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:

• 

  The most horrible car I have ever driven - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Travis from TN - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is horrible. I had to have the transmission replaced at 111 miles. Since then I have had it back to the dealer 8 times for problems with acceleration associated with the new transmission. I have had to have the multi-function switch (turn signal) replaced, twice. I have also had to have the car checked out for clunking noises when I turn, stop, or am at a red light. Chrysler says that these are all characteristics of the car, therefore they are not responsible to repair them, even though they notice the same sounds and feelings as I do. Why would a car be designed to act this way? I have never driven another car I despise so much.

• 

  3 Year Owner - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By GregsJewel31 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had a pretty good experience so far with this car. I have over 70000 miles on it and it is still going. The acceleration could be better. When the engine is cold, it takes a while to get going in the morning. I love driving it with the top down. When the top is up, it seems kind of little inside. I am a little clausterphobic anyway. The one thing I dont understandis...where is the ashtray? I dont understand. I have never had a non-smoking car before...ha ha ha.

• 

  Feels good to drive. - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By tms - February 6 - 2:00 am

  My Sebring Convertible has been a solid, stable car. Its fun to drive, reliable and looks good. Thats more important than it sometimes seems, but it FEELS good to drive this car.

• 

  Feels good to drive. - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By TMS - February 6 - 2:00 am

  My Sebring Convertible has been a solid, stable car. Its fun to drive, reliable and looks good. Thats more important than it sometimes seems, but it FEELS good to drive this car.

• 

  One Great Car! - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By A. Holt - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a lot of cars over the years, including Acuras & Volvos, and none have been more reliable and dependable then my 96 Chrysler Sebring LXI. Outside of normal service nothing yet has gone wrong with it and Ive had it for over six years. And you should see it perform in the snow, its a tank. The leather seats still look NEW! This would be a GREAT car for a student.

• 

  what was I thinking????? - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By floridian - January 23 - 2:00 am

  this is the worst piece of workmanship I have ever driven - and Ive driven Edsels!! the front end scrapes on the slightest indentation in the road or driveway, it leaks oil, there is tar leaking from the bottom of the passenger door, the washers are always clogged...... I hate this car!!!!

• 

  I Love it - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By angels64048 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchases mine used. So, far I love it. Its fun to drive. Ive had to have new weather strips put on it. The people at Jack Miller have been great to work with. They have fixed everything that needed to be repaired.

• 

  Very good drive - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By markdm1 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving this car a lot since I got it last May. I put about 9,000 miles on it from June through August, and then Ive put another 7,500 on it in the last 4 months or so (about 16,500 total in the last 8 months) and its still running perfectly. It is comfortable, and you can feel a lot of power underneath you.

• 

  Dont Buy a 95 Sebring - 1995 Chrysler Sebring
  By Pekao - January 17 - 2:00 am

  This car looks great from the outside, maybe even the inside, but once you drive with it for more than a week, you begin to realize the true colors of the vehicle. The first thing that went wrong, was the heat. Then after i was told it would be over a thousand dollars to fix, the car wouldnt start half the time. And eventually cut out on me in the middle of the highway. If I were you i wouldnt buy a 95 sebring, sure its aestheticly pleasing, but the motor is a piece of crap.

• 

  FUN IN TH SUN - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By puttinfool - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car, has exellent styling and is much more attractive than the 2001 and newer models. Overlooked by many critics due to lack of horsepower.