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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  Dont Buy One!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Robert - August 21 - 2:20 am

  To be honest, I enjoyed driving this car...whenever it wasnt in the shop! Its charms are purely exterior. Under that steel hood lies its glass jaw - The Engine. Mine is toast after 50,000 miles. (Coincidentally it was just paid off 2 weeks ago) This was a maintained vehicle that averaged 10,000 mi/yr, mostly highway & light usage. BTW Ive already had this thing in the shop on numerous occasions to the tune of over $3000 in repairs which they obviously never got right. Dont let the slick packaging fool you, as you can see by the other comments- Sebring=Bad car buy! Also- Larry Roesch Chrysler is just about as customer friendly as snakes on a plane, but your money is better spent at the theater!

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  2.7 sludged engine - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By cindy - May 31 - 12:53 pm

  I loved this car when I bought it. Then I had problems with the brakes [squealing] the dealership said, "it was how I drove the car" I have also had to replace tires in the 3rd of ownership. 8/17/04 car engine seized Chrysler and the dealership put the onus on the consumer-poor maintenance - despite records of oil changes and brake issues. I no longer feel safe in this car. type 2.7 at google to see problems related to this engine.

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  ITS A TICKING TIME BOMB.... KEEP AWAY FROM IT!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Peyton Moyer - October 25 - 1:25 am

  Do not buy this car unless you have a GREAT mechanic or a GREAT extended warranty! Engine and computer has BUGS and started acting crazy at 132,300 miles valves are sticking and idle is rough. Not an easy car to work, not worth your time to overhaul and replace engine.

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  BAD DECISION!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By LCW - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Took it through a car wash,water came pouring into the car.Dealer claims you arent supposed to take convertibles through a car was(they stated if I had read my owners manual,I would have known that).I have been in a rain storm 2X and water is still leaking.Front indows off track. Service dept cant ind the problem.They claim it has to do with the motor of the window.Going to get something more reliable(AND from a different dealer).Ive called the owner of the dealership and was advised she doesnt speak to customers(thats why she hires managers).Why does Chrysler have a dealer with such poor customer service.Maybe it reflects the quality of the car!

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  Whats was I thinking? - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sam Wild - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Sold this car as soon as I could, the Quality is one of the worst Ive ever seen on a car. This was my 5th Chrysler and I think it will be may last one.

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  CHRYSLER LEMONS - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By CHRYSLERS FOOL - April 3 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY THIRD SEBRING CONVERTIBLE /FIRST ONE BURNT UP @700 MILES [LEMON LAW] SECOND ONE FLOODED,SHORTED ELECTRIC SYSTEM [MANUFACT DEFECT]@15000 MILES/NOW STUCK W/THIRD.CAR AS POOR QUALITY AS CHRYSLERS SERVICE.GOT STUCK W/3 LOOKING FOWARD TO NOW BEING ABLE TO GET A DECENT VEHICLE.PLEASE DONT MAKE THE MISTAKE WE MADE/BUYING OR DEALING W/CHRYSLER

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  I wish bought a Honda - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By smithster - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The car has been persistently in the shop for one problem or another...even the mechanic told me this particular model has multiple little problems that all put together make for an unhappy owner.

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  Please dont buy this type of car. - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Isabel - January 22 - 8:51 am

  I been having some many problems..since I bought it...brakes light its on...battery, transmission...and the last problems...the car its turn off when Im on the highway. ..I had take this car to ensure erythromycin mechanics. .and they can find whats wrong with it..I had fix everything. .I regret it..I had put all my savings. ..on this car..never again I would buy a Chrysler