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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  2005 Chrysler Sebring GTC Sun Fun - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Glenn Merideth - December 19 - 8:41 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Sebring GTC by accident, looking for a Chrysler 300, the cute little Pearl Firemist Red GTC grabbed my eye and my heart, and the rest is history. I live out in the boonies in the shadow of the Montana Rockies, and my car has performed flawlessly in temps from 110 to minus 35, always starts instantly, and has never had a mechanical problem of any kind. I have used Mobile One every 5000 miles since new, and it uses no oil at 50000 miles now. Has averaged 28 MPG with 90 % highway miles, and 22 in town, or with the top down on the highway around 20. Great comfort, looks and build quality. I plan on keeping it for the rest of my life. I would buy it all over again.

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  Nice Sebring - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Commuter - December 19 - 5:41 pm

  My Sebring Touring has 4000 miles on it, averaging 30 mpg in mixed suburban and highway driving. It is a pleasant car with stability control, bluetooth, hard drive Sirrius radio and power driver seat, out the door for $19K. Acceleration is decent. The upright driving position is good and visibility fine. Controls are all easy to reach, and the gated shifter makes it easy to reach the gear I want without looking down. I am using the Sebring as a commuter vehicle 45 miles each way, and my fellow carpoolers have commented without being asked on the roomy rear seat, a real strength of this car as compared to many of its competitors. (I know, I sat in all of them.) No issues so far.

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  REMS ROAD TRIP - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By REMS - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Took on a short road trip to Palm Springs CA. from Seattle WA. I was not impressed with the gas mileage I thought it should have been higher for the size of car. The car was fine to ride in as long as you took a break every hour or so. It had lots of get up for passing. The car was quite for a convertable and with the top up was very confortable. I do not like driving this car in the rain however as the backend is light. The overall road trip was nice and had no suprises.

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  giddy up ah... go - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By sloroller - December 1 - 3:12 am

  We have the GTC model which has the sporty front end and hugs the turns nicely and does not sway. I put some self stick weather striping across the top at the front so closure would quiet the wind draft. It worked. Everything is ok about the car except for the quick stop and the quick start which it can do sporty but It seems the torque converter cant find the right gear to catch the engine at the sudden drop of the higher rpm then gassing it quickly. I have always thought that a 5 spd transmission could solve the problem. So we dont do any Hollywood stops and let the car come to a complete stop before hitting the throttle.

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  Road Machine - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By geezer51 - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with this car. Comfortable on long trips and has plenty of power.

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  Very Good Car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mark - November 22 - 11:27 pm

  Car rides and handles quite well. Comfortable for long trips. Looks pretty good with some decent quality to the interior materials, not full of cheap plastic. Very good stereo. Have had no real problems with it, so very reliable. Much better in that regard than my 2004 Hyundai Accent, or 90s model Ford cars. On the downside the fuel mileage isnt great. The visibility and maneuverability are somewhat lacking but Im used to compact cars. This is a bit of a boat. Windshield defrost takes forever, very ill conceived big center vent in the dash. Low ground clearance. Only a four speed automatic, should be five or six gears. Overall pretty happy.

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  Great car for me. Bad car for others. - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Debbie - October 23 - 9:24 am

  The reviews on this car are terrible. I hope my luck holds out. I love my car. I bought it used. Its build date is 3/2003 as a fleet car. For 4 years, Ive driven it and the only problem had to do with transmission & solenoid which dealer found. Cost less than $450 total to fix. I love my car. It is a lot of fun. I will trade it for another in a few years. Looking forward to the hard top convertible.

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  Cant wait until pay-off date - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Brokendisappointed - October 9 - 11:58 am

  I love this car-as long as everything is functioning properly (which isnt very often). The solenoid goes out every year, usually January or February. The sensors have minds of their own-my engine light is on more than it is off. I had to have a tranny overhaul this past February, as well as the solenoid replaced. Fuel economy is terrible, I dont give a damn what the specs say. The tranny pan gasket has been replaced twice. When the weather is cool/cold, there is a strange scraping noise coming from the rear axle.The seals on the headlight assemblies dry-rotted last year. Needs better sound barriers very noisy when driving. Nevertheless, I have no complaints about performance or handling.

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  Fun Car - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ironmike - September 10 - 10:34 pm

  One of the three most enjoyable cars Ive had in over 40 years of driving. Looks great. Bought it with about 50,000 miles and now have about 145,000. Has been very reliable. Fun to drive. The only improvement I would make is more comfortable cushions on the front seats. Im looking for a newer one with low miles.

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  Beware the 2.7 L V6 - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jim - September 9 - 11:35 pm

  I have had this car about 6 months. No problems until a few weeks ago with the oil light coming on. Was told it was a bad oil pressure sensor. My extended warranty that supposedly covered everything didnt cover it. It was replaced, 10 minutes after leaving the dealer it came on again. Was told it may be a bad oil pump, though the Nissan dealer i bought it from took it to a Chrysler dealer and all they did was replace it again and do an oil flush and change the oil ,free of charge. Took it home, found the Fog Lights stopped working. What next? Its too bad the under the hood issues take away from a great looking car. Cruises nice and gets good mileage with the V6.