Chrysler's Sebring Convertible is America's best-selling convertible and it isn't hard to see why. It offers nimble performance that makes it a joy to drive. A well-designed top makes switching between good and bad weather a breeze. It's practical and roomy enough for four to travel in comfort. And its elegant styling has held up well, even though it is going into its third year of production.

Dozens of refinements went into the Sebring Convertible last year. This year, the model line has been streamlined. All Sebring Convertibles now come standard with the V6-the four-cylinder engine that came on the base JX model is no longer available. And many of the popular options are now standard on the JX.

1999 Sebring Convertibles are distinguished by Chrysler's new winged badge. Next-generation driver air bags were installed for increased safety.

Walkaround

This is not just another sedan with the top cut off. It was designed as a convertible from the ground up.

In fact, the Sebring Convertible shares only its name with the Sebring Coupe. They are totally different cars, built on entirely different platforms. The Sebring Convertible shares its basic structure with the Chrysler Cirrus and Dodge Stratus sedans. Conversely, the Sebring Coupe (like the Dodge Avenger) is derived from the Mitsubishi Galant. Got that?

Three models are available: JX, JXi and JXi Limited. As mentioned, they all come with Chrysler's 2.5-liter V6.

The $24,405 JX is hardly a base model as it comes standard with cruise control, power everything and lots of convenience items that were optional last year. We drove the mid-line JXi trimmed in a darkly elegant Deep Amethyst Pearl. Inferno Red and Light Cypress Green have been added to the '99 palette.

The sculpted lines of the Sebring Convertible give it an eye-catching, but dignified, European look. It's quite distinct from the wedge-shaped Sebring Coupe. The Convertible's narrow, compact grille, sloping, contoured hood and slender headlights give it a self-assured visage.

Most important, the Convertible's firmly mounted retractable top is a snug fit. Trunk space is commodious for a convertible, with enough space for six shopping bags and a medium-sized suitcase.

Our JXi started at $26,720. Added to that was a $400 option package that includes an Infinity stereo system with cassette, CD player, 150-watt amplifier, premium speakers and graphic equalizer, along with a luxury convenience group that consisted of a HomeLink garage door opener integrated into the driver's side visor and an inside rearview mirror with the day/night feature. That brought the total price to $27,120.

A new Sentry Key vehicle immobilizer is available to improve theft protection by requiring a computer match between the key and ignition before the car will start.

The Inside Story

The JXi comes with a fabric top in place of the JX model's vinyl top. We loved its ease of operation. Chrysler designers have spared us the agony of having to pore over an owner's manual and wade through a painfully sequential list of instructions.

Simply flip two windshield latches, press a button and the top goes down. Once lowered, the top can be tucked under a boot that fastens with Velcro tabs. If a sudden cloudburst appears the top can be raised while sitting at a traffic signal, though this move draws attention from other motorists. The front windows automatically slide down a few inches allowing them to align properly with the top. Fasten the latches, turn on the windshield wipers and lights, and head into the storm.

The seats are supportive and quite comfortable. Seatbelts are height-adjustable, making them more comfortable for drivers of different heights. They are integrated into the back of the front bucket seats to prevent rear passengers from tripping over them when climbing in and out.

Those back-seat passengers shouldn't be in too much of a hurry to get out, however. The Sebring Convertible features roomy comfortable back seats that Chrysler claims are the best in its class. There really aren't too many convertibles in its class, however, so it competes with the Camaro and Mustang.

A big trunk adds to the appeal of the Sebring Convertible.

Ride & Drive

The V6 engine provides plenty of power for critical passing situations. It propels the Sebring Convertible quickly from a dead dig, but fades a bit in the homestretch. As a result, it takes more than 10 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. That eliminates the Sebring from consideration as a high-performance roadster, but there's plenty of torque available to keep most drivers happy cruising around town or on the highway.

Chrysler isn't best known for ultra-quiet, silky smooth engines and the Sebring Convertible suffers from some engine noise under hard acceleration. And, of course, road noise more audible in a convertible than in a hard top.

When cornering, the taut suspension keeps body roll to a minimum, while the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering provides precise response.

The JX and JXi models came with front disc and rear drum anti-lock brakes. Braking performance was never an issue, but we can't help wondering whether the four-wheel disc brakes that come on the JXi Limited are worth the extra cash. The Limited also comes standard with traction control, which is not available on the other two models.

There's nothing quite like cruising along a twisting, tree-lined road with the top down and the Sebring Convertible shines in this setting. Chrysler's engineers have eliminated much of the wind buffeting associated with convertibles in the old days. And the Sebring's smart windshield design provides unblocked sight lines in all directions.

Final Word

The svelte styling of the Sebring Convertible and its crisp handling make it an enjoyable top-down motoring experience. Add its spacious back seats and there's no reason we all shouldn't have the wind blowing through our hair.