convertible is not a Sebring LX coupe with its top lopped off. In fact,

the Sebring JX convertible and the Sebring coupe aren't even the same car.

The two share only a nameplate and powertrains.

Some background: The Sebring coupe and Dodge Avenger are derived from

the Mitsubishi Galant sedan platform, while the Sebring JX convertible

is derived from Chrysler's Cirrus/Stratus platform. Indeed, the Sebring

JX convertible shares its front structural components and instrument panel

with the Chrysler Cirrus and Dodge Stratus sedans.

Confused? That's okay. All you need to know is that the Sebring JX ragtop

is the successor to--and a big improvement over--the stalwart LeBaron convertible

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.

bountifully-appointed JXi. The paint job on our JXi test model--a new-for-'97,

purplish-black color called Deep Amethyst Pearl--was contemporary without

being flashy.

The '97 model boasts such additions and improvements as a quieter intake

manifold on the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the AutoStick

transmission on the optional 2.5-liter V6 engine, an enhanced theft alarm

system, an optional electrochromic rearview mirror, a trip computer with

compass on the JXi, and the addition of trunk-unlock and panic-alarm modes

to the optional keyless remote entry system.

The stylish rounded corners on the Sebring JX convertible strike an

elegant contrast with the wedgier Sebring coupe and the pointy, on-the-prowl

shape of the Sebring's Dodge clone, the Avenger.

Indeed, its pleasingly Germanic lines suggest that, in its soul, the

Sebring JX would really like to be a Mercedes SL. (A car can dream, can't

it?)

For a convertible, the Sebring JX's trunk space is respectable--enough

room for maybe a suitcase and a half-dozen grocery bags.

The top is a tight, firmly-mounted fit, and--a quality touch--has a

glass rear window. The narrow, compact grille and sloping, contoured hood--and

headlights that squint like Clint Eastwood's Man With No Name--combine

to give the Sebring JX a look that's imposingly self-confident.

With Chrysler's $545 destination charge, the JXi has a base price of

$25,195. Our test car was equipped with such options as the 2.5-liter,

24-valve V6 engine ($800); the AutoStick transmission--an automatic that

offers the option of manual shifting ($150); a 150-watt Infinity AM/FM/CD/cassette

audio system ($340); and a $175 luxury convenience package 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. The ready-to-roll

total was $26,660.

and Avenger coupes--are distinguished by exceptional rear seat legroom.

There's plenty of space for two adults back there, a rarity in ragtops

at any price.

Standard equipment on the base Sebring JX convertible includes dual

airbags, air conditioning, vinyl convertible top (fabric on our high-end

JXi test model), rear defroster, tinted glass, front bucket seats, tilt

steering column, map pockets, power windows and heated exterior mirrors.

Sebring convertibles come with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Sebring and Avenger coupes have five-speed manuals with the base engine,

automatics with the optional V6.

Let's start with the operation of the top. Instead of having to refer

to the owner's manual, you release two windshield latches and press a single

power switch. It's a handy setup when fair weather suddenly turns foul.

Once the top is lowered, it can be covered by a boot that snugs down

with easy-to-use Velcro tabs. And when the "up" button is pressed,

the front-seat windows automatically slide down about three inches to prevent

the windows from misaligning when the top goes back up.

The height-adjustable seatbelts are cleverly integrated into the back

of the comfortable front bucket seats--so passengers won't trip over them

while climbing into the back seat.

was powered by the optional 2.5-liter, 168-hp V6--we don't think we'd settle

for the smaller (and noisier) 2.4-liter 150-hp four-cylinder that comes

standard.

In an automatic-only car, the V6 offers far better performance, and

we think it's well worth the extra $800. We'd also recommend the $150 AutoStick

option, which allows you to upshift or downshift manually by flipping the

lever left or right.

With the added power of the V6--and the increased responsiveness provided

by the AutoStick--the Sebring JXi provided respectable hustle in critical

passing scenarios. From a dead stop, the Sebring JXi jumps quickly out

of the blocks, though its 0-to-60 mph times are relatively tepid, and the

engine--particularly four-cylinder editions--isn't as quiet as some at

full throttle. But the Sebring convertible, as well as the Sebring and

Avenger coupes, don't pretend to be sports cars.

When negotiating hairpin turns and darting in and out of freeway traffic,

the Sebring's suspension was firm enough to keep body roll to acceptable

levels, and the power rack-and-pinion steering was precise enough to lend

confidence to quick maneuvers.

But ride quality is really this convertible's dynamic strong suit, which

makes sense to us, given the car's delightful cruising quotient.

Our first encounter with the Sebring JXi was last autumn, when the leaves

were just beginning to turn, and we headed straight for roads less traveled.

There's nothing quite so satisfying as twisting along tree-lined country

roads with the top down, and this is a perfect car for enjoying the bucolic

bliss of the rural countryside.

Visibility in all directions is unimpeded, and the windshield design

helps reduce wind buffeting.

seems to apply to America at large. The new ragtop is already a hit, and

carries on the Le Baron's tradition as a best-seller. With its good looks,

competent handling, smooth ride and room enough for four, it's unique in

today's convertible market.