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-
good car - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
By shorty - May 15 - 8:58 amI have the hardtop, and I really have no complaints for the money you cant beat it,
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Drippy Roof - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
By Bill - May 14 - 9:09 amI have read other reviews on the 2008 convertibles, but I did read where anyone was complaining about the water dripping into the car when you put the window down or open the door when it is raining. If it is raining at all you will get a fair amount of water in the car (our on your leg)if you have to get out or open the window for any reason.
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A good car a first.... - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By Yeti - May 9 - 2:50 pmWe bought this car 9 months used and it was a great car for the first 2 years or so. We replaced the front brakes twice in 3 years and then a caliper in the rear seized and that all had to be replaced. The thing that burned me the most is how expensive the parts are. To be fair the car was a dream to drive and never once broke down, but Im giving it a low reliability number because of the cost of maintenance. We ditched it in the end because of a rear suspension linkage going bad, the A/C pump starting to go, the power windows starting to go in the front, and emission test issues.
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FUN FUN FUN!! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By KIM IN LV - May 4 - 10:00 amI always wanted a convertible. I finally got my 2004 Graphite Grey Metallic LXi and talk about fun fun fun. It looks great, runs great and makes me feel 10 years younger. It has a nice smooth comfortable ride and handles like a sports car. The good gas mileage has helped in the wallet. I only had one little problem with the a/c fan, but had it fixed right away, and the color I chose shows the dirt very quickly. Other than that, everything else has been great.
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Great First Car for Teens! - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
By Kaylee - May 2 - 7:19 pmMy dad bought me this car as my first, and its been great. Ive learned a lot about cars by owning it, with the typical breaks here and there (Such as coolant plugs going out, probably due to un-adult driving before me. The window motor broke, and was fairly easy to replace with my dads help.) The car has really has taken a beating, and still remains reliable and loyal. Even when I got into a fender bender, the car still ran wonderfully, and didnt have any mechanical damage when hit on the drivers front fender at 20MPH. The parts were easy to find. Its a fun, fairly safe car, and great for a first car.
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Nice at the Price! - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
By BK - April 29 - 6:24 pmNO...problems in over 20,000 miles and the gas mileage here in flat Delaware is 28 mpg. Find a nicer convertible at the price and Ill buy it!
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great car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
By luke54 - April 26 - 8:23 pmI had a lot of cars,some of the the best american mfgs on the road. Im driveing the 2.7 eng. and getting great fuel economy 22/33. I,ve worked in the truck and auto industry for 40 yrs. and this vech. is a good one, no its not a Lincoln Marc VIII, Izusu Axiom,Ford LTD, Mustang Gt5spd,but its a darn good american made auto. My wife and I are very happy with ours.
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First american car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By x-saab - March 28 - 2:00 amDoes not provide tight turn handlling
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Great, economical car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By Ray - March 24 - 8:59 pmBought it used, former rental car. Has a 2.4 litre 4 cyl. that has good power. Handles freeway speeds quite well. Have had no major problems with it. Gets good gas mileage, 27-29 mpg around town and have gotten as good as 32.5 on the highway.
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Chrysler Sebring 2006 Touring - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
By Alexandre - March 24 - 12:27 amI have a Touring since 2years. I bought them at 31 000km. Now,My car have 107 000km and hes still running perfectly. The only thing I hate from this car is the quality of plastics used for dash & doors. TOO CHEAP ! Its my second car and I love them. The V6 is smooth,the car is very light so 200hp is sufficient for me,for the moment. Fuel efficient is very great on highway but can be better in city. 10km/l (25% city,75% highway). The best fuel economy for all V6 sedan like Mazda6,Camry,Altima,Accord or Sonata.
