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:
Showing 1271 through 1280 of 1,334.00-
For your information - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
By AM Duran - March 10 - 2:07 pmI bought the car used because I always wanted a convertible,and I could not afford a new one plus a coworker already owned one and he had no complaints about his car.This car I bought had 88K miles on it already.I like the way it drives kinda close to the ground, but its not too close,just right for me. Overall I am thinking about trading it in for a newer model because I have had such good luck with it so far.
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happy overall - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
By maria perera - March 5 - 10:23 amno complaints- quiet.considering past experiance [wind noise] roomy compared to any other overpriced convertible
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My Sebring Experience by JW - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
By JW - February 27 - 6:57 pmMain issue was reliability. Two top motors. Then rear window defogger kept coming off (7 times). Then steering column locked. Had to have it towed. Final straw was the transmission started shifting erratically. Dealer replaced mounts. Few days later no transmission. New torque converter, no credit for mounts. Two weeks later transmission starts to slip (had 70K miles on it at this point). Am 56 years old, take care of my cars.
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oldie but goody - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By deville04@msn.com - February 18 - 10:52 pmbought 2004 in 2016..............good fun car for Florida, parts getting hard to find now, go to independent service over any Chrysler dealer however. v6 are good engines, 4 cyl are verboten! never buy Chrysler 4 cyl in any vehicle.
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Very good car for my money - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
By EuroBoy8 - February 12 - 1:49 amI bought my Sebring just a couple of months ago and i lov it. It hasnt given me any problems at all. The only thing i changed on it since i bought it was my stereo system, and tires, nothing else. FOr the price that i paied for my car i dont think i could have gotten a better deal. I love my Sebring!
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no complaints - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By mray - February 2 - 11:55 pmI bought my car with 17,000 miles on it and have put 50,000 more on over the past four years. After an initial problem with the air conditioning pump, the balance of the miles have required only routine maintenance, brakes and a new set of tires. Highway mileage of around 30 mpg with the six cylinder engine, about 24 in mixed driving. Not a performance car, but it is a capable cruiser.
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Goodbye to the SUV - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By kittie5dogs - January 29 - 10:00 amThis is the most fun automobile I have ever owned! I have driven an SUV for the past 12 years and they have seen the last of me. At the tender age of 62 I decided that a convertible was for me and was I ever correct! I looked at the BMW as well as this Sebring Limited and theres no comparison and for so much less money! Love it!!
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2 DR SEBRING LIMITED CONVERTIBLE - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Sebring Lover - December 23 - 2:00 amI havent regretted the day we purchased this vehicle. Weve owned a Ford Mustang Convertible, but this vehicle is so much nicer (not to mention the trunk room is much larger).
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Straight to the point - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By arthuriam - December 17 - 10:00 amOverall a great car.
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Super Cool Cruiser - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By Funky - December 17 - 10:00 amI love this car, it has a real sports car look - like a Jaguar but at an affordable price and it can seat 4 in comfort, with the top down its a Super Cool Cruiser! Some of the interior bits are cheap plastic but they are on a Porch and Jaguar too! - I think what it lacks in performance and build quality it more than makes up for in style.
