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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  SEbring 1999 - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By John - August 12 - 12:28 pm

  Auto was ok except for rims. During the time I have owned the car I had to replace 7 rims.

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  Good Car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By hwy driver - August 8 - 1:51 pm

  I have had this car for 3 years now and put 140 miles a day on it driving back and forth to work. Im up to 110,000 miles now. Gas mileage has been good at 28 mpg. Comfort is great. Sound system rocks. Only issues have been some stupid electrical problems. Relay for blower heater motor went bad once and the Windshield Washer pump seemed weak in the winter time. Other than that its been oil changes, tires, and breaks.

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  Review - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By HJ - July 29 - 9:13 am

  Very dependable vehicle. good fuel mileage. Low maintenance cost. Average sound system with good knob placement

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  My First Convertable - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By janetta kleier - July 15 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is difficult to see certain blind spots when the top is up. Driver must be very careful chnaging lanes or pulling out of parking spots. Vehicle lenght and hood design makes seeing the front and back of vehicle difficult.

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  Good Car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By an owner - June 26 - 10:48 pm

  Car drives and handles great. Good car for traveling and everyday use.

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  Hip grandma - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Shirley Shores - June 23 - 4:05 am

  This has been a good automobile, reliable. Always starts, runs good, but rides like a sport car. I have enjoyed the vehicle. When I purchased the vehicle it had 47,000 miles and now has 78,838. So as you can see not many miles added since purchase. Of course I have kept up the maintenance, oil changes, filters changed, belts checked, always passed inspection too. My dog and I have enjoyed the vehicle in the summer since it is a convertible.

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  Despite the reviews - I love my Sebring! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bill Warren - June 14 - 1:30 am

  Having owned 3 Accords prior to my Sebring, I was surprisingly pleased at how much I enjoy driving this car! I love the exterior styling and get many compliments on it. Granted ... the 4 cycl engine is a bit rough, but I find it very responsive and able to make a freeway entrance ... okay, noisily & not particularly refined when you floor it... but I have never wished for more power. The front seats are very comfortable, the handling is quite good & a good ride. I am always surprised when reviews come up short ... and I, personally, have had zero problems with the reliability of my car. Im really looking forward to seeing the new 2007 model ... a smaller version of the 300? Well see ...

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  05 sebring touring - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By j romerowicz - June 13 - 10:51 pm

  Great car to drive.Good engine ,steering, braking and it looks good. Had a 01 Chevy Malibu before. Stay away from those beaters.

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  A car with promise - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bill T - June 6 - 2:18 am

  Chrysler pulled the plug on this machine too soon. This vehicle had such great possibilities with the ultra sleek exterior design, if only they would have used some of the exteriors bold new styling for the interior, as the interior utilizes cheap plastic components, a trade mark of Chrysler products. If youre a tall person, good luck in attempting to fit into this ride, head room is at an extreme minimal. Im short, so no complaints here ! The touring suspension provides a nice smooth ride, and the car being so low to ground provides you with sports car handling around bends, etc. I really like the car though, despite interior design. Id give it a few more ponies, re-work interior.

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  a good car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By pat - May 9 - 8:58 pm

  only probelm I found with this car is that it has blind spots when turning at some junctions especially crossing traffic. Otherwise it is a very nice car to drive