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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  expensive to fix - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By iloveramey - February 14 - 11:28 am

  Every single part on this car is ridiculously expensive to replace. It has all of the drawbacks of a foreign car but none of the perks. The parts are expensive and it is difficult to work on, but it has the same lifespan as your typical domestic car. The good things about it are the handling and the appearance, its a beautiful car. The gas mileage is okay, nothing impressive. The Sebring is fun to drive but upkeep is very costly I have owned mine for less than 3 months but Ive already had to make over $600 in repairs and that does not include labor.

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  Very Disappointed - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Debbie - December 10 - 11:30 pm

  Ive owned my car for a little over 2 1/2 years. Last summer Chrysler had to put a new engine in it. 3 months later the bushings had to be replaced. Im lucky it was still under warranty. Now the car just wont start. I was stranded at the store, called AAA and had to leave it in the parking lot. Going to get rid of it asap. I have to get it running first. Bad thing is I still have another year to pay on it. I will not purchase another Chrysler.

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  Bad - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By gm3 - October 18 - 8:13 pm

  V4 base model. Too much engine noise on local, and wind noise on highway. Bad fuel economy. Bad goverment EPA pollution score.

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  Dont count on it . . . or Chrysler - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Hoovey - October 10 - 9:14 am

  This is my first Chrysler, and it will certainly be my last. Dont get me wrong - I love the looks of the car, but looks sure arent everything. I have had problems with my Sebring since I purchased it. First it was the engine. No one ever seemed to be able to find the problem when the engine light came on every 4-6 months. Now its the paint job, which is fading fast on the top and trunk. Dont expect any help from Chrysler either. Under warranty or not, the problems are yours to fix and worry about. For a company that relies on customers, their customer service is anything but. Take my advice (as I wish I had taken from others before I bought this car) - dont buy a Chrysler!

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  Buyers Beware!!!!! - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Halley - July 10 - 6:01 am

  I havent even had my Sebring LXI for 1 year and I have already had problems! My sunroof doesnt shut and to fix it will be over $500, my transmission is slipping, the side panel of the exterior passenger side door is coming off, my drivers side door is loose and does not close properly (bolts need to be tightened and to do that I have to take off the fender = big project,not fun), windows dont always like to close. I thought I was in love with the car when I first bought it but now I know it was just a huge waste of money!!!!

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  First Car - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sean - June 28 - 9:26 pm

  This car was a great first car. The major problem that I had with the car was that everything started to break at aroung 75,000 miles. The air-conditioner is a real problem. I had it fixed once, but it broke again a year later. The compressor broke in two. That is a fundamental design problem. Also this car is very expensive to fix. I would suggest if you like the looks of this car get a newer one and trade it in before it reaches 75,000 miles. If you are on the tall side the seat may be a little uncomfortable on long trips. It tends to round your shoulders forward which on short trips is fine, but it really starts to hurt your back after a while.

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  Biggest Mistake - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By TB - June 18 - 6:37 pm

  This car seemed like a great investment at 60,000 miles. It was initially very fun to drive, the pick up was great. Then one thing after another started to go: power locks, power seat, brake problems, the wheel literally fell off of the axle, the struts needed to be replaced, the transmission is going, cruise control works sometimes when it wants to and sometimes shuts my car off, problems with the battery connectors... Ive put way too much money into this car. Also, the seats are not comfortable for long trips and theres very little cup holder space.

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  what I have - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By silver2002 - June 12 - 1:07 am

  well not to many things to report, other then a few things that well I see as if it where done right the first time then there would be no problems. but other then that, I love my sebring, never though that would be something that I would say, but more and more these days Ima thinking of moving to a differnt car company more and more every day,

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  Low Quality But Affordable Fun - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By ARX - May 27 - 2:04 pm

  Needs to be built better. Many little annoying part failures. Occational engine noise that no Chrysler Mechanic can find, but all can hear. Poor service as well. The drive train seems sloppy. Had trouble with stereo, which was replaced under warrantee (thank God). Braking is not as good as I would like. I would not buy another one, which is sad, as many people stop me and say how nice it "looks", then I tell them of all the little things that pop up now and then. Get with it US Auto Makers. Stop buying up all the imports and invest your cash in domestic quality up grades.

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  road report - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By commander - May 7 - 3:57 pm

  Although dealer service was good,the auto came through with defects. Electronic coupler was loose and caused malfunctions in a number of systems.. oil leak is being attended to next week.