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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  A great cheap car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mark T - July 20 - 11:02 pm

  Still have my 2002 Sebring, 180,000 mi, runs great! Was somewhat afraid to buy this car after reading reviews, but in Real World Driving ( I have to pay for it, put the gas in it, and Not get speeding tickets) I went ahead and am definitely more than pleased. Great mileage (ave. 32 mpg, mostly hwy driving) lots of room for large people, great power seats, and everybody loves the looks. As for the interior, yes its a bit hard in spots, but in my experience Ive found that in the long term, Chrysler interiors hold up very well. The four cylinder has adequate acceleration, and is dead quit on the highway. I think for the price you cant beat this car.

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  great car, poor reliability - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By james - July 16 - 12:36 pm

  Took car to dealership 3 times at 39,000 miles for stalling/ failing to start ended up having to replace my 2.7 L v6 engine not covered by my extended warranty, air conditioning doesnt work anymore, neither does the stereo or parking brake. Still, its very comfortable, handles well, gets decent gas mileage, and its paid for. Guess thats why I still drive it

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  Ill keep it - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By larry - July 14 - 11:45 am

  Wife bought the car on impulse: now an all-time fave. This car runs smooth as silk w/ 48,000 mi on it. Its quick and very agile. Had to change out ball joints and other front-end stuff at great expense, but after driving new Saab, Audi and MB convertibles, decided the differences werent worth $40,000! Ill keep it!

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  02 Sebring six years+ - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By EAG - July 14 - 11:09 am

  Overall good car if taken care of. minor overheat problem and alignment. Interior seats dont hold comfort over time and tend to sag.

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  My sexy experience - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lolita Greene - July 9 - 11:06 am

  I think the car is sleek and sexy and made for a woman. However, it is a heavy car. The doors and trunk door are heavy. I have had minor problems when the car is riding at a slow speed it jerks. I think an improvement would be to add a place to put your sunglasses when your top is up and they are not on your face( sexy shades is a must). Something to protect the glare off the touch screen when watching a movie. I really love my car is was a gift for my 40th birthday and I am constantly turning heads on the road. The hardtop convertible is like having two cars in one.

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  Like if more than I thought I would - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Roger - July 4 - 7:07 am

  I made the switch to the Sebring Touring from a 2002 Jaguar X-Type. I was purely looking for reliability and economy. So far I have both. In mixed driving the car is getting an average of 28 miles per gallon and over 30 mpg on the highway. I couldnt be happier with that. The car has nice features, but not the luxury I was used to. Even so, for about 21,000 sticker price it is a good value. The engine has plenty of power, although the transmission is not very smooth. Overall, if youre looking for an economical midsize car, I recommend at least test driving a Sebring.

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  Surprise Surprise - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By michael c - June 28 - 11:08 am

  The circumstances I got my Sebring in is another story, but it wasnt my initial choice. I was skeptical of Chryslers having owned a Neon that was a turd. But it turns out its just a Mitsubishi Eclipse in a Sebring body! It has been a great car. I do regular maintenance myself, and have used premium fuel and synthetic oil since the first change. It runs as strong with 7 yrs and 83,000 miles as it did with 10 days and 100.

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  Looks can be deceiving - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Joe R. - June 15 - 9:10 pm

  I am an ASE Certified Auto Tech who owns one, so knowing these vehicles is helpful in writing this review. The 2.4L DOHC 4-Cylinder has more than enough pep for running around town and on the highway without the A/C, but you can feel a big loss of power with the A/C on. The exterior styling has to be one of the nicest I have seen. The interior styling is also very nice, good layout of all the controls. The sound system is superb! This car seems to go through rotors from warpage quite often, it also seems to wear out outer tie rod ends quickly, and the auto trans in these cars go bad just looking at them, without proper care and feeding. Overall, I would recommend this car to a friend.

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  Wow, What A Surpise - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By MissShona - May 24 - 11:55 pm

  A couple of weeks ago I brought a 01 Sebring LX. I was on a tight budget but I still wanted a "cool" car. I never knew a Chrysler would fit the bill! Although I have an LX, it has the V-6 engine. This is my first automatic car but its so peppy I almost dont miss shifting. Passing and acceleration are no problem. Its comfortable on long road trips. It looks amazing for a 7 year old car. I was considering the Mitsubishi Eclipse from around the same years and this car was thousands cheaper than the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT (but with the same engine). The exterior looks very classy too.

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  JXI Limited Convt - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By SparkDog74 - May 11 - 1:54 pm

  I just bought the Limited model with the indiglo style dash, white faced gauges, and autostick. Love the car, gets attention you want and none that you dont. Two toned interior 2.5 is peppy not powerful. Chrome wheels are a nice touch, but expect the tires to be a little spendy. Just bought and putting it through its paces. Infinity sound systems is good, wish cd changer would read cd/rw formats. Looking for interior parts, I imagine they will be hard to find.