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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  Stay Away From This Car! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Grneyes421 - April 9 - 1:42 pm

  Everything worked fine for the first 1.5 years. Then noticed leaking when it rained, and I mean front and rear floor flooded. Had to scoop the water out. Then it was a snow ball effect in repairs. Battery,Valve cover gasket, timing belt, and water pump $700 Brakes and Tires $450 Misc stuff $300 New motor for window $100, Catalytic Converter (didnt fix) all in 6 weeks? Then BLAMMO Blew a Freaking Rod! Still owe $4000 on the loan. Now Im left with a heap of scrap metal with moldy carpets on a good set of tires. They want you to buy American, well make it reliable. Looking for a Honda or Toyota now..

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  Gorgeous Car - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By katie1nel - March 26 - 4:55 am

  I love my Sebring! Ive had her for over 2 years now and have never had any trouble with her. The interior is roomy, Im 510" tall and have no problems hitting my head. It came with Eagle LS tires and I switched to Michelin Destiny. It reduced the road noise dramatically! Truck is nice and big, the back seat is roomy and I like having the option to put the seat down in the back. I get compliments on my car all the time! Glad I got the 2006 model, the 2007 and later model isnt all that attractive to me. Thrilled with it!!

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  HORRIBLE - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Kristina - March 25 - 3:26 pm

  My sister and I both bought our Sebrings the same day. The worst decision ever. Between the two of us we have had just about every problem listed in this forum. Its awful to save up for months for your upcoming wedding and have your engine blow (happened to both of us). This car should come with a box of Kleenex for all the heart break it causes and a free savings acct. so you can get a little jump on the repair bills.

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  Im a Sucker - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By you got to be kiddin - March 24 - 1:26 pm

  I bought this car new in 2006. The day I brought it home the computer board was shot and had to bring it back next day. Since then nothing but trouble. Car came back with scratches all over the dash and again had to be replaced. I have since paid for two sensors to be replaced had two seals and two belts replaced still not working had it done again and is now sitting in a pubble of oil outside my work. I have had to replace brakes twice new tires and makes a constant noise I only have 39,000 miles on the car. Worst day ever the day I brought home this piece of crap. Too low to the ground, noisy and unreliable. Even the sun roof leaks.

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  Great car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dezines47 - March 23 - 1:00 pm

  Purchased car as a replacement for my 2000 jxi limited and LOVE IT. A convertible that can take my family of 4 to the beach for a long weekend w/ plenty of room. I read a lot about it before purchasing and ran it through its paces before settling on it. the 3.5 has lots of power and gets over 30mpg on the highway with the top down. Although it does get squirrely with the hard top down. My impressions of this car is with the top up it feels like your driving a luxury car. With the top down, pure sun worship. The biggest surprise was with the hard top up and windows down, I am reminded of the feeling of driving my 1976 Camaro around in the nice weather.

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  Dream Car for my son - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Matt - March 12 - 2:37 pm

  We bought this car for my 16 year old son and he loves the car. It had style, a safe rating, and seemed very dependable. Ive read the mixed reviews and was a little nervous, however reviews can be deceiving. All his friends are now bugging their parents for a convertible and our son is very grateful. We would do it again - in a heartbeat - if another Chrysler Convertible was available.

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  Sebring - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By carguy - March 12 - 1:53 pm

  I find the car very satisfactory. No quality problems. Attractive design. Looks better that many of the cars out there. Great economy. Only negative, noisy engine at low speeds..maybe need more insulation.

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  ENGINE DIED FROM SLUDGE - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By concetta van patten - February 27 - 1:32 am

  Engine died w/approx 45,000 mi. Oil changed as recommended. Shocked that Chrysler put the 2.7 Liter engine in some of these 2004 Sebrings when there were hundreds of complaints about these engines.Theres class action lawsuit re this 2.7 L engine which is apparently built in such a way that coolant gets into the engine,oil doesnt filter properly due to structural design and turns to sludge, and the engine holds less oil, thereby requiring more frequent oil changes.Chrysler and extended warranty co.s refuse to cover cost, due to sludge even when customer produces oil change receipts.I still owe $9600 on the loan and new engine will cost half that.

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  cute - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By anita_9410333 - February 26 - 3:54 am

  I bought this car back in the late summer of 2009. It had 32,000 miles on it. So far no trouble with it. Rides very good. Being in my early 20s its an attractive car, with plenty of room for friends and family. Enjoyable car.

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  Junk engine stay away!!! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By tag - February 23 - 10:07 am

  We purchased this car in 2005 and it started off fine. However, the interior quality is poor and the location of vital parts are located in poor spots. Example: you need to remove the front tire to replace the damn battery. This is so nice! Just 2 weeks ago at 100,120 miles the engine blew. After researching this I found that the 2.7 v6 engine has a major sludge issue and no mechanic will work on them. Just google this for yourself prior to buying this junk car.