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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  An Economy Luxury Vehicle - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By MikeInCA - November 17 - 6:52 pm

  The 4 cyl Sebring is an attractive if somewhat basic car. The interior is well designed and presents well. Its cruise control, remote entry/trunk release and power locks/windows/mirrors provide the basic luxury youd expect, but thats about it. The MP3 stereo is a nice touch. The MPG is as advertised. There is a recall on a part that can cause a high pitch whine while driving, though its not advertised anywhere (my car has 24k miles on it). The 4 cyl is surprisingly spunky, offering some thrill factor, but not off the line. The 2007 Sebring 4 cyl offers basic luxury in an attractive package for a reasonable price. In todays gas market, its not a bad alternative to the V6s.

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  10 Month Review - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By LtdOwner - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Only one problem: extremely high wind noise with the top up. A low roaring wind noise comes through the top front and a whistling noise from around the windows. Sounds like youre at the airport watching jets take off! Loud wind noise is due to poor seal with the top front clips and the rubber seals around the windows not sealing tightly. Dealership adjusted windows and the top front clips which greatly reduced the noise but it came came back after a few days of driving. Its actually quieter driving with the top down! Before you buy take it down the freeway with the top and windows up to make sure yours doesnt also sound like youre in a wind tunnel.

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  Sebring Convertible - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Vince - November 7 - 10:00 pm

  Ive only owned the vehicle for a few months (it was a present for my wife) but Ive enjoyed the simplicity of the dashboard and the leg room in the front. I cant wait until the spring to put down the top on a regular basis. The cost versus other comp. cars is what impressed me along with the style of the car. Its sleek and not boxy. More like on the jaguar line.

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  ? - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By dottie - November 4 - 10:00 am

  my car keeps cutting off when I makea a complete stop. I have took it back to the dealer ship 3 times, and they can not find anything wrong with it. I am driving the same kind of car while they are trying to fix mine. the car that i am driving now keeps cutting off on me while I am driving.

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  Good thing baby - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By tom - October 30 - 2:19 pm

  I really love this car. I have had it for a year and a half and like it more now than day 1. Car is solid and very quiet for a convertible. I have had nothing at all go wrong in the 37,000 miles of ownership

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  Last Chrysler I buy - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Joe - October 29 - 10:18 pm

  Nice looking car, inside and out, comfortable. 2.4L engine lacks power and the fuel mileage not so great for a 4 cylinder. The engine is not built very well. It is noisy, lots of lifter and valve noises. Sounds like it is going to come apart. Trips to the dealer have proved useless I was told that they all sound like that. My next car is going to be a Toyota or a Honda. I would not recommend Chrysler vehicles to my friends

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  I love this car - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Linsey - September 30 - 2:25 pm

  We bought this car 4 years old and I believe it still drives like it did when the first buyer bought it. It is fun and stylish. It gives the feel of a sports car without the price tag or insurance boost. Whoever designed this car needs a raise! This car is for someone who loves driving. You would have to be able to get up and down easily and not have to get to the back seat very often.

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  Still Love It, 5 Years Later - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Tracey - September 12 - 8:52 pm

  Bought my 02 Chrysler Sebring 4D Sedan brand new for just under $16K. No problems except for a bad battery. Comfy car, great stereo, smooth ride. Only complaint is gas mileage. With stop and go traffic in Atlanta, I only get about 21/22 miles per gallon. But, other than that, Im a happy customer. Will probably buy a Sebring convertible when (if??) my 02 ever wears out... this is the first non- import car Ive ever owned and I have no complaints!

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  Beware the timing belt - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Joey Redeye - September 7 - 4:21 pm

  Dont buy one of these used unless you can be sure the timing belt has been recently replaced. The belt is supposed to last 105K miles, but they frequently break earlier. Its a major repair and can lead to complete engine failure. Handling is a little loose. Brakes are squishy. Road noise way too excessive, even for a convertible.

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  2007 Sebring touring vehicle - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By MARGARET - September 5 - 6:32 pm

  The car is very roomy. The gas mileage was a major factor in purchasing the vehicle. Gas mileage averaging around 27 mpg, that includes city and highway driving. I got the touring model. First front wheel drive vehicle I owned, I like it. I would recomend this vehicle to family and friends.