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:
Showing 101 through 110 of 1,334.00-
chrysler sebring limited convertible - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By mac - May 3 - 4:21 pmwater gets in windows when washed with a wand. Handles very poorly around curves.Much bumpier ride than I expected for the money. Doesnt even compare to my last car in performance or comfort, that was a 2 door grand Prix 97.I have serious buyers remorse.
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Second Sebring owner - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By JayTee - April 29 - 8:40 pmI use the Sebring 4 door 2.7L as a compnay vehicle. It is the second one Ive gotten. The first, a 2002 model, was traded at 75,000 miles. No problems - ever! Why does Edmunds slam the interior? Look inside a Malibu, then look in a Sebring. Ive driven both and I can say that the Malibu is built like a Yugo compared to the Sebring. The interior of the Sebring is very well screwed together and not all all cheap looking - try to say that about any GM car. Brakes are excellent!!! Torque is a bit lacking. Gotta rev it hard, till the engine sounds like its coming apart. Aside from that,Chrysler really has come a long way. I am very pleased. Chrysler, please put a powerful engine in this car
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42 days of driving 8 days in the shop - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By Joankaz12 - April 12 - 8:04 pmI was given the sebring for my 20th wedding anniversary. I have been in love with it for years and finally got it. After 42 days I blew most of the electrical system. It has been at the dealer for 8 days and they can not find the problem. Right now I am not very happy.
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Problems - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By Tom Van Sickle - December 22 - 1:02 pmI had 200 miles on car and was out of town when the passenger right window would not go back up. Was on a cold Saturday and could get no help. The 800 number refered me to some window repair places that I was to pay to have car repaired..could not find repair places. The car was taken to the dealership..they got the window up and ordered part..had to wait 3 days. One week after the "repair" the same window is doing the same thing. It is also difficult to get key out of ignition if the shift is not perfectly in place..have to jiggle shift to get key out. I traded in a 2002 Seabring and wish I still had it!!!!!
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New Car with Defects - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Joeywoodstock - November 5 - 2:00 amThe car is fun to drive. Although it has it problems. Ive had it in for oil leaks twice already. The passenger window doesnt work right and the engine in unusually noisy. Im not sure the dealer is doing their job. The resale value is terrible.
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Looks good on the outside, but... - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
By varnk - November 4 - 3:03 pmI love the look. It definitely turns heads for its uniquness. However, there are design problems in the interior that disappointing. Horn is hard to find. Map lights on the mirror will drain the battery dry if you forget to shut them off. Only one cheesy cup holder. Creaky and flimsy plastic interior. Confusing heating/cooling control. Keyless remote has very poor range. I also have had to replace several very expensive computer sensors in addition to water pump and tensioner pully. Total cost over $800. Also has an expensive exhaust system. If it ever has a problem, the whole thing is one very expensive piece.
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Lemon - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Mitsi - October 23 - 2:00 amMy Sebring looks good, runs badly! We moved from Georgia to Colorado and the pick-up onto the highway, or even into traffic from a stop is terrible!! I even had it looked at, at the dealer to see if the altitude was affecting the engine or it need some adjustment, they thought I was crazy. Not only that, but it just passed 55,000 miles and has been in the shop twice in the past six months! Once for overheating when something broke, and just this week for the air conditioner compressor that had BAD screws. Apparently the screws are aluminum, (very soft metal)and they wore out(?) and they compressor fell to the bottom of the car taking the serpentine belt wit
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Looks Good, Fun at First, but just wait - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By Jahm - October 19 - 2:00 amAt first I was very please with the car (got the lx with 6cyl not lxi). It was stylish and very peppy for a sedan, also handled great, even in rain or snow. But at around 25,000 miles, I found that you could take the key out while it was still in drive. Before I could take it in, I was driving and the engine locked up. Had it towed to a dealer, who asked me if I had my recipts for oil changes before they ever looked at it. Long story short, I only had a couple, and had to have engine rebuilt at 30K miles ($5k)not warrantied. Front end squeaks when you turn, and my timing belt just broke, opened engine to find completely sludged again. Found out that this engine has an oiling problem!
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No more Chryslers - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By Chrysler Never Again - October 6 - 2:00 amNew trnsmission at 80,000 miles. The top began falling apart after 2 1/2 years. The rear defrost died after 4 years. The car is taking on water in the drivers side whenever the rains are heavy. Just a poorly built car.
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Fun but not reliable - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By sparki - September 11 - 2:00 amThe car was a lot of fun but always something breaking down. Lots of rattles and grinds. Even with warrenty, Chrysler dealerships could find nothing wrong and would have to fix it myself. Very disatisfied!!!!!!!!!!!
