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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  A Fun-to Drive Practical Commuter Car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By W.A. Duff - February 11 - 11:31 am

  I did a spreadsheet comparison before I bought the car and am satisfied that I made a good choice. I have had more repairs than I anticipated, but it (so far) never stranded me on the road. Mid-grade gasoline provides good performance with the 5-speed manual transmission. I dont notice any difference with premium gasoline. The turning radius is too wide, but I am comparing it to my Mitsubishi 3000GT. I just looked at a another(2008)coupe, with manual transmission. It seems like a great car, but it offers too few advantages over my paid-off Sebring to persuade me to "upgrade" at this time. I will keep it in mind, however, as the Sebring ages.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Wallace - February 10 - 6:55 pm

  It has not given a moments trouble. It has all the gadgets. Good mileage. Good acceleration. Comfortable. For its price I would put it up against any car. This is my first Chrysler and it is quality. I just could not keep quiet about my car any longer. When others have problems I wonder if they get a lemon or dont take care of it.

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  A great car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By john Boes - January 28 - 3:18 pm

  I bought the Sebring about 2 weeks ago and love it i have 2500 miles on it kind of high for a 2008 but i drive long distances I recently had a 300C (2005)and it had 120,000 miles when I was done with it but I will probabley put more than that on this sebring.

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  Lovin it! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sshbam - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my new inferno red Sebring convertible! My husband surprised me with it last week, and I am lovin it! I had driven "sensible" sedans -- and I love the look and drive of this car!

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  good stuff - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By frank Harper - January 23 - 10:00 am

  great car...Have no complaints. Im a traveling salesmen and this car provided me with everything I was looking for... performance, styling and safety... no complaints here, I love it!

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  All and more that I hoped for - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lane H. - January 9 - 11:27 pm

  I checked out all the hardtop converts before buying and this is a much more enjoyable car than i was expecting . It is a cruiser, not a sportscar . Comfortable, quiet, and classy! Ride quality is great. All the professional reviews do not give this car justice. I am really glad I got the electronic stabilty control as we live in the snow and it really makes winter driving safer and easier. This is our everyday car in Minnesota winters. Its a car for people in their late 40s and up who want a convertible but not all the hassles to go with it. Everyone thinks it is a Thunderbird, which would be a good comparison if there was such a thing as I can see nothing that compares.

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  Great Car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Gary T. - January 8 - 7:52 pm

  Purchased a Limited w/cloth top. Car is beautiful in Black w/cream interior. It handles and performs very well. Everything fits and build quality is top notch. 3.5L gives good performance and mileage at 20 city and 27 highway with only 500 miles since purchase. Have received many compliments. I highly recommend this car.

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  Great Car- Do the maintenance - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sebring is Great - January 6 - 9:56 pm

  Bought new-78k currently. Regular maintenance is all. Did not replace brakes until 50k-85%city driving. Mileage is 24 with no a/c and about 22 with in the city. Highway is 28 - 30 with cruise at 70 ish. Leather has held up well-clean 2-3 times a yr. No rattles or squeaks, V6 still is a blast to drive - very revvy and punchy. Tranny is smooth and reliable. No electrical problem other than seat heater relay going out. Still on factory alt and water pump. No major leaks of any kind. Handles ok but could use stiffer shocks/struts to really handle well. Overall it is a quiet, economical sedan to own. i just wish resell was higher on Chryslers. That is what would make it a great preowned car.

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  Ford fusion or chevy malibu cant compete - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By john johnkins - January 6 - 4:27 pm

  Its a great car. Good gas mileage. A lot of bang for the buck. Im 6 foot 3 and have no trouble. I love the luxury feel.

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  Most comfortable ride - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mopar424 - January 5 - 7:52 pm

  This is simply a beautiful car, inside and out. Meant for being a boulevard cruiser rather than a racecar. Got the touring with every option except leather, and got the 2.7 V6 for the E85 capability. The engine, while somewhat slow, sounds really nice and refined, and the four speed shifts without making a fuss. This is by far the smoothest car Ive ever driven/riden in (it is my dads primarily), and 90 feels like 40.