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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  Wonderful car! - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Corey Turpin - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a wonderful car! Its extremely comfortable, reliable, and great looking to boot! Its ride is smooth and controlled. I think the interior materials could look a little better, but they do their job, and thats what counts. Its steering is great, easy to drive. It may not be the most powerful car out there, but it has plenty of power on tap. The interior could be quieter, because even for a convertible its somewhat noisy. But with the top down, wind buffeting is minimal. Conversation is kept at normal tone, even on the interstate doing 75 mph. Hands down..magnificent car.

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  BAD DECISION!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By LCW - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Took it through a car wash,water came pouring into the car.Dealer claims you arent supposed to take convertibles through a car was(they stated if I had read my owners manual,I would have known that).I have been in a rain storm 2X and water is still leaking.Front indows off track. Service dept cant ind the problem.They claim it has to do with the motor of the window.Going to get something more reliable(AND from a different dealer).Ive called the owner of the dealership and was advised she doesnt speak to customers(thats why she hires managers).Why does Chrysler have a dealer with such poor customer service.Maybe it reflects the quality of the car!

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  Never purchase a Chrysler - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By dolfinfl - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Had this car for 6 years and from month 3 had problems. Complete lemon. This car has had over 35 problems and lives in the shop. But the lovely Chrysler service people explain that "all cars have problems"..Wow 35 problems must be the norm? It only has 61,000 miles and has been nothing but headache and misery. I will never by a Chrysler product again. I am afraid to drive it most of the time!

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  Will be sad to see it go - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By traderchpl - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Our lease is up in 11/2003. Not a SINGLE problem, and it has been a wonderful highway driver between Tampa and Chicago 4 times. This V-6 got 32 miles per gallon at 80 mph on those trips too! After 3 years, the chrome wheels still shine brightly, and this car still gets compliments from passers- by and all of my Honda-loving friends. When we go out on the weekends, everyone wants to ride in this car. We will hate to see this car go. We will most likely lease a 2004 in November.

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  Great looking fun to drive - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By gyrocfi - September 17 - 2:00 am

  My sebring is just great. I love to drive it and we look good in it. It was the best car for the price and the only sport convertable that has plenty of room in the front/back seat and trunk. It has good gas milage.

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  MY 2ND SEBRING CONVERTIBLE - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lou from Harrisburg - September 15 - 2:00 am

  After 2 accidents and 120,000 miles, my 96 JXi was getting tired, so I thought it was time. Id been mentally keeping track of the minor visible changes, but a lot more invisible changes had been happening: Quieter, firmer, improved door panels, stronger engine.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By buttcrack101 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is awsome. It rides smooth and isnt to loud. It is perfect not to classy not to sporty its just right and i think it was made exactly for mwa.

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  Lesson learned - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jen1976 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I have spent more on rental cars than car payments this year. Kept it 16-17 months and had to eat about 3k in neg. eq. to get out of it. Every part of he computer system has broken down, bad wiring, trans, problems, you name it and not even at 36k yet. Paid for a worthless extended waranty from Chrysler that for some reason never covers a problem it has. DO NOT buy this car if you dont have a second car.

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  Great car - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Linett - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car second hand from a dealer. I have had it for 5,000 miles. It is great to drive, beautiful to look at. I have had no problems and expect none.

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  1999 Sebring Convertible - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By cupkake53 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Love my car! Traded in a Buick Park Avenue for my Sebring, thought I would really miss the comfort of the PA but have found that I get great gas mileage compared to the PA and have not really missed the size of the PA. Only negative aspect is the noise of the convertible comparatively speaking, but in defense of the Sebring I believe all convertibles would be noisier. Car drives like a dream, even on icy, snow covered roads, have never been stuck.