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:

• 

  Fun car to drive - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Timothy Stokes - May 9 - 11:53 am

  This is my first convertible. I primarily bought it for my wife but I love it too. The car has great pickup and gas mileage for a large car is good, about 22-25 miles per gallon. My one complaint would be the tires leaking air. My tire place claims that it was the chrome wheels. However, I recently purchased new tires and they have not loss any so far. My other complaint would be the brakes had to be replaced at 30,000 miles which seems too quick.

• 

  Great car, poor serivce from Daimler Chr - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By lonndo51 - May 1 - 8:03 pm

  Wifes car. This car has everything from built in CD player, sun roof, leather, fun to drive.

• 

  Not bad for the price - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By cheyenne447 - April 25 - 11:33 am

  I had a few bugs that had to be worked out when I first bought the car. Thank goodness it was under warranty. I have had numerous problems with the rear defroster...the wire connectors keep coming undone. The top leaks, but the car is six years old now. I also had a problem with the transmission at 16,000 miles, but it was fixed quickly under warranty. All in all...you cant find a better convertible for the price.

• 

  Reasonable value - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Damisal - April 20 - 10:30 pm

  It is quite pleasant to drive for the sedate driver, but response with spirited driving leaves a lot to be desired. CD skips ocassionally with moderate road bumps. All in all a reasonable car for the price.

• 

  Good car for the price - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By JIM.C - April 15 - 10:59 am

  About the only thing lacking with this car is the to soft ride when encountering bumps. Good power. Fair gas mileage, biggest back set in its class. Overall very nice looking car.

• 

  This is a good car. - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By Tim - April 2 - 1:08 am

  I bought this car as a previous salvage with low mileage. I put over 50K miles on it in two and a half years and only replaced the starter and the battery. When I bought this car I heard of the trans problems so I made sure to maintain the trans every 30k, if you do this I dont think you will have any major problems. Overall this car defines reliability.

• 

  10 years old and still going - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Alex - March 31 - 9:58 pm

  I own a couple of cars, the Sebring is my daily driver. I like the gas milage it gets, last check was 28 mpg in town. I also like the sunroof and quality leather seats. I havent had any transmission trouble yet (108k). the steering is all kinds of messed up. It jerks all over, but only when touring. The cup holder (yes, there is only 1) is in a weird place. I have been battling a leak of antifreeze for a while. The passenger side lower outside door panel is loose and will probably fall off shortly. I have seen a few with the same problem. Overall its a good car.

• 

  I love my Sebring! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bill Warren - March 14 - 1:30 am

  I really like the way my Sebring handles ... a good, solid feel of the road corners really well the 4 cycl. provides more than adequate pep very good braking really like the seating ... supportive and yet comfortable ... a bit on the high side, which I prefer ... good view of the road spacious & comfortable back seat, as well only negative ... the transmission occasionally jerks when I let off to gas while accelerating.

• 

  Bad transmissions but otherwise great - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Barbara - February 28 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car used 3 yrs old with 30,000 miles. I have put in two new transmissions, one at 36,000 miles and the other at 105,000 miles. Not the greatest on fuel economy, otherwise I love this car.

• 

  Still a Great Little Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Hiram in L.A. - February 24 - 8:23 pm

  Ive had my car for two years now. Bought it new in April 2004. It has been a really great little car. I have not had a single problem...no squeaks, no rattles, no vibrations. Not a single mechanical problem or flaw in two years and 20,000 miles. The graphite metallic paint is still beautiful after 2 years and the 2.7 V-6 has all the power & acceleration I need. This is a quality midsize sedan that can compete with any comparable Japanese or European car. Go Daimler Chrysler!