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