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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FANTASTIC FIND - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Sissy - December 8 - 10:00 amThis car rides so smooth and quiet. Its really hard to believe its a convertible! We had a Mazda Miata, which we loved very much. Our Sebring is so much more roomier and smoother riding. A dream come true!
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I love it - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
By Wayne Kopp - December 5 - 9:07 amWe bought our car to take to Florida for 2 months. It has great styling, looks sporty and the seats are very confortable. I was extremely pleased with the gas mileage. The best feature is trunk space with a convertable. The back seats are very confortable. This is my first Chrysler in 43 years of driving many cars and models and I am very pleased. Have had it for 1 year and no problems at all.
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our new sebring convertible - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By m s s - December 1 - 10:00 amvery impressed with how much fun to drive and overall fit and finish. surprisingly quiet on open highway with top up or down. loaded with features especially compared with all the other convertibles out there to choose from, many costing thousands more.
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Good so far! - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
By jpassare - November 28 - 7:14 pmI purchased my 07 Sebring new, and put 25K miles in one year. In this time it only needed one minor fix to the trunk release. I have the 2.4l 4 cyl, and no issues with pep. Im a bit surprised by some reviews that report lack of pep. I travel a lot, and have driven many rental cars with 4 cyl. engines. I dont think any of them have as much go or more power than my Sebring. On the highway its quite and handles far better than I expected for the price I paid. On one recent highway trip I got 35 mpg doing mostly 70 mph. My only concern is if Chrysler will stay in business to honor the life time power- train warranty that came with my car for no extra cost!
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Chrysler Sebring Convertible = fun - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By dave III - November 22 - 10:00 amGreat car; fun to drive; very reliable for me.
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Outstanding luxury sleeper! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By Ken Thurman - November 18 - 4:45 pmOne of the finest cars Ive owned. A real head-turner & BMW- surpriser! I got the loaded performance 5-speed with 24-value Mitsu V6. Gorgeous indigo exterior with gray leather, "wood" trimmed, 4-CD blowout sounds interior. At first changes added K&N filter, Z- Max & 245x45 Toyos. Been absolutely rock-solid reliable & thats even after hot laps around Sears Point & Laguna Seca! What a rush. Only complaints are a bit too much wind noise, limited rear quarter vision, & power mirrors lost power. Oil, belts, brakes, & tires are only money Ive had to put in. At 75,000 miles. No major maintenance until I reach 90,000 miles + 100,000 warranty to boot! Great!
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WhoooHooo - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By dride9 - November 3 - 10:00 amI have just recently purchased a 2004 and this car is great. I had a 2002 bonneville, and let me tell you I love this car much more. It just goes to show you that simplicity is better. Though it doesnt have the buttons that the bonnie had, it still is far more superior in looks and styling. Can say that I am a chrysler man from now on. And the chrysler dealership that I purchased it from has went beyond the call of duty. No wonder chrysler symbolizes perfection.
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MY BABY! - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
By love my sebring - October 29 - 7:42 pmI went to a Nissan dealership, and drove away with a Chrysler. Im a college student, wanted to get something I wouldnt have to pray would break down on me. Test drove a few Nissans then I test drove the Sebring, and then took it home. I love the way the car looks. Its great on gas, and the sound system is great. People have been complaining about the pick up, I think the car is quite peppy, and when Im on the highway I dont even realize how fast Im going sometimes. The inside feels sorta like a airplane cockpit, but I love my car ! I love the gas mileage it rivals a Honda, or Nissan . Not bad for an American made car
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After rough beginning... - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By newyorker - October 25 - 2:00 amHad the auto-start installed and it screwed up the electrical system where we had it in the shop for the first week of its new life! Grand Prix made up for it with lifetime oil changes though...so no complaints now! Excellent car...very sturdy for a convertible - thank god we didnt buy the Cabrio (we were real close!), which felt like a Go Cart compared to this car.
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Silver Beauty - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
By George - October 19 - 1:41 pmTwo months ago we bought a red LX model of this car with a 4 cylinder engine. We loved it so much that we bought this one. It has more standard features, but is no less fun to drive. Weve had no problems with it, and its powerful, well made, smoothly running car.
