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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  2004 Sebring LX 2.4 - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By CRS - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money

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  Never too old.... - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By ginna york - November 18 - 5:04 pm

  for a sporty convertible. My 2004 Sebring is my retirement baby to travel the countryside. Im 63, always wanted one, finally have one and loving it. Sporty Granny.

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  Me! Me! Me! - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bob JOnes - November 16 - 10:00 am

  A very cool and good looking car!

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Suirtimed - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic vehicle. Lots of bang for the buck. The 6 cylinder has plenty of get up and go. Compared to other vehicles with the larger engine and leather this was the best deal by far.

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  Best new car ever purchased! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By ejm604 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely not one problem area!

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  great car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By mrsgreen - October 7 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car because i previously owned a 99 conv. if it hadnt been so run down i would have kept it. one of the nicest vehicles i have ever bought. i know people who only buy foreign, but with this vehicle you get alot for your money. the gas mileage has improved, the ride is nicer and overall, i would buy another one.

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  A good buy! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By John Chawolsky - September 17 - 10:00 am

  We traded a 1997 JXI convertible and are very pleased with our decision. So far, its had the fewest number of problems that weve ever experienced in a new car.

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  Very Nice Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By swimjax - August 19 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a little "bling," this car will give you some good looks. This one turns lots of heads. Its comfy, stylish, and has solid quality. Great car for the money. Solid road manners, too. I get lots of compliments on this car. The dealership that sold me this car is the BEST. This is the second car in our family from this dealership, and I wouldnt think of going anywhere else - friendly service, no-pressure sales, and service people who do anything to get you in for an oil change at the last second.

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  My Sebring 2002 - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By yalelaw2002 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my sebring sedan. It is a great car, it is stylish, it has a unique look that makes it stand out from the other sedans, and its sporty. There is so much room on the inside, it makes it feel so comfortable and cozy. I have not had any real mechanical problems (the motor to the windshield washing fluid had to be replaced), and I know that every time I get inside to take a trip, whether its to the local store or across country (Ive made several cross country trips), it will drive like the first day I left the dealership.

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  love it - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By DB - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it and I love it. Compares favorably in luxury and roominess to competitor models, and chrysler has invested significantly in reliability. Good value.