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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  bought this car cheap - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Tony - July 29 - 7:59 am

  I bought this 2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible with 56,000 miles @$6500.00. I wont say as this car hasnt proven reliability but it is a decent car. For the price I paid for the car as I am going to use it to drive back and forth to college should do ok. The car shimmys at 45 mph and i just put on new tires, done a 4 wheel alignment. My recommendations since Chrysler has had a reputation (bad) for the 2.7 liter v6 is to use full synthetic oil. This is my first convertible ever and I do like driving with the top down.

• 

  so far - good car - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By scobb - July 27 - 11:22 am

  I have truly fallen for my sebring. Never had been a fan before having only experienced the convertibles in the past. It drives so smooth and has decent pick up. The look is sharp and it is very comfortable. I do feel it is "simple" in the interior department - not many bells and whistles. Having said all of this, I did not pay full price for it either. I was able to get it for under $14k during the cash for clunkers/double rebate from Chrysler. I do not know if I would have paid $20k for it. Only time will tell.

• 

  Not the best convertible, great to drive - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By iisk8 - July 23 - 10:05 am

  Bought this car new, has needed brakes continually. Just found out entire undercarriage is rotting, and last year the drain holes plugged and the interior flooded blowing the amp and rear speakers. Have to say loved the car, but would not consider buying the updated model. I only get about 10 miles to the gallon on local driving which is all I do.

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  Steer clear of the Sebring - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Matt - July 19 - 8:35 pm

  I just recently got my lisence last summer and this was my first car. At first glance you would say its a nice looking car but looks dont count for everything. When i got it, it has about 114,000 miles on it. The transmission had been replaced along with a power steering pump. I thought that this car would last me for a few years but after having the car for one day the fuel pump gave out. Shortly after the ac went bad along with the back two windows. When winter hit the car struggled to start and the thermostat went bad making it very difficult to drive. Also because of its low power and heavy body, it made it slmost impossible to drive in the winter.

• 

  BUYER BEWARE!!!!! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Why Me?? - July 10 - 12:30 am

  This was by far the worst mistake I have ever made when purchasing a car. (Owned Toyota, Pontiac, Lexus, and Audi.) In the first 20 days of driving my Chrysler Sebring LX Convertible the latch on the trunk stops operating. This means that my trunk lid will not close and is unsafely moving about while I drive. Next problem came at a stop light when the car stalled…Yes, I was completely stopped at a light and it completely shut off. Luckily my boyfriend was driving and he of course knew what to do. I probably would have panicked. Third, it seems that this problem is a continual problem that CHRYSLER (who should be bankrupt from making crappy cars) is in denial to recall to fix.

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  Great Car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By beachbumx - June 26 - 6:29 pm

  So far this car has been great. Average 24 mpg. Pleanty of room for my 6 4 frame.Plenty of looks when top is down. Top is a whiz to operate. Fun Car to drive. Love its Radio and controls.

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  Car did not make me a Chrysler fan - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By msmarvel - June 5 - 3:00 pm

  Bought this car after my then 7 year old Camaro Z28 cost me $1000 in repairs over 2 months. The car had been leased andhad 28,000 miles on it. Had issues from the start, the same thing would break over and over (blower for the fan for heat/AC, rear defrost, airbag light). I cant go 5 months without taking it to the shop (form day 1). Got a new transmission as well. Now it has 175,000 on it, and it still starts up right away, but the airbag light is on again. Car left me stranded twice cause it blew fuses because of crazy wiring. Roof leaks only on the drivers side in 2 places. Fun to drive. Motors for the top are still fine. But not a quality, reliable car.

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  This Car is Maintenance Free - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By ChrisBrig - June 3 - 7:27 pm

  I purchased my Sebring in May of 2006, and I have changed the oil religously, added new tires, and had the brakes serviced. That is it. I have not had any service issues, and this car has never left me stranded on the side of the road. This car is reliable.

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  Hardtop convertible - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Michell - June 2 - 4:25 pm

  I have the hardtop convertible, and its so easy to use - whether you drop the top with the button on the dash, or remotely on the keyfob. I love the navigation, and the jukebox style radio - its great to be able to burn all my CDs to the cars hard drive and not have to load CDs all the time. Great USB plug-in. Love the trunk room. It has enough space to hold 2 golf bags with the top down - awesome! Seats are comforable, and front ones are heated - they heat up within 2 minutes! A/C works well. Car handles well, though not as well as some German cars.

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  pretty good car - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By tom galvin - May 18 - 10:52 pm

  I have had this car 3 years now and no problems. My daughter has wrecked it a couple times almost totaling it. Holds up good in a bad accident, looks nice, has good power, comfortable. The car is great to drive around town and on the highway. When I brake the spare tire makes a thud noise and ive tried to anchor i down better but doesnt work. The car is good and I would say its upper class quality.