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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  Basically a Fun Car BUT! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By SirSteven - May 8 - 12:47 pm

  I now have 10,000 trouble free fun miles except I had a mygig radio option. Dont let anybody kid you it is junk! In the first three months I was without a radio for at least two months. It came on when it felt like it. I was promised a software up grade each month. It never came! Finally it got here. They put it in and radio was worse. The installed a new radio. It wasnt new it was a refurbished. What a laugh. It was worse then the first on plus the switched hard drive capacity. It still didnt work. The bluetooth locked up with the phones and your party could not hear you. The put in another refurbished unit and it again was junk. Now have a new unit from a demo car and its junk

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  Absolute Headache - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By subfarm - April 25 - 8:09 pm

  I loved this car when I bought it, but I have spent 5k just maintaining it in a little over a year. First it was regular maintenance - replace the timing belt at 90,000, little things like that, but then the fuel pump failed with no warning, there is a constant misfire that has been looked at by SIX different mechanics (including 2 Chrysler dealerships) and no one can tell me what is causing it, the computer isnt listing codes. It got FANTASTIC gas mileage up until the drama with the misfire began. Theres been other problems owning this car is like being pecked to death by chickens. I will never purchase another Chrysler. OH and it leaks like a sieve when it rains!

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  Glad to have it! - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By david c. - April 24 - 12:57 pm

  I purchased my 2006 sebring used in January 2007 with 16,000 miles on i. It has been a great car. I had a few minor adjustments to make during the warranty period, the drivers window and the rear defroster (both under warranty, of course) this car has been steady and reliable in the 16 months I have owned it... I recommend it with confidence... A smooth ride, nice sound system and overall a very nice car...

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  Not impressed - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By burton83 - April 21 - 9:38 am

  Had to replace exhaust, door hinge, front disc brakes replaced 2 times before 60,000 km!

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  i love my car - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By razze69697 - March 29 - 8:29 pm

  i love this car the only thing is having to change the timing belt but i have never been stranded and good on gas sand pretty roomy for a convertible. Still runs strong w/167,000k miles

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  starting to leak!! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Nancy B. - March 20 - 3:52 pm

  I have had my sebring for less then a week and it is already starting to leak around the "convertible" parts to the back windows. The dealership is going to look into this. Other then that I love the car!

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  A Piece of the 50 - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By renewedamericanbuyer - March 15 - 1:06 am

  Formerly a Jaguar owner going through a mid-life crisis, I decided to bite the proverbial bullet purchasing a Bright Silver Sebring GTC. Though not a Jaguar by far, it is an absolute joy to drive, except for the constant, rough transmission shifting in and out of 1st gear (auto), rain dropping in with a window open (a simple rain drip molding at the windshield would solve this issue), cheap interior trim that even Hyundai surpasses in quality, lack of what we currently deem necessary standard equipment absent, unavailable, or non-equipped from the factory, and an enhanced ownership program would be nice, after all, isnt that what the merger with Mercedes was meant to do? Wheres the substance?!

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  2004 Chrysler Sebring Touring - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By sauceco - March 11 - 10:00 am

  With the exception of brake rotor replacement early on (4,000 mi.)The car has been great so far. A nice mid-sized car that has very good road manors, in all weather conditions. Chrysler service has been quick and curteous, A great buy from a great company

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  Wonderful fun car - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By flygirl - March 7 - 1:03 pm

  This car was a great find at $5.5K. As long as you keep an eye on & prevent/repair the usual Chrysler stuff (timing at 100k, belts, on time maintenance, regularly clean trans) youll find it lasts forever. I have no garage, the car is 13 w/158k and is just starting to show rust speckles, but few. Front end has been a challenge, but overall this car hasnt cost much more than normal maintenance. Love the pep and sleekness of the car. I even tow packaged it and tow my canoe/trailer.

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  Some flaws but over good car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By DrinkingStar - February 22 - 3:06 pm

  Ive driven my car for about 1000 miles. The precision of the steering, the brakes and the standard audio system are the best of any car Ive owned. It gets 24-26 mpg & I have gotten 28.3 mpg mainly hwy with some city driving. Acceleration is decent but seems to be slower than it really is because of the smooth ride. Even though the cabin space is bigger than my 97 Sebring ragtop, there is less front & almost no rear legroom compared to the 97. The fit & finish of the interior & the materials make the car look retro-futuristic. As for the design, it is comparable to the Japanese cars. The ride is as good as an Acura or Scion and the interior & trunk space are better than the VW Eos.