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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  really great looking sedan - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ray H - October 30 - 2:02 am

  I went looking for this specific model car and bought it at a really great price. I added a full warranty that got my leaky evaporator fixed for nothing. Otherwise the car has been great. the previous owner did not take great care of the car, but it was in great mechanical shape except for the A/C problem and poor shifting of the transmission. Since it had less than 70,000 miles on it, I had the dealer look at it, and with a computer upgrade, now it shifts perfectly. I run Prolong in the engine and it gets around 26 mpg on the freeway at 65 mph. I cannot complain, for a 200 hop V6 engine, that is great mileage. the engine is bigger than my 95 Dodge Stratus and gets better mileage.

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  I dont think I like this car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ikeia - October 29 - 8:09 pm

  Bought this car that is only one year old, already found out the CD player doesnt work properly, the car cant have the windshield wipers and the lights on at the same time or the car looses all electric mechanism and then to top that the car gear shaft supposedly" has a bad spring". All of this happening in 45 days of the purchase of the car. THe good thing is the car ride beautiful but it just has alot of things wrong with it as far as accesories.

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  1 Owner 2001 Chrysler Sebring Review - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Victor Kaminski - October 20 - 10:10 pm

  At around 85,000 miles I am generally happy with the car, the performance is good, no strange noises or anything like that in the 7 years Ive owned it. I purchased the car as a left over in January 2002. My Gripe: I was misled about signing a disclosure that he was explained that the paint was not covered by warranty against chips & scratches. Duh... he replied that people sue over anything. Little did I know they used an experimental "environmentally friendly" paint,if I knew I wouldnt have signed. After about 3 years the clear coat started pulling up from the paint which made my black car have white blotches all over, the clear coat began falling off and I have no recourse. Deception

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  Loved it but it was a lemon - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By VirginiaD - October 17 - 4:28 pm

  My first convertible, and a great one at that. Power top was perfect and never had problems with it working. Replaced top seal when I purchased it ($800), replaced rotors (on all my Chryslers) every 20k miles. Brakes were not strong. Engine began to smoke at about 45k, and mechanics said it was a goner. NOT a good investment. Engine is a bad one (2.7L V6). Loved the car and top down driving and very comfortable, with all the nice options. Peppy to drive and smooth on hwy. Cant recommend because of engines and overall long-term quality issues.

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  Top Down - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Charles Troeger - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Makes me feel young again. Gets lots of compliments

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  love this car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By d heal - October 13 - 6:18 pm

  for the money this car is one of the nicest cars to own and drive. looks as good as the high buck 4 seat convertibles.

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  Very nice reliable family car - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By C,Faith - October 12 - 12:41 am

  Had my sebring for 2 and a half years now put many many miles on it and it still runs and sounds new! The head room is a issue for tall people,well actually im only 57 and i bang my head alot on the roof,so that maybe a good thing to consider. Odomotor lights are green if maybe they made it abit more sporty it would be perfect. The seats in the back are not the greatest but hey thier seats,right? Over all love the car,safe and reliable

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  Misfiring, took them 5 weeks - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By MattyPython - October 10 - 6:01 pm

  Bought the car in april, no problems til august took it to the shop, they replaced over 3 thousand dollars worth of parts and it was still misfiring but only when hot. Finally after close to six weeks of it being in the shop they have the nerve to charge us four hundred bucks for some wires. These are poorly built cars.

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  Unbeatable Convertible Value - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By ConvertMan - October 8 - 2:00 am

  After test driving many convertibles over the past month, I have come to the conclusion that the Chrysler Sebring is by far the best value out there. If youre buying a convertible to enjoy with friends or family, this is the only car that will allow you to have 3 other adults tag along. The BMW 330ci and others in its class dont come close to the passenger comfort afforted in the Sebring. Add to that the stylish looks, perky engine (200 HP is a must), leather trimming, front-wheel drive and you have a wonderful package in the Sebring. And, its made in the USA! I wholeheartedly recommend it.

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  What A Fun Cae - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By T.S. - October 5 - 9:12 pm

  Bought this convertible for a fun summer car. Was able to get this well maintained from a private party in Fl. who always garaged the auto. Drove it 1,200 miles non stop returning to home. Is as comfortable as my 08 Cadillac CTS and I am 6 200 lbs. Have enjoyed everything about it this summer without one squeak. My 06 Honda Pilot has two squeaks I cant fix. Another week or two to use before it gets stored for the winter. Absolutely love this car and I will keep it for many years.