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:

• 

  Serbing - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Cole22 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I like the car all around. It handles well and is very reliable. The previous owner had no problems with maintenance.

• 

  what fun it is to drive!! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By CABolland - June 1 - 2:00 am

  It is sporty, lots of room for back seat passengers - fun to drive. One drawback - we had to have the seals replaced around the windows as they leaked after it rained. Dealer was very cooperative!!

• 

  Good Car!!!!!!!!!!1 - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By TYRA - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I think this a great car. I like the body style because it is sexy but still classic. So far i have had no problems.

• 

  Thumbs up value - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By KMO - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new purchase of this vehicle. Has the creature comforts of my Buick (if you get it loaded). Suspension is fairly tight, could be described as "touring." Engine acceleration/power is good off of the start, but excellent in rolling acceleration... if you floor it at 20- 50 you know it... and might be exceeding the highway speed limit before you look down (hint). The "enthusiast package" is a must... better steering reponse, and auto-stick is "fun". Easier to stay in 200 HP power band. My average gas mileage sits at about 25. I highly recommend synthetic oil, it smooths out this engine a bit.

• 

  I love it but......... - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By rellim - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had several things happen...thank goodness they were under warranty. Fuel sending switch went leaving me stranded with an empty tank although I thought I had 1/4 tank. Auto trans selenoid was leaking and had to be replaced and the defogger contact popped off. If I keep the car I foresee an extended warranty in my future.

• 

  Love this car! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Runnaref - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Have owned and loved this car for over 2 years. Avg. 28 mpg and 33 when just highway so my mileage is good. Great value for the price and love the sunroof and 4 cd changer. No ABS standard on this model, which was the only drawback, but no regrets. Would certainly consider another when the time comes and have recommended this model to other buyers

• 

  Best Car I Ever Owned! - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By shenny - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new. Should have kept it for life (but I got a deal for a new Neon R/T for $8K). Best car I ever owned. Head gasket went @ 39K, but was covered under warranty. Only problem I ever had.

• 

  Quality Concerns - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Pontiac - May 17 - 2:00 am

  This car was running great until about 10k miles. Since then I have replaced the tie-rods 3-times, the steering gear twice, the key cylinder once, and just got done replacing the front wheel bearings - all before 28000 miles. The front drivers seat has been loose since purchase and the 2nd dealership Ive tried is actually going to repair it . If I had to do it over again I wouldnt have purchased this vehicle. I am concerned about the repair costs once the warranty period expires. Not what I expected from the "top-of-the-line" model of this vehicle.

• 

  Good looks, poor view - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Medium Height - May 16 - 2:00 am

  The oncvertible looks great and feels pretty good. Its biggest draw back is the limited view that a moderately tall driver has out the front window. Even with the drivers seat all the way down, the drivers view is blocked by the top of the front wind shield. In addition, the locking mechanism for the roof and the sun visor hing on the convertible are unecessarily large and block an unecesarily large part of the drivers vision. In addition, if the seat is lowered to accomodate a moderately tall driver, the back of the seat remains in the same position and, as a result, the lumbar support is in the wrong place.

• 

  WOW - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Daniella - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I just got the car and it is amazing! The handling is incredible, the maneuvering so easy, and it is so smooth and quiet. The sound system is crystal clear and the entire thing feels so luxurious and safe. I am a younger driver and it is very important for me to have an extremely well made car for safety reasons. This car is so high quality its unbelievable. So fun to drive, I find myself looking for places to go!