60 months, see dealer for details on approved credit through NMAC.
CLEARANCE $10995 $
4DR FOCUS AIR COND, CD, SIDE AB, KEYLESS ENTRY, MESSAGE CENTER,MUCHMORE. Stk #202097. 1 this price. EXCL TAX, TAGS, $695 FGT, $100 PROC CHG, $500 FORD MILITARY REBATE, $2500 FORD REBATE
NEW FORD DARCARSSALE PRICE: or buy monthly
F150 - AUTO AUTO TRANS, AIR COND, ABS, ADVANCE TRAC, SIDE AB, 8' BED, MORE. Stk #207109. 1 this price. EXCL TAX, TAGS, $925 FGT, $100 PROC CHG, $2500 FORD REBATE, $500 FORD MILITARY REBATE, $1000 FMCC BONUS CASH
NEW FORD DARCARSSALE PRICE: $15995 FRONTIER XE
16,897 NEW 2010 NISSAN
Model #31010 • Stock #047522 $
ADDT'L COLLEGE STUDENT/MILITARY REBATE $
FROM FORD. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS OR BUY MONTHLY
FUSION AUTO TRANS, AIR COND, CD/MP3, ADVANCE TRAC, ABS, SIDE AB, ALARM, MUCHMORE.Stk #205162.1this price. EXCL TAX, TAGS,$725FGT,$100 PROC CHG, $500 FORD MILITARY REBATE, $2000 FORD REBATE
NEW FORD DARCARSSALE PRICE: or buy monthly NEW FORD DARCARSSALE PRICE:
133 $15795 191 $17495 $ $
ESCAPE-AUTO AUTO TRANS, AIR COND, ABS, SIDE AB, PWR W/D/M, MUCH MORE. Stk #205638.1thisprice.EXCLTAX,TAGS,$775FGT,$100PROCCHG,$500 FORD MILITARY REBATE, $2000 FORD REBATE
NEW FORD DARCARSSALE PRICE: 5000% APR DARCARS See what it's like to love car buying AVAILABLE ON SELECT MODELS WITH APPROVED CREDIT IN LIEU OF REBATES FROM FORD. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS.
$195 $17699 $ FINANCING UP TO
DARCARS FORD 1-888-665-9367
EXIT 20A • 9020 LANHAM-SEVERN ROAD, LANHAM, MD DARCARSFORD.COM | M-SAT 9-9 SUN 11-6
DARCARSFORD.COM • ALL OFFERS LISTED DO NOT INCLUDE PROCESSING CHARGE OF $100 • DARCARSFORD.COM 72 mos 0% apr financing on select models with apprvd credit. $13.89 per $1000 financed regardless of down pymt. Man. rebates & programs subject to change. Pymts based on 72 mos
financing thru SUNTRUST at 3.49% apr on apprvd credit w/20% down of sale price & incl $500 military rebate & excl tax, tags, frght, & $100 dlr proc charge. FMCC bonus cash valid only w/financing thru FMCC, subject to apprvl. Offers cannot be combined w/any other offer public or private&good on apprvd credit&include all manufacturer applicable rebates and meet conditions set by manufacturers on some incentives. Excl tax, tags, frght. Dealer not responsible for typographical errors. Expires 08/05/10 & supercedes previous ads.
or buy monthly 219 $20495 UP TO 213 or buy monthly
NEW FORD EDGE AUTO
DARCARSSALE PRICE: AUTO TRANS, ABS, ADVANCE TRAC, SIDE A/B,PWRW/D/M, ALLOY WHLS, MORE.
Stk #208861. 1 this price. EXCL TAX, TAGS, $775 FGT, $100 PROC CHG, $3000 FORD REBATE, $500 FORD MILITARY REBATE, $1000 FMCC BONUS CASH
$250 or buy monthly 72 MOS 6000
CASH REBATES UP TO: $
FROM FORD - SELECT MDLS. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS
MUSTANG AUTO TRANS, AC, EXTERIOR SPORT APPEARANCE PK, GT REAR SPOILER, ADVANCE TRAC, ABS, SIDE AB, MUCH MORE... Stk #204547. 1 this price. EXCL TAX, TAGS, $850 FGT, $100 PROC CHG, $500 FORD MILITARY REBATE, $2000 FORD REBATE.
MODELYEAR-ENDLAST WEEKEND FOR SPECTACULAR SAVINGS!
2010
2010
2010
2010
2010
2010
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152