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:

• 

  GTC Needs Something - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By snowdogg - February 21 - 3:55 pm

  This car is fun but all the design/build shortcuts make it a question mark as to how long it will hold up. I drive more than 20K miles a year and can see potential problems ahead. At 50K the brakes seem like they need to be replaced, the suspension groans and creaks, the body has lots of rattles and there are small but annoying noises coming from behind the dash. The washer fluid freezes in the winter, the car takes very long to warm up, there is not even a height adjustment on the drivers seat and I can see wear on the convertible top from rubbing on the frame. i wish that I could say lots of good things about it. I really wanted to "drive American" but this unit is a disappointment!

• 

  Number 3 - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dan - February 17 - 7:11 pm

  My 1st was a 99 JXI conv. My 2nd was an 03 Limited conv. and my present, an 06 Limited conv. I obviously like the car. Ive had good luck w/all. Each was purchased 2yrs. old w/low mileage. Ive gotten compliments on all 3. Theyve all been fun to drive w/very few repairs and each has improved over the previous. The 06 seems more solid and more quiet at time of purchase than the 03. The ride is smooth and it handles very well. I live in Pa. and drop the top every chance I can from March till Nov.

• 

  Surprised - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By ed - February 16 - 7:18 am

  I have a Touring Sedan 2.7, a car generally cross-shopped by consumers looking in the 4cyl Accord/Camry price range. Edmunds leaves this model out of the pull down menu. This car is what I have long appreciated in my Hondas the "we make it simple" principle. As an example, compare the Sebrings three knob HVAC controls to the mess of buttons that now plagues the Accord. The Sebring has an ultra rigid body and the touring suspension has the travel and damping required to navigate Americas deteriorating roads. The 2.7 touring model is a very capable driver too. The seating position is excellent and support good posture. Boston sound is superb and when it is off, the interior is silent.

• 

  Annes review - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Anne - February 14 - 11:53 am

  I had my Sebring for several years, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I got as much as 36 miles to the gallon (and yes, thats 36) and around town consistently got in the low 20s. We added a member to our family and decided to go with a larger vehicle, so the Sebring got traded in 2006. I miss it, and would have another in a heartbeat!

• 

  good car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By kimbracrowe - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Good car, after totaling a Toyota Solara, I purchased the first thing I could find. My heart was not in the purchase. I will say the car has grown on me and it gets a lot of compliments. It has been very reliable, kinda hard on brakes though. Sunroof vibration is really annoying at low speeds. I wish the sunroof was retractable into the roof. Cup holders are to far away for easy use. Great Sound system.

• 

  First Convertable, Love it! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Scott Weber - February 4 - 4:41 pm

  I was absolutly in love with this when I ordered it. After a few months I still love it but its not perfect. With the hard top, when it rains, the water tends to flow along the edge of the seam by the front part of the roof and off the sides. So when you open the door you will get wet. Not a big deal for me but I could see other people having an issue with it. It requires two hands to put the seat back. This is stange...you have to lift the level with one hand and push the seat back with the other. The spot between the windsheild and hood tends to collect leaves in the fall. The engine does have nice pickup except when you first start it...sluggish. Everything else is great!

• 

  Happy camper - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By arrow sun - January 23 - 10:00 am

  we are very happy.

• 

  Sebring convertible - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By VCCole - January 18 - 12:34 pm

  I purchased this car as a former leased/rental vehicle in 2004, so it had probably been thrashed on. Considering that, it has performed pretty well.

• 

  Nice car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By debbie - December 29 - 7:44 pm

  Its a nice car to take on vacation, and to go cruising too. Good on gas, love to go riding with the top down

• 

  Not a powerhouse but smooth ride - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By KC MOM - December 6 - 12:20 pm

  After 12 years of driving a Firebird convertible I finally faced the fact it would not last forever. With 2 junior high aged kids I was looking for a used car with enough backseat legroom for 2 5 foot tall+ kids and a reasonable price, as we will have 2 teen drivers soon so didnt want to spend a fortune on a new car. Looking at Carfax, a lot of the late model Sebrings were former rentals, but was finally able to find a low miles one owner 05 for 10 grand less than new.