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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  Great car since I bought it. - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Carrie - May 14 - 6:05 pm

  I bought this car new and am still driving it. I have 123K on it now. Problems I have had with it over the years are: At 23K transmission had issues, but they re-built it under warranty and I havent had an issue since. Wheel bearings went once at around 65K. Air conditioning goes on and off at random which Im told is a control pannel issue. I have had multiple heat resisters replaced which is a well known issue for this car. I also have chrome wheels which is the most pain as they lose air constantly. The engine light stays on from a bad gas cap sensor. Oil light comes on at stops after long drives, but does not appear to be serious. Despite issues, I still feel it is reliable

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  Wow! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By woggly - May 7 - 11:16 pm

  Wonderful automobile, Great fuel mileage, low maintence. Very quite and fun to drive. What a value! If you drive one youll buy one. averaging 34.2 mpg with 60/40 hwy to city driving. Recently averaged 34.2 mpg on a 360 mile trip at 70+ mph.

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  good - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By eric12 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  good car and good shape. very nice

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  Luv it - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mark - April 28 - 3:18 pm

  Just bought my Sebring coupe in March.I got a great deal on it and its a fun car to drive,This is the 68th car Ive owned and I love it.Great mileage,handles well(except on washboard roads)and accelerates quickly!No problems to speak of.Ive owned Mopars from 72 to 96 and this is the best one yet.Does have a hesitation from a stop,but Ill work that out this Summer.I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a good,fun car thats dependable and stylish and reasonably priced.

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  Nice ride, terrific value - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jeff - April 8 - 6:01 pm

  My 2001 Sebring Convertible was a terrific car that never had any problems. With all of the incentives out there, I decided to trade it in for an 08 model. Heres some comparisons: - 08 model rides higher, which is nice. - 01 model had a notably bigger cabin - both the front seats and (especially) the rear seats. That said, the 08 is still a comfortable, smooth ride. - The V6 engine in my 01 Sebring had much better accleration. The 08 2.7- liter V6 is adequate, but the difference in power is palpable. - The 08 model has tighter handling and a better turning radius. On balance, the 08 Touring model is a tremendous value. Its a sharp looking, comfortable car with great features.

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  GTC 5 SPEED: UPDATE - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Shifter - April 6 - 3:07 pm

  Update: 44,000 miles. My "black-on- black beauty" 5 speed manual continues to be just that. The mirror-like finish remains deep and clear, and still maintains like-new appearance. The last tank of fuel (city driving) yielded 23 mpg, and that fluctuates in a range of 21-23 city--all on original plugs. With the exception of two switch replacements in the heat-ac blower, the car has been absolutely mechanically excellent. One change noted, however, is the presence in Winter, when the cabin is cold, of loud squeaky sounds where the top meets the windshield frame. As the cabin heats up the sound diminishes in loudness. Handling remains tight & I love the 5 speed control in snow and rain.

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  My Excellent Sebring Coupe! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mindy - March 31 - 9:07 am

  I purchased my 02 Sebring LXI coupe used with just over $100,000 miles on it and I was going to be the 3rd owner. I was trading up from my 1997 Sebring coupe. Yep, thats right. I loved my 97 so much I was determined to get another. All maint. records came w/car and throughout very little troubles. And I have done nothing to it but new tires and oil changes in the 2 years I have owned it. It now has 125,000 miles and runs great. I feel so lucky to have such a great car. They are EXCELLENT cars, I highly recommend. Chrysler and other domestic cars are all I will ever own.

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  Great Mid Size Car - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By D.B. - March 26 - 9:46 am

  Just got this sebring, but I already love this car. Gets great mpg as opposed to the Dodge caravan I had. Four cylinders are all noisy so that doesnt bother me, performance is good for a four banger, could use more headroom up front but thats the trade off for its sleek styling.

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  Wonderful Car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By mae - March 13 - 10:27 am

  I love my new convertible. It has great get up and go, fully loaded, touch screen nav and radio, drink heat/cool, pleanty of room for my two teenagers in the back seat. Leather is durable for our trips to the beach and my kids clunky backpacks. Im in my mid-thirties and I get loads of compliments. Its wonderful. Great value as well.

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  The ragtop is back! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By kishbaugh - March 11 - 10:00 am

  No need to keep looking at expensive European convertibles. The Sebring has all the features of the Saab 930 and Volvo C70 convertibles plus room for two adults in the rear seat at half the price. From the heated seats to the dual radio steering controls this car delivers interior genius. The exterior will turn heads at every corner. The redesigned front fascia is better looking than the Ford T-bird. The cloth top is extemely quiet and well built. I have had the top down with outside temps as low as 45F with the seat warmers and heat on it was great. Test drive this car tomorrow and you will buy it!