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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  Thanks - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By LingLing - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We are very pleased with our Sebring Limited. After driving it for a little over 5 weeks now we have experienced no problems. Used Edmunds.com to arrive at the dealership with a price, they were right on the money and we believe it was a large part of a nice buying experience, they gave us their price and we gave them ours, driving out of the dealership in slighly more then an hour. Only complaint to date is the windshield structor limits my view at traffic signals.

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  Wow...impressive car. - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By stvkrenim - December 13 - 2:00 am

  The car has a surprisingly comfortable and quiet ride, a dramatic improvement over the 96 Cirrus I used to own. The interior seems a lot nicer, too. The cars engine is peppy enough for most situations, but when you really want to get moving quickly, the 2.4L engine is somewhat taxed by the cars weight. It never really feels truly underpowered...but it never feels like it has power to spare, either.

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  I dont see the problems everyone has??? - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By money1973 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my JXi w/ 74K miles on 11/01 and thought I would have the typical "Chrysler" problems. 13 months later has 89,300 and I couldnt be happier. It ALWAYS starts and never left me stranded. Temps can get to -15 in winter and the 2.5 V6 always starts instantly. The only repairs, new wheel bearings and tranny cooler lines. The valance on the bottom of the rear window has separated from the glass, but the its only an appearance item so no water leaks. I do dread the $1300 100,000 mile tune up and timing belt change. I dont baby my cars and this JXi just keeps running. Could I have the only reliable Chrysler Sebring JXi ever built??!! LOL!

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  Sebrings Rock! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bremen Sedai - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I first purchased a Sebring in 2001, a used 2000 model with 34000 miles on it. The car was incredible: stunning looks, the most spacious money can buy, and all the power, sound and comfort I could want. I havent had a single problem with the car, even though I didnt own it for the majority of its use! Even so, I wanted to buy new, so I purchased a 2004 Limited, top of the line model. The new exterior styling for this year is great and looks more agressive than previous models. The interior styling isnt quite as good as my 2000, but the exterior makes up for that--and so does the price!

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  Excellent car - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Peter Larsen - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I have been close to 100% satisfied with my Sebring conv. True: Its not quite at Audi or BMW levels when it comes to interior plastics, but if it had cost $15000 more, it probably would have. It is very rigid (a pleasure to drive over diagonal RR- crossings !) Engine is happy to do what you ask it to, excellent. Transmission adjusts itself to shift a bit on the slow side, but thats most likely due to my agerage driving style (bumper to bumper traffic). I have had a couple of minor problems, one power window went bad after the car was rust- proofed (by the dealer). Not their fault really, and handled without discussion. Highly recommened.

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  Sebring Convertible - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Matrixfin - November 27 - 2:00 am

  The car is comfortable. Has a great sound system. But needs some acceleration.

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  I Hate This Car ! - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By M&M - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I hate to say it but this is the worst car Ive ever owned. The front end is way too low... bottom out everywhere. Both door handles have fallen off @ different times. Had transmission problem with a computer chip in 1st. year. Paint on molding has faded to dull grayish/black. Power windows seem to "stick" sometimes and just wont open. The worst was when a black tar- like substance started leaking from inside the doors. The dealer repaired it, TWICE! Then I had to demand new floor mats because that junk got on my mats. I go through tires like crazy!

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  Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By wannie - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I love it. I love it. I love it. Now repeat after me. I love it. I love it. I love it.

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  Sebring LXI - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By anne - November 18 - 2:00 am

  One thing I notice is it is inconvient to put a CD into the playerwhen the car is in park or reverse There is not enough room meaning you have to move around the gear shift.Nocup holders, seats hard. hard to seeout of rear window due to the rear coming up to high.1 cupholder that the car did offer fell apart.At 65k I notice the trasmission to be "slipping".It doesnt seem to shift correctly.the passanger door needs to aligned which could cost $300it doesnt shut right when the window is up.BIG PROBLEM window needs to be down in order to close properly. Does the sensor in the rear view mirror really work?

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  Sebring as reliable as ever - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By slider5 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Works great. Good performance.