A look at the 2010 Chrysler Sebring

2010 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited

BASE PRICE: $27,850 for LX; $29,210 for Touring; $32,710 for Limited.

AS TESTED: $37,335.

TYPE: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-passenger, small, hard-top convertible.

ENGINE: 3.5-liter, single overhead cam V-6.

MILEAGE: 16 mpg (city), 27 mpg (highway).

TOP SPEED: NA.

LENGTH: 193.8 inches.

WHEELBASE: 108.9 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,959 pounds.

BUILT AT: Sterling Heights, Mich.

OPTIONS: Power retractable hard top $1,995; upgraded radio package (includes 30-gigabyte hard drive, navigation system, U-Connect communications system, automatic-dimming inside mirror and free, one-year Sirius radio service) $1,200; electronic stability control $425; Inferno Red exterior paint $225; engine block heater $40.

DESTINATION CHARGE: $740.

Chrysler convertible has usable seats for 4

This undated photo released by Chrysler shows the 2010 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited.

Chrysler's Sebring convertible, with rear seats that can accommodate two adults and a generous trunk, languished in recent years as its manufacturer went bankrupt and was sold.

But the Sebring is still around, with nicer front styling for 2010 and other minor revisions such as a new instrument cluster and anti-whiplash front-seat head restraints.

In fact, the Sebring convertible and Sebring sedan posted impressive, triple-digit sales gains in the first four months of this year compared with the 2009 period.

The Sebring was supposed to be phased out this year. But Chrysler — now owned by the federal government and Italian carmaker Fiat — is reportedly sprucing up the car for 2011.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $28,590 for a 2010 Sebring soft-top model with 173horsepower, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission.

The starting retail price for a 2010 Sebring convertible with power retractable hard top is $35,445. This includes 235-horsepower V-6 and automatic transmission.

Note that it is unusual for a four-seat convertible to offer a choice of roofs.

The competing, four-seat, 2010 Volkswagen Eos, which comes standard with power retractable hard top, has a starting retail price of $33,140 with 200-horsepower, turbocharged four cylinder and manual transmission.

A 2010 Eos with automatic has a starting retail price of $34,240.