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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  Fun Daily Driver - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By snowdogg - May 21 - 2:15 pm

  The Sebring GTC is my second convertible, much different from my 95 Cutlass Supreme. I plan on using this car for commuting on a year round basis (in Vermont). It remains to be seen how it will fare in winter, but with FWD and good snow tires I think it will be OK. Gas mileage is good at 28-30 mpg on regular, the top is truly weatherproof and interior quiet with top up.

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  Medicore at best - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By iso - May 5 - 11:35 pm

  I bought my Sebring Convertible with 98K on it. Not new, I know. My biggest complaint is oil issues. The oil light came on, I took it in and they replaced the oil sending unit. 10 miles later, it came on again. Every mechanic I took it in to gave me a different explanation and a different price. I drove it for a year with the light on. The rear window broke and cost around $1000 to replace. The turning radius is horrid. The interior of the door came away from the door. Crappy Chrysler quality. It was fun to drive, but a headache overall. Im buying Japanese next time.

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  Caddillac amenities at a Chrysler price. - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Adam P. - April 13 - 6:36 pm

  This car is great for me. Being a high school student and a Caterpillar employee, I need something that is sporty enough for my down time, but luxurious enough for the office. The Sebring seems to deliver meet my needs. I have regularly serviced it, and the only thing I have had to replace is the wiper motor. The nice rims are a big plus, and I love the wood trim and sunroof. However, the paint on the spoiler erodes horribly. Being a 1999, it has both cassette and CD, which is nice. It has been reliable in hot, cold, rain, or shine. The trunk is also huge. And if it isnt big enough I can always fold down the back seats. The Sebring LXi has impressed my friends and is definitely a great buy!

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  Red Rag Top - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By AL. ROMANO - April 2 - 5:05 pm

  It has been a wonderful car to drive and has never let me down or stranded. The power top and power windows have never failed to open or close. The top has a year or two left and it needs a couple of new tires. It may also need a new muffler soon. The top is not ripped and there are no dents just some minor scratches on the bumpers. The leather interior has no rips.

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  Nice combo affordable conv - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By patpat - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall this car give reasonable return from its price. Roomy interior, extremely comfortable seat and leather. Good power and good looking body style. Everyone suprise its a American car when they first see it.

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  Not ready for SUV - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By ttam - March 25 - 7:29 am

  we were looking for a new vehicle. but we were not ready to jump up quite yet to a SUV. (for obvious reasons $$). lets just say Im a bigger dude and the touring was a nice jump up in size from our honda accord sedan. the 17 inch wheels made it a little easier to get in and out. great ride!

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  Not a bad set of wheels - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By ox13man - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I did a fair ammount of research (with other cars in its class) before springing for this one. The interior is well laid out and intuitive. The performance is sufficient as well-not pressing me to the seat, but not leaving me waiting for the gear to shift (its an automatic). The car is a little heavy, but at high speeds it glides like a dream. At low to moderate speeds it accelerates and corners very well (much to the dismay of my passengers). About the only downside is that it has the typical clunky Chrysler transmission. Overall, a good car though.

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  Sexy Look - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By ChicagoNative - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. Sexy front end gives it a unique look. Has decent power, a lot of bang for the buck

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  small problems ad up - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By sjs1 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  The rear window defroster detaches when lowering the convertible top. Warrenty work by authorized Chrysler dealers is poor. Replacing the rear window everytime the defroster detaches has gotten old - fast. The roof also rattles.

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  Has been good car to me - minor problems - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By slatsyrc - February 4 - 11:29 am

  I have owned this car since 2000 when I bought it brand new. I had some problems with the dealer not putting the oil plug on right and it burned the engine and I had to replace the engine. The other problem is the front bumper is not designed well for going up steep driveways or parking over cement blocks and in result it is now torn and hangs down and scrapes a lot. Other than that, everything has seemed to go well. Something did explode in my rear view mirror perhaps related to the heat in Houston and the rear view dimmer feature. I have had it 6 yrs now and has been very good to me so far. Spark plugs are a pain to get replaced though due to the plenum.