Yesterday gas was selling for $3.20 a gallon in Dallas, Texas. In New England and on the west coast, it was selling for more.
A barrel of oil sold for US$108, and production experts predict that it will go higher. Refinery repairs, a weak US dollar, increased public consumption, approaching driving season, plus drought in the grain belt could see gas go to $4 a gallon and hover near $150 a barrel.
I realize that I am only an automobile reviewer, and not the president of Ford Motor Company or head of the United Auto Workers, but it doesn't take a PhD in economics to know that the economy is going into the toilet, and I could be going to the poor house, unless we, as a country, can control the escalating oil prices.
Even though travel by car may sound dismal, I drove a car this week that got over 30 mpg while delivering a comfortable drive that saw me not have to stop for gas for an entire week.
The Sebring is a medium-sized sedan equipped with antilock brakes, which help to control the 17-inch aluminum wheels. The engine is a 2.7-litre V6 DOHC 24-Valve MPI with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 186 horsepower Sebring engine comes available with a Flex fuel capacity that "enables it to employ E8.5, a cleaner-burning alternative fuel."
Sebring has chiseled grooves in the aluminum hood, and detailed quad-halogen headlamps make the front part of the vehicle appear expansive in design and beautifully engineered.
The Sebring Touring car is quiet, with the same roominess as its more expensive cousin The Limited. The 108.9-inch wheelbase and length of 190.6 inches allow the Sebring to have a turning diameter of 36.5 feet.
A flat front passenger seat seatback and 60/40 split-folding rear seatback makes room for both passengers and their possessions. Whether using the folding rear seat to tote your snow skis or for an in-car picnic with pizza, Sebring is the vehicle for convenience and good company.
The Sebring I drove didn't have the automatic temperature control system or the heated eight-way power adjustable seats, but did have many of the amenities of a much more expensive car.
For some time, Chrysler sold the Sebring at fleet prices and in degrees of commonality with various auto rental agencies. But Chrysler has stopped that practice, which helps hold the resale value of the car.
Chrysler engineers have built a car based on beauty and craftsmanship. Its engineers have displayed stunning styling and insightful passion in the Sebring. They have made a near-perfect vehicle for less than $20,000 and filled it with quality creature comforts. Even with items such as a navigation system, Sirius radio and the multimedia system added, the Sebring can be purchased for under $24,000.
As gas continues to increase in price you will feel so much better each time you pass a service station knowing you have many more miles before you need a refill.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be contacted at this publication or dcaussey@sbcglobal.net .
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