Overview & Reviews

The Chrysler Sebring was one of only a handful of reasonably priced midsize vehicles to be offered as both a sedan and a convertible. There were some Sebring highlights over the years, including the fun-in-the-sun convertible and the second-generation coupe, which shared a platform with the Mitsubishi Eclipse. But overall, the Sebring was typically outclassed by other models in terms of refinement and performance.

The Sebring did receive a major update for 2011, but with it also came a name change; it's now known as the Chrysler 200.

Most Recent Chrysler Sebring
The most-recent, third-generation Chrysler Sebring was introduced as a sedan for 2007 and convertible for '08. Production lasted until 2010. After that, Chrysler made major updates and renamed the car the Chrysler 200.

Both Sebring body styles were available in LX, Touring and Limited trims, while the convertible could be had with either a traditional soft-top design or a retractable hardtop. Base Sebrings started out reasonably well-equipped with full power accessories, front side-impact and full-length head curtain airbags, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a six-CD changer and, on the convertible, a power vinyl top (cloth was optional). Touring models got 17-inch alloy wheels and a lengthier options list, while the top-of-the-line Limited featured leather trim, automatic climate control and a premium audio system. Options included a hard-drive navigation/audio system.

Stability control was standard on the Touring and Limited trims until 2010, when it strangely was added to the options list. Meanwhile, antilock brakes were optional on the base LX. These items were standard on almost every competitor, and we highly recommend making sure a used Sebring is equipped with these essential safety features.

Standard on most Sebrings was a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 173 horsepower. A four-speed automatic transmission routed power to the front wheels. Until 2010, a 2.7-liter V6 good for 189 hp was optional on the Sebring Touring sedan and standard on Sebring Touring and Limited convertibles. Available on Limited models only was a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 backed by a more sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission. Prior to 2010, all-wheel drive was also available with the 3.5-liter V6, though fuel economy suffered.

In reviews, we found the third-generation Sebring sedan to be about as bad as it got in the midsize segment. It was below average in most respects, ranking far behind segment leaders. The ride quality was comfortable enough, but braking and handling were well below average. The base four-cylinder was adequately powerful and fuel efficient, but it was unrefined, while the optional V6 was underpowered and inefficient. Cabin design was ergonomically sound, but the quality of the interior plastics was poor for this price range. These attributes apply to the convertible as well, but there's some inherent desirability to the convertible since there were fewer competing convertible models.

Previous Chrysler Sebring Models
In 2001 Chrysler introduced the second-generation Sebring sedan and reworked coupes and convertibles powered by updated engines and transmissions. The coupe shared a platform with Mitsubishi's Eclipse. At the top of the heap was a 3.0-liter V6 cranking out 200 hp. It was initially available only in the LXi coupe. Standard in convertibles and LXi sedans was the Chrysler-built 2.7-liter V6 rated at 200 hp. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder was also available. In early reviews we praised the Sebring for its good looks, solid performance, competitive pricing and wide range of body styles.

Minor updates followed in successive years, and Chrysler shuffled the trim levels on a nearly annual basis: The familiar Sebring LX and LXi models ultimately gave way to GTC, TSi, Touring and Limited trim levels. Note that the Sebring coupe was discontinued after the 2005 model year, while the Sebring convertible and sedan continued through 2006.

As time went by, the second-generation Chrysler Sebring became increasingly uncompetitive. In later tests, we found that its drivetrains were unrefined; its ride quality was harsh (particularly in the sedan); and its build and interior materials quality were well below average. Though it wouldn't hurt for used-car shoppers to take a look at the Sebring -- especially those interested in the model-year range of the late '90s to early 2000s -- it's probably wise to consider other options before making a final decision.

The original Sebring was launched in 1995 as Chrysler's new midsize coupe. Mechanically, it was related to the Mitsubishi Galant of the same period. Available in LX or LXi trim, the Sebring coupe came with a 163-hp, 2.5-liter V6 and a standard four-speed automatic. At the time, the vehicle's best attributes were its sporty and purposeful exterior styling and roomy (for a coupe) interior. Despite a steeply raked windshield and roof line, headroom fore and aft was adequate even for adults, and the trunk impressed us with its size. The biggest downside was the V6's marginal performance.

The first-generation Chrysler Sebring convertible debuted a year later. However, this model was based on Chrysler's own platform, which was related to the Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus compacts. At the time the car brought class, dignity and a bit of luxury to this otherwise whimsical segment, and it became quite successful.

User Reviews:

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Katelyn - November 8 - 8:39 pm

  Ive only had this car for about a year now, as soon as I got it, it would shut off in the middle of the road. Took it to several places to get fixed, spent thousands of dollars and still not fixed. The gears get stuck in park, sometimes the keys dont want to come out of the ignition, so make sure you have a spare.. And just recently Ive discovered that when it rains water gets inside of my doors. Do not waste your money on this car!

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  would never buy a Chrysler product again! - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By william - September 8 - 10:27 pm

  My car (2007 base model Sebring 2.4l) was the worst purchase ever! I bought my 2007 used in 2011 with 94k. First appearance was great! Very specious, decently large trunk, excellent sound quality from the speakers, sharp interior and exterior, minimal road noise. Everything cosmetically was great for a compact car. The first two years I owned the car I did regular maintenance which include a new starter, new tires, breaks, alignment, new belts, air filter, oil changed with synthetic oil every 3000 miles. After the second year everything went down hill. First was the car would shake when I traveled on the freeway and lightly tap the break. It was so dangerous I had to pull over immediately! I was told first by a mechanic that I need new breaks and rotors. I purchased new breaks and rotors which cost me around $300! That wasnt the problem it ended up needing new break calipers which are 150 a piece i needed two.After that I had a coolant leak I needed new clamps for the hose. That was a $40 repair. The fluids had to be constantly observed especially the coolant. this car had a coolant problem the entire time I owned the car.the breaks needed to be replaced every couple of months! Then the engine failed during winter which cracked the block which lead to me purchasing a used engine with 66k total installation cost 2000. Chrysler dealership wanted to charge me 2000 just for a used engine so that forced me to go else where. The engine failing also lead to the heater coil failing which lead to no heat! With was a 1000 dollar fix OUTSIDE the dealership. The a/c control would not stay on high. The interior no matter how many times I got it detailed would never stay clean the stains just soaked in the fabric. After that my car kept making a loud popping noise when I turned the wheel, then I took it back to the mechanic and it was the complete hub assembly which cost me over $300 dollars. Then the back door stopped working from the outside . The antenna flew off. The headliner fell down. Then I thought I could at least get another year out of the car. After 20,000 miles from when I changed the engine, the car over heated blew the radiator hose. Then I had to get it towed to the mechanic where he replaced the hose the part was 55.00 not including labor, he checked the head gasket, compression test, checked for air in the line, replaced both thermostats in the car that cost me over 300 dollars. And it still didnt stop over heating. It would over heat at idle and go back down when I drove it. Also at this point the car had 164k and the linkage kept sticking and transmission was slipping. Plus I had to replace at least 5 sensors on the car Finally the mechanic told me he recommends selling the car which I did. I hardly got any money for the car I practically gave it away since the car depreciated so much. Just a reminder I did a full carfax report the previous owners also maintained it ever 3000 miles and the car has never been in an accident. Chrysler should be ashamed for putting a car with this many problems on the market

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  Never again - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sarah - August 30 - 2:01 pm

  This car was a nice looking car but that was probably the only up side of it. It is a gas hog and when I got hit it took off the entire front of the car and the airbags did not go off. I would never get this car again.

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  Engineers should resign - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By vixvix - February 5 - 1:56 pm

  2008 Chrysler Sebring Touring Convertible is my third Chrysler Convertible. All three purchased used. The first-engine was destroyed when timing belt broke-had to replace the engine the 2nd-ran hot and melted the engine replaced the car the third (and final) purchased from CarMax in 2012- needs struts, replaced the brakes twice windshield wipers are sporadic design of the body-rear is so high -cant see vehicles behind me trunk is so heavy -have difficulty closing it rear interior so tight, grade-school children have to curl up - adults are in disbelief. The console (between front seats) is un-reachable sun visors are cheap w/no light oil change needed is always on. No more!

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  Garbage - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By alexander88 - October 30 - 11:41 am

  I bought this car 3 years ago with 160000 km on it it now has 195000 and is ready for the junkyard. Pretty much every part that could fail did, also significant rust issues muffler was completely rusted through, skirts and other parts are rusted from the inside out. Automatic transition doesnt work probably. Driving performance is poor, it is almost impossible to keep the car on the road at higher speeds around 160 km/h. All in all the worst car i have ever driven !!

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  USD 10,000+ in repair and counting - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By old timer - August 5 - 8:14 pm

  46,000 Miles, 1 owner. I have replaced: front end (2X, no grease fittings), 2 rear struts, cat converter, both passenger & driver front door panels, air bag electronics, AC compressor (2X), power door locks (2X), trunk pneumatic, wiper motors, headlamps (4X). I repainted to cover skin cancer (Chrysler admitted paint issue). Engine lite comes on and engine stalls intermittently w/o cause. Foam in pass compartment deteriorates and blows black plastic over everything. Plastic trim around doors brittle, cracking. Total out-of-pocket cost for these repairs to date: $10,700 [$4000 this year so far]. Chrysler admits all of these are their fault but none are part of any recall.

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  Too Many Electrical Problems - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Erin - November 11 - 11:16 am

  143K on my sebring Top and windows no longer go down. Gauges go in and out. Sometimes I will start the car and none of the electrical will go on-lights, radio, heat, headlights. ( Which is usually fixed by turning the car off and turning it back on) The only benefits of the Sebring are that they are cheap larger convertibles that are good for local driving or high school and college students. Not many problem with the engine and they get decent gas mileage about 20 MPG. Power steering makes noises even though fluid is not needed. If you are buying one I suggest getting the lowest mileage as possible because they really start going down hill around 120K.

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  The Worst Car Made - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By lewisox - January 31 - 10:37 am

  I have driven both this model and the one it replaces and it seems the quality does down while the usability goes up. This is one of the worst cars I have ever driven and am ashamed to call it an American car. Chrysler should really think about doing the honorable thing and just putting itself (and our taxes) out of it misery. Drive quality = F, Confort = F Build = F. The plastic on the inside likes like it was spray painted with cheap rattle can paint and it chips off with a light fingernail. you need a phd to get the top down, the heater is too hot or too cold. the seats are terrible and there is no back seat. Dont buy this car

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  Bad Car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By worstcar - April 4 - 10:27 am

  This is the worst car ever. I have had nothing but problems since I got it. The dealership where I got it is horrible. Not friendly at all. Way too many problems. There is a long list. I believe that I have had 3 alternators within 3 months of having the car. I would not recommend it. I dont care what other people are saying about it. The worst car ever.

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  Complete Garbage - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Pecos - March 27 - 12:40 am

  I bought a 2004 Sebring with 22k miles on it in 2005. I drive it to work and back and now the car has 100k miles on it. Did the 30/60/90 maintenance, regular coolant flushes, regular oil changes, new battery every 3 years, 3 new sets of tires,and here is what has crapped out over the years: 32k - aluminum oil pan stripped. 40k - brake replacement. 50k - washer hose break. 60k - engine oil seal leak. 70k - heater core leak. 75k - some misc electronic fuel regulator part. 80k - worn shocks and towers. 85k - leAking charcoal canister wont pass emissions, AC leak 90k - 2nd heater core leak, exhaust resonator cracked 95k - Rear power window seized up, Power top hydraulics leak. Water pump failure. Timing belt failure. 100k - thermostat failure, radiator overheating, AC compressor leak, belt tightener failure And now it is the shop again because the AC doesnt work after a new compressor. Also there is a minor oil leak. The 2.4 liter engine will run forever- the transmission seems ok, but this car has been a money pit for as little as I driven it. Its a good looking car, but plagued with the most annoying problems. And I have well sunk enough money into it to pay for the original purchase price well over. But I love the car! Such is the love and hate relationship I have with it.