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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  Smelly Windows - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Janine - January 29 - 2:00 am

  If you live where it doesnt rain & you dont want to wash your car yould love this car. The window stripping does not dry out, the whole vehicle smells musty. I would suggest carrying an oxygen tank with you so you can breathe. Loud inside cabin noise does not make for a pleasant ride. The passenger seat does not lock into place, & cant be fixed. Its been into two different Chrysler dealerships to be repaired, after 10 times, still nothing has changed. If Chrysler thinks they can produce cars with such little care & quality they should think again. If you complain too much they might not service your car, they did it to me.

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  Ok Folks, this is an awesome/fun vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By ShutEye Thinkin - January 28 - 9:14 pm

  Researched the Touring convertibles. Test-drove several, looking for one that showed excellent engine,transmission,brake,driving performance. Finally found a dealership trade-in 1-owner with 1.5 years warranty left. Amazing. Great V6 power, great maneuvering, Great steering, quality on manufacturing excellent, not what Ive been used to reading about. Been driving around in 40 deg temps with top down and heat on, and getting off big-time. Everyone I take for a drive has felt the same. I now understand those who say when youve gone convertible, you never go back to a standard car. Black body, black top, black interior, just visually tantalizing, folks. The 10s on-demand roof is the kicker

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  Try before you buy - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jim - January 18 - 1:01 pm

  After owning my 98 Sebring LXi for almost a year now, I can honestly say I am very pleased with my decision. The key, if you are thinking about purchasing a Sebring coupe, make sure you test it out and test it quite extensively. Transmissions are an achilles heel so ensure shifts are smooth at numerous RPM settings. The 2.5 V6 is silky smooth - just be sure to replace the timing belt around 100,000 miles to ensure everything keeps going for another 100,000. Sure, there are a few minor niggles but the sheer fact that these cars are packed with some features now seen on premium luxury cars (garage door opener, auto-dim mirror, etc.) makes a used Sebring an incredibly good deal.

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  Why I rated this car so poorly - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Kristina - December 1 - 1:08 am

  I have had problems w/ my sebring from the beginning, and now it is 2005 and I am still paying for it and the same problems presist. Here is my laundry list ofd issuses: #1 Rear view defroster-It is in the shop as we speak being fixed-might I add this is the 10th time that it is being repaired. #2 Rear ball joints- The left rear failed on me while my mother was driving my car on a major highway. #3 Wheel bearings were replaced #4 tire rods #5 door straps both left and right side repaired 2 times on each door #6 air bag light fixed 3 times, turns out that my seat belt reciever on the passenger side sets it off. #7 factory installed radio system overheats and malfunctions has been replace

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  OK Car - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jordon - November 13 - 6:44 pm

  I bought the car with 140,000 miles on it at the end of 2004. Now it has 156,000 miles on it. It is hard to tell the mpg that it gets because the Odometer goes out for long periods of times (like 2 to 6 weeks at a time), though it does keep accurate mileage. My front passenger side wheels lug nuts came one day and the wheel came off when I pulled in my drive way. The Engine has begun to shake violently and consistently and I dont know why. The ride is OK, but could be better. The convertible top is tearing along the seams, and will be very costly to fix, approximately $1200.

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  nothing but problems - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Andy - November 10 - 9:35 pm

  Although the car is fun to drive when everything is right, it has rarely been right for any extended period of time. The first three years we had 3 starter changes, one computer change, and various other engine problems. It died on us 3 times. After that a series of repairs were needed because various parts of the undercarriage support kept breaking. It felt like an old clunker. Even the new struts we bought were defective. Would strongly recommend that anyone buying a Sebring plan on also buying an extended warranty.

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  My new beautiful sebring - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Emilienne - November 3 - 6:31 pm

  I just love the way it feels and looks but the negative part is it really compresses when on cruise control downhill, I really thought it would be better on gas but I was told it does get better after usage for a while, overall its a nice car and it sure looks good.P.S.It corners like the neon use to,Thanks for reading me.

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  Ton of miles...Ton of Fun - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By john - October 25 - 10:19 pm

  Im researching cars for my wife and came across this site and decided to leave a review of what so far has been a mostly positive experience with my GTC convertible. It will be two years old next month and Im about to hit 70,000 miles! Luckily (knocking on wood) I have not had any mechanical problems to date. All the problems have been with the body. Water has penetrated my right side headlight and right side tail light, some paint chips, rearviewmirror defrost stopped working, windows rattle on passenger side when you hit bumps and ac adapter shorted out. All in all, a positive review from a happy chrysler driver minus the nagging "cosmetic" issues.

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  Problems - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By hyde - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Really like the car .We have several unresolved issues.The A/C leaks on the passenger side while driving.This causes the floorboard to get soaking wet.The lock on the trunk fell apart. I am waiting on my third appointment. If this doe not fix I will start my lemon law protection. The car handles nicely at high speeds. I just returned from a 1,700 mile trip and the car was adequate other than th water on the floor which I placed a roll of paper towels to soak up every few hours.

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  very fun car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By memyself&i - September 26 - 10:00 am

  very fun car. 2.7 6cyl. has enough oompf to get you where you need to go.