Convertibles seem to fall into two classifications: two-seat sports cars with powerful engines and firm suspensions or the more luxurious, four passenger versions, a favorite of the mature crowd and rental-car companies. Unless you're counted among the Gen X/Gen Y crowd or experiencing a mid-life crisis, you'll likely be much more satisfied with the Chrysler Sebring than, say, the Nissan 350 Z two-seat roadster.

After all, Chrysler has had a stronghold in the convertible market for more than 20 years when it re-introduced the convertible to Americans with its LeBaron model in 1982.

The Sebring moniker of midsize cars consists of sedans, coupes and convertibles. All Sebring models offer a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines with a four-speed automatic the only transmission choice. We tested the top-of-the-line Limited convertible

For 2005 Chrysler offers five convertible versions: base Sebring ($26,370), GTC ($27,845), Touring ($29,170), Touring Signature Series ($31,150), and Limited ($31,980). LX and LXi monikers have been dropped. Chrysler gave the Sebring a face-lift for '04 with a restyled front fascia by dropping the grill from above to below the bumper and scalloped the headlamps at the same time. Around back, the trunk has been restyled, a carryover from '03 changes. The test car was painted in a Midnight Blue pearl color with a light taupe leather interior and black convertible top.

Inside the Sebring is large and roomy with enough space in the rear seat for two adults to sit comfortably. However, the seats do not automatically slide forward when the front seatback is flipped down so it isn't easy to get in and out of there. Seats in our Limited model come standard as leather with suede accents. Unlike most convertibles, trunk space is surprisingly roomy and will easily accommodate two golf bags with some room to spare.

Dropping the top couldn't be simpler. Unlock two latches located above the sun visors and press the top operation button. The four-window-down switch activates all four side windows at the same time, and in 7 seconds the top folds neatly behind the rear seat. It's just as easy to cover the dropped top with the Velcro-attaching boot cover.

The Limited comes standard with a 2.7-liter 200-horsepower V-6 engine matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. For most drivers, 200 horsepower will be adequate but don't mistake the Sebring for a sports car. It's not. The Sebring was built for comfort, not speed or exceptional handling. Sure, the acceleration seems quick and passing on the highway isn't a white-knuckle experience, but it's out of its class when compared to performance oriented cars like the Mustang GT, BMW Z4 and other convertibles. We think Chrysler's PT Cruiser convertible is a better choice than Sebring; it has more power, handles better, has a bigger backseat and costs thousands less.

But that doesn't mean the Sebring isn't enjoyable to drive with a boulevard ride quality that eliminates most of unnecessary roughness. On the disappointing side however is a significant amount of cowl shake with bumps and rough surfaces. While this is common is some convertibles, most premium convertibles have corrected the problem with increased structural body integrity to eliminate the problem. Gas mileage is favorable at 21 mpg city and 28 highway.

The Limited version comes loaded with the convenience and comfort features expected including power everything, leather seating, cruise, fog lamps, heated glass rear window, 16-inch chrome wheels, steering wheel mounted audio controls, mini trip/travel computer and more. The dash is two-tone taupe trim accented with dark plastic looking wood trim. Interior materials seem sub par as does overall build quality.

Safety features include dual front Next Generation airbags, LATCH-ready child safety anchor system, traction control and four-wheel antilock brakes. Disappointingly, Chrysler doesn't include side airbags either standard or as an option on the convertible nor does their website, www.chrysler.com, address vehicle safety. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are optional on sedans, unavailable on the other body styles.

The IIHS rates the Sebring as Acceptable for overall crash test worthiness. Good is the highest rating. NHTSA gives the Sebring convertible three stars out of a possible five for risk of head and chest injury in a frontal crash or side crash to front seat occupants. Rollover resistance is top rated at five stars. ABS and traction control are standard on the Limited convertible and optional on all other Sebring's except the base coupe.

Overall, Sebring is an attractive looking car for those who like the top-down fun, the freedom of a convertible and deem sports car performance unnecessary. We were unimpressed, however, with the overall fit and finish build quality and our convertible was excessively noisy with the top up. It has plenty of room with and drivers of all sizes should find a comfortable driving position. Sebring is more practical than most convertibles on the market, however if you're shopping for a family convertible there are better choices and we suggest looking at the PT Cruiser or Toyota Camry Solara. We've tested all three and recommend the latter two.

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