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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  Get Ready to spend money on the Tires - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By amc42 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The tires on the Sebring are very expensive and they dont last long. I hit a pot hole and bent the rim on the car. The steering wheel does not tilt or lift up. Ive had brake problems. The car is extremely low to the ground- curb magnet. Low resale value.

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  Makes a better paper weight - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By peter128 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Before I had my first 500 miles on the car, I had to bring it back to the dealer for a whining engine sound, which was the first of many visits. I am frustrated with the poor quality construction. I know have 45K on the car and I need a new transmission. This will be my last chrysler ever. The car looks great, as long as its not moving.

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  Never Again - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By HowardL - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This will be my last American automobile purchase or Mitsubishi. Trans problems, recalls, expensive tires and parts as well as poor front end design and the turning circle of the HMS Titanic made this the "car in the driveway". Underpowered and noisy, this was the sexiest piece of junk I ever owned.

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  Fun to Drive - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By muellme60614 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  A solid good car that is fun to drive. A 2-door, but with the room of a 4- door and plenty of trunk space.

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  2001 Sebring Limited - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sherry Altman - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Chryster really needs to work on the Sebring. I have had problems with my car such as transmission, fuel injectors, electronic door locks that I feel should not happen with a car less than 3 years old.

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  wish I could do over - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Rosemarie B - March 29 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned! I am a tall person and I find the car uncomfortable. The seatbelt chokes and burns my neck. The scoupe broke from being too low. I have had brake problems,panel probs,the car is uncomfortable for passengers taller than 5 ft. I feel boxed in between the roof hight and the steering wheel. Not good for long trips. I liked it in the beginning, but grew to dislike it.Turning radius awful. Sorry!

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  Buyer Beware - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Quality-lacking - February 12 - 2:00 am

  The car is extremely noisy with the top up. The seals have been replaced numerous times with no success. Rough ride,trunk leaks, has rattles galore, makes sporadic fog-like sounds, has terrible blind spots, paint defects - many recurring problems. I would not recommend this car or any Chrysler, for that fact, to anyone wanting to buy a convertible. The constant problems have taken all enjoyment of owning a convertible - what a waste of good money.

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  Lots of problems - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jim Graff - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car in the shop more than I can count! Lots of issues with windows not working, computer not working, no heat, several bad cam sensors. One time I was driving down the hiway and the gas pedal stopped working. Lots of problems.

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  I hate this car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By very dissapointed - December 16 - 2:00 am

  My first problem was that the dashboard would not illuminate at night. After that an anti-lock brake sensor went out followed by a broken brake pad. After that the door would lock itself when I tried to open it from the outside. That took 8-9 trips to the dealer to be repaired. I have had the cd player replaced and the drivers side speaker replaced two times. I have had to have my drivers side window replaced because it would no longer function. My latest pproblem is a transmission fluid leak and my car only has 20000 mile on it!

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  very disappointing - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Resentful - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Turning radius is very wide. it takes at least three+ lanes to make a u turn. I have had to replace brakes once a year and the car goes through tires even faster. This car has been nothing but a pain.