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:

• 

  maintanence nightmare - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By rickscorgis - January 20 - 8:06 am

  my 2002 lxi convt, has been in the shop to change the tie rods and ball joints and rocker arms 3 times, starting at 20k. a rattle in back brake since 20k. i have had to pay for 90% of cost of all repairs. i drive on smooth roads and the car is garaged day and night. heater knob control broke twice..rear defog broke still heated seats both broke..replaced leather on driver seat..top canvas, a lot of wear spots..rust under both doors since 24k no warranty coverage. car lunges or slams into gear a lot, no problem according to chrysler..and i am still having front end Do not buy this car it looks very nice but the sebring is made poorly and chrysler doesnt stand behind their prodwobble and vibration.

• 

  christine is her name - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By rick flanagan - January 11 - 12:25 am

  I bought the 2.7 litre v6.i absolutely love it.i named her christine.i bought it off a lot in 2013.paid 5.,000.had 89,000 miles.i noticed a small issue that a full tune up would fix.i was right, new coils and plugs did the trick.what people havent figured out is that the engine is designed by mercedes.from a dead stop, it produces massive torque.very fast.i upgraded the exhaust to flowmaster, now she rumbles.I love this car so much that now it has a bluetooth cd player with a awesome sound system.im very pleased.its a smooth ride, everything is reaching distance when driving and plenty of power when i need it.from my research i have found that the v6 touring sebring is basically a sports car with four doors.

• 

  Not too bad - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By rose - January 6 - 5:21 pm

  I love driving my car. Its great. The passenger door, below the handle rusted right through. A weird place to rust. Maybe thats why theyre not suppose to be driven on the winter.

• 

  Nice car but!!!! - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By good looks - December 15 - 2:43 pm

  The Sebring is a wonderful car except for the transmission, which goes out ever so often (lol). The interior is beautiful and the exterior look is sporty. The car just needs to be remanufactured for reliability. Other than that it drives ok.

• 

  End of the boring Sebring... - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By VRT - December 15 - 2:04 pm

  Im a proud FORD owner, however my family works at JEEP and I get the EC discount. I leased my Sebring for 159 a month and the 2006 model is VERY boring. This 2007 model grabs from the 300C and the Crossfire. Its very affordable. The people that dont like this car because they want BMW or AUDI style and performance and want to pay like a KIA. Seriously give this car a try, this comes from a FORD person. FYI go for the V6 its much better!

• 

  2007 Sebring - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By sfm - December 13 - 11:32 am

  After driving a van for the past 7 years it was nice to go back to a sedan. We love the look. It is sporty and the front seat sits higher than most sedans. For being a small sedan it gives the driver and passenger plenty of room. I am really pleased with the overall performance of the car. It doesnt feel like the 4 cylinder engines I was used to.

• 

  Chrysler Sebring Convertible - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Deb - November 21 - 8:27 pm

  I absolutely love my Sebring Convertible!!! Its a fun and sexy car. It handles like a dream. My only complaint is that for the size of the car, the gas mileage should be much better. Other that that... its a fantastic ride. After almost 11 years, it sill looks new. No major problems at all. Ill buy another one as soon as this one gives out.

• 

  Rattles, Ticking, ohhh my.... - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Donna - October 27 - 9:11 pm

  This was my second Sebring Convertible. I loved my 1999 so much, my next car had to be the same. BIG MISTAKE! I have had this car in to have the roof worked on over a dozen times. The roof is loud and there is a constant ticking coming from multiple locations. There are multiple "loose parts" in the door that sounds like a hanger banging back and forth and the windows rattle along with a vent on the dash that rattles. Ive had the car in the shop more than in my garage. They could simply replace the roof (theyve taken it off enough times)but insist on trying to repair it with no improvement. The car looks nice, but its cheaply built.

• 

  Too many trips to the service department - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sharon - October 18 - 9:37 pm

  I love this car. It is so much fun, but unfortunately I will be trading it in for either a Honda or Toyota. I have never had a vehicle that had to go into the shop so often and since I have 38K+ miles on it now the factory warranty has expired. I have an extended warrenty but not everything is covered under it and each time I take it in for repairs I pay a $100 deductible. OUCH!! Im afraid its just a matter of time before something goes wrong with it that is not covered under the extended warrenty. I am afraid to keep it.

• 

  Sharp car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By mitchell P - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I love the car, color is inferno red, I got it loaded and has all the options and cost a whole lot less than the the so called foreign competitors. This is my 1st chrysler and I got the works. At this point I really like this car.