The driver's controls are all within easy reach, with the exception of the convertible top switch and rear windows, which are buried in the front of the center console along with a second 12V powerpoint. Climate controls are a dream, with a large temperature-adjustment knob and oversize buttons to regulate venting and fan speed.
Sliding into the Sebring's lush cockpit is a pleasure. Its retro-inspired chrome-rimmed analog dials and nicely detailed badging bring to mind something out of the Auburn Speedster era. The dash addresses the driver, and all controls fall easily to hand. Its HVAC is even easier to use than in the Solara, with three large rotary dials providing control. Our only complaint is with the location of the four-disc CD changer at the bottom of the center stack. Placed behind the cupholders, it's just about impossible to change or select discs with Frappuccinos in place.
Dual French-pleated leather-lined buckets hold driver and passenger firmly in place. The driver seat has a manually adjustable lumbar pad that works wonders on aching vertebrae. Out back, passengers are treated to a good deal of lgroom in both vehicles, as long as the front seats aren't in the full aft position. The Sebring's couch has near-perfect rake, good lumbar support, and decent leg- and foot room. The Solara rear bench also offers adequate lumbar support, but is raked too far forward to be really comfortable on long trips. Both cars score high for easy ingress and egress with the top down, but rear passengers will struggle to get out with the top closed.
Storage space is always at a premium in convertibles, and five-place variants are expected to have a trunk that will accommodate far more than the usual golf bag. The Sebring has a deep trunk that holds 11.3 cu ft of luggage. Inside, large map pockets flank each door and the center console has deep storage for CDs or cassette tapes.
With 8.8 cu ft of storage space, the Solara's trunk may be smaller in size, but is better carved to hold larger bags. In the cockpit, there's an oversize center console, a decent glovebox, and large map pockets built into the doors for additional cargo capacity. Even though both cars are seatbelt-equipped for five, their top mechanisms eat into rear-seat passenger room, effectively making them both four seaters, unless the fifth occupant is a third-grader.
When the dust settled, we were thoroughly impressed with Chrysler's revamped Sebring. It's better put together than the Solara, with a luxurious interior, great styling, and a solid powertrain. And at $29,510, the Chrysler is the value winner, too, beating the comparably equipped Solara by $2350. Would we hesitate to rent a Sebring from our local rental fleet? Actually, no. We'd request one.