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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  2002 Lxi - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By wingermi - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought as a used "program" car, rental turn in. Has been great, two problems, steering wheel leather shot (replaced under warranty)Air Bag light always going on - been to dealer twice. Otherwise very nice car - would have loved a Miata but nowhere to put the kids!

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  3rd Chrysler convertible since 1990 - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By tmartindell - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2004 Sebring limited only because an accident totalled the suspension of my 1998 Sebring. (that car had less than 70K miles and still looked new - even after the wreck. I was hoping for many, many more years. I took several long cross country roadtrips in the 98 - Highway 1, Yosemite, Vegas - what a way to travel. Three could fit in well and see the country. I look forward to similar trips in the 2004.

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  More features and fun for the bucks - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By Paul Lower - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned convertibles from the Oldsmobile to the Mustang. I bought the 1997 Sebring JXi and traded in a Mustang 5.0. I have never regreted it. I just traded in the 1997 JXi and bought a 2003 Limited. Both are peppy, quiet, reliable, and look good. The rear seat and trunk space is great. No mechancial problems at all. Dealerships very good. Love the AutoStick(manual shifting for stop and go traffic. Created as a convertible...not a redo...double cloth water tight top. Gearing makes it fast from a stop.

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  My Convertible - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By notirish - March 21 - 2:00 am

  This was my first convertible and I have had fun with the car. I have had it for almost 5 years and it is holding up well. The only problems were handled under warranty and some routine maintenance. Sometimes I wish it was a bit shorter and had better visibility with the top up.

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  Cakers Chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By CakerCakes - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love these cars!! This is my third Sebring Convertible... They are so much fun to drive and they are roomy and classy looking...Heads turn when you drive one of these bad boys!!

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  should have kept my Honda - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By aww_shucks - March 18 - 2:00 am

  the car has been in the shop for unscheduled maintenance(read: things BROKEN) 10 times in less than 3 years/30,000 miles. while none of the problems were major breakdowns, they were evidence of crappy parts and poor workmanship from the factory. the minor annoyances add up to an unsatisfactory experience and terrible resale value.

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  First Car - 1995 Chrysler Sebring
  By Eliyas - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This being my first car, ive learned alot. This car is a very nice car to drive, and to own. Very fast, but kills the gas. The brakes on this thing are amazing, i think its all sports type brakes. One thing you should watch out before buying this car is that parts are very expensive for this car. The engine is all mitsu, and this car is the EXACT same as the dodge avenger, and the mitsu eclipse. Love the bucket seats and the stock speaker system. AUTO SUNROOF IS AMAZING.

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  Mechanically Unreliable Car - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Emserl - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has developed a coolant leak, brake fluid leak, and there is fuel leaking into the oil. It has been taken to numerous dealers for repair, that claim nothing is wrong with the car. Ive had the oil tested by an independent lab that verifies the percentage of fuel in the oil steadily increases. I constantly have to add coolant and brake fluid, but the leaks cannot be detected. Ive called Chrysler Corp. They claim it is impossible for the fuel to leak into the oil and that there are no leaks.

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  Still looks (& drives) good after 5 yrs. - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By divinemsm - March 7 - 2:00 am

  My Sebring convertible has held up rather well, aside from a couple of minor body dings. When its cleaned and waxed, it still looks great. And it runs and handles very well. So far Ive had to replace only two things: (1) a tire that took a nail in the sidewall at 9,000 miles (2) I just had to replace the original battery after a spell of very cold weather. Ive owned 3 Chrysler convertibles in the past 17 years (1 bought as a repo, 2 bought new), and this one is the best- built yet. Im not planning to buy a new car for a couple of years, but Ill have to look at Sebrings again if I decide to buy another ragtop.

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  "OH MY GOD, I THINK THE DOOR FELL OFF!" - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By skikid787 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have never seen more cowl shake in a convertible in my life. This is the most losely assembled car I have ever seen. I like the clever exhaust note, two tone leather seats, and the green gages at night. That is no exception for pathetic performance in a convertible. I wont even get into the first time I went over train tracks with the car.