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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  Decent Car - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By NDB - December 8 - 6:32 pm

  Ive driven this car for roughly two years and havent had a single problem with it.

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  Not so happy - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By pj - December 6 - 11:54 am

  Stalls sometimes at stop lights. Replaced six rotors. Gear shift selector needs to be greased often.

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  Looks better than 02 focus - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By agreig - December 5 - 9:13 pm

  I chose this car because it has a lot better style than the 2002 chevy malibu, or a 2002 ford focus, chrysler has always been good with designs. The leather still smells new 7 years later and only the struts and wiper blades need to be replaced. The 2.7 V6 seems small but it really has a lot of zip. Overall its a nice car with lots of style interior and exterior, even 7 years later it looks really good. The FWD is still good in Michigan winters!

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  overlooked little gem - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By ken brill - November 21 - 1:24 pm

  I bought my Sebring slightly used at a Chrysler dealer. It was a great buy. The little car gets no publicity, but in my opinion it is an overlooked gem. Great looks, terrific handling, and good gas mileage. Have only had a crank sensor go out in the 6 years I have had it.

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  Too Many Electrical Problems - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Erin - November 11 - 11:16 am

  143K on my sebring Top and windows no longer go down. Gauges go in and out. Sometimes I will start the car and none of the electrical will go on-lights, radio, heat, headlights. ( Which is usually fixed by turning the car off and turning it back on) The only benefits of the Sebring are that they are cheap larger convertibles that are good for local driving or high school and college students. Not many problem with the engine and they get decent gas mileage about 20 MPG. Power steering makes noises even though fluid is not needed. If you are buying one I suggest getting the lowest mileage as possible because they really start going down hill around 120K.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By LenMayer - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I use it for pleasure only. All my friends like to take a ride with me with the top down. Its a real fun car and a looker.

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  very happy - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jim Ech - November 9 - 8:31 pm

  Very happy with car after two years. I purchased the 4cyl w/Touring pkg. 34 hwy and 24 city. Plenty of pick up for 4 cyl and would buy another without hesitation. Only problem brake rotors are to small for the car, and warp quickly. Had to be replaced under warranty after 12,000 miles.

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  Cant Find Parts - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By sarasotagene - November 9 - 12:03 pm

  Great car but when it breaks you may have problems getting parts. I had to work hard to find after market lifters for the top because Chrysler was not making them. Cant have a convertible with the top not going up

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  Chrysler Seebring Convertible Limited - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By beauxx - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Good value. Good looks. Handles very good. All around great convertible.

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  Best $10,000 car I ever bought - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By ruttrow george - October 31 - 8:11 am

  I bought the car used with 47,000 miles on it. I paid $9,998 for it. Wow, what a car for the price. Car rides quiet and smooth on the highway, even at 80. The 4 cylinder is a bit noises taking off, but arent they all? One thing I notice is the brakes are squeaky when the car is first used. It goes away after 5 minutes. I bought an extended warranty for $1185, which covers 45K more miles. Do your shopping on third party warranties before accepting a dealer one. That way they have to compete. The car looks and drives as nice as my snobby neighbors that have Accord or Camary.