Then, the lowered top can be hidden away under a boot that fastens shut with snappy Velcro tabs. The whole process only takes a minute. If you're sitting at a stoplight when a downpour--or even a sprinkle--comes from out of nowhere, you can swiftly raise the roof with the push of a button. When the top is raised, the front windows automatically slide down a few inches allowing them to seat themselves with the top. Snap the latches back into place, flip on the wipers, and you're ready to ride the storm out.

The rear window is glass, which is preferable to plastic, and a defroster is standard. Like many convertibles, over-the-shoulder visibility is reduced when the top is up. Out front, the Sebring's smart windshield design provides unblocked sight lines in all directions. The doors are a bit long--a fact of life with most two-door vehicles--so make sure you have enough space on either side when you park.

Unlike some convertibles, the Sebring ragtop can easily accommodate four full-size humans. The seats are supportive and quite comfortable. The height-adjustable seatbelts provide a snug, comfy fit for drivers of all heights. One touch we really liked: The belts are integrated into the back of the front bucket seats, so rear passengers won't get tangled up in them when getting in and out of the back seat. But the rear seats are so comfy, with such ample space, that those rear-seat passengers might never want to get out--not even on a long trip. A tad more rear shoulder room would make it even more comfortable. The Sebring Convertible boasts a big trunk, an important feature when traveling or driving home from the airport.

The instrument panel is easy to read, with large dials and digits. White-faced gauges add sports appeal. Audio and climate controls and other switchgear are just as easy to reach, and ergonomically smart. Our JXi Limited test model had leather seats--with perforated inserts-as standard equipment, while the JX models come with a standard vinyl interior.