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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  it is a pimping car - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By LERAB22 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  i got 45k on the car, never had a problem. its a nice ride. to bad i just sold it. but i got the M3 convertible wich is fun too

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  Sebring JXI - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By jjtyler - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Dont depend on the car for acceleration. Many rattles and average road noise. Leaks every time it rains ( has been back to the dealer 3 times)

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  Dont believe all you read - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By bruiser - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Drove everything out there, SUVs,midsize sedans and entry level luxury and for the money the Sebring is hard to beat. Nice body,tight handling,powerful engine(V-6),roomy interior and thousands less than the competition.Read all the put-downs about the Sebring but my advice is drive one and see for yourself. Compare it to the Camry,Altima and Passat and look at the handling,ride,quietness,power,interior room and the looks. THEN look at the cost.Easy decision for me.

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  Owner of a 1996 Sebring LXi - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By dvannort28 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Car seemed to run extremely well. I have 128,000 on my car and it runs like a champ. The only 2 problems Ive had with the car are as follows: 1). Front End-going through set after set of tires. About 3 sets in one year. Had to replace all of lower front end at 120,000 miles. 2).Transmission pan leak at 128,000. Other than that I love my car!!!!

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  Sebrings Rock - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By bremensedai99 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Driving in this vehicle is sooooo fun. While the interior design is not as good as the 2000 model, it is still a gorgeous vehicle. Drives great, looks great, sounds great.

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  Report at 78000 miles - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By insureyourself - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Have driven this vehicle to 78,000 miles -- it has been problem free. Excellent economy when you drive the speed limit. Great heater and AC. Following the maintenance schedule -- change oil at 7,500 mile intervals -- no need to do more frequently if you use quailty filters and oil. Wonderful ride w/ top down. Very good ride with the top up. If you want a convertible for grown-ups, this is the car.

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  I LOVE IT - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Miles - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 96 jx with four cylinder for a year now and have reached the 100,000 mile mark and stil going. I have had only minimal problems and love the car very much.With preventive maintance as with anything you can keep these cars from reaching into you wallet.I would not listen to heavily to the reviews that are completely negative.The sebrings are roomy convertibles and comfortable to drive.

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  A great car for the price - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Rudy - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Considering the price of this car compared to others in its class it is a real steal. Great car to drive.

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  love the car, hate the brakes - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By sleepy - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, enjoy driving it, but hate the brakes. Brakes started squeaking very soon after I purchased it (it was new) and have now been replaced twice. Car gets good gas mileage and has otherwise been very reliable. Ill probably keep it for at least another couple of years. Just please, Chrysler, fix the brakes! And make it a little easier to turn (semis make u-turns better).

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  Solid, fun-to-drive & not a single prblm - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Doctor P - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I drove some sporty cars with good gas mileage in the past (Sunbird, Saturn SC), but there was always a prblm of no room in the back seat for adults.So I tried my 1st convertible, the Sebring, mainly because it had a back seat big enough for adults, & still looked sporty. Consumer Reports had it rated only average, but Ive been pleasently surprised -- its a solidly built car with upper 20s MPG (mixed highway/city)that has run w/o even a hint of a problem.