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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nice car - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
By KL9 - March 2 - 2:00 am10000 mi, good mileage, handling, and no rattles. poor storage space and road noise could be le
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2001 Sebring Convertable - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By bearsky - March 1 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is economical and fun to drive I am a big man and the seating is very comfortable The styling is great
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So So Car, great looks - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
By DRMK - February 27 - 2:00 amAC Compressor went 1st year, side windows do not seal shut (when closing door when weather is bitter cold). Tires expensive to replace. Front end too low must be careful not to scrape it In the shop now for possible speed sensor problem, transmission stuck in 2nd (the dealer calls it limp mode so you can limp it back to the shop)
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Love It! - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
By joes - February 24 - 2:00 amBought this JXI convertible with 25,000 mi on it. It now has over 100,000 mi and has had no major problems. Very reliable and as smooth and good looking as the day I bought it. Only real problem has been the tach going out.
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Love my LXi - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
By Mackerz22 - February 23 - 2:00 amI absolutely love my Sebring LXi, it is a lot of fun to drive and handles well. It gets great milleage on the highway and in town. Plus I love the sporty look Chrysler has given the LXi.
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My 2003 Sebring - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
By cooldiva - February 21 - 2:00 amI just purchased my 2003 Sebring LXI 2 months ago and I am exceptionally please with the smooth ride and dazzling exterior! Now it not only looks sporty, its looks more stylish and classier!! I also love the front grille and the reshaped hood. This car is so appealing and such a head turner! I feet so cool riding down the rode in my beautiful black LXI coupe. Thank you for the better paint because I had problems with my paint on my 1998. I also love the 4-CD in dash with the 7 speakers!!!! Also the new stainless steel look inside is such an eye catcher! So as you can see I am truly enjoying my new redesigned 2003 Coupe!
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Good looking - Bad problems - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By tonid - February 19 - 2:00 amDont get me wrong I love to drive my car, I put an air intake on her and this bumped the bhp to 177 and she turns heads. But she has been in the shop every couple of months, it is so bad they know my cell phone number by heart at the dealer. The roof has always leaked, I have had to have a new roof and a new carpet it has been so bad. I went through four batteries in four years due to a slight leak and corrosion. I now am experiencing a rough idle, an oil warning light, a break warning light, roof leaks and the interior panels are breaking down. I dont expect cars to last for ever but I definately will not be buying a new one.
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Classy and Sporty with a hint of Luxury - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
By GregginStPete - February 15 - 2:00 amToday marks one month with my 03 Sebring LXI Coupe. To date I am very pleased with my purchase and also enjoy a level of exclusivity that was not expected. The Sebring is an interesting blend of Japanese components and American Design, with some German influence thrown into the mix. (Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and Mercedes). I have not seen another car like mine on the road and receive a good amount of looks from other drivers often in high-end vehicles. Overall I find the Sebring to be a sporty blend of luxury and style with a good amount of passenger and cargo room. Fit and finish are good and better than most American cars.
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Repair Guzzler - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By Luigi - February 13 - 2:00 amI have owned this car from day one. The top was replaced in year 3. Since hitting 60k miles my engine light has continued to light up my dash with its lovely vibrant yellow. I had brought it to 3 different dealers, all giving me different diagnosis. Evaporate fuel seal leak was one of the popular answers. Needless to say my fuel system was redone twice costing me over a thousand bucks. The 96-97 Sebring has been rated one of the worst used cars to own. I think that sums it up.
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LOOKING FOR INPUT - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
By jrtaylor - February 13 - 2:00 amWith the Sebring, has anybody had a problem with the doors pulling off (falling)? The LeBarons doors were too heavy for the frame and tended to fall. What about oil seals? The convertible top leaks...pretty much a given, eh? Electonic sensors (transmission)? Steering rack?
