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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  2006 Sebring Sedan - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By JDP - March 8 - 1:10 pm

  Very pleased the the vehicle and the dealership. They traded the radio to what I wanted. Lots of good nooks for all my "stuff". Center console storage is bigger than my 95 Mazda 626. Good sized trunk with place for full sized spare. A/C is nice and cold. Remote trunk release is nice too. All around - Im pleased. I like the lines on this car. Hopefully it will hold up like my 626 which I had for nearly 12 years.

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  2004 Sebring Limited Convertible - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By wwoods18 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost five months. My experience so far has been very positive. I have experienced no squeaks or rattles(even over very rough pavement). The car has given me no trouble at all. The only return trips back to the dealership have been for regularly scheduled maintenance. The only gripe I might have is that the paint scratches much too easily.

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  Great Car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bob A - February 23 - 4:12 am

  The 2007 went in a wind tunnel, all holes got plugs and heavy glass, triple door seals. So quiet!

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  Nice Car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By mjv - February 21 - 11:08 am

  Very smooth ride. It feels like a luxury car. Much improved over my 2004 model. By getting the smaller engine, I was able to spend a little more on the interior features.

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  1999 Sebring Convertible JX - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lisa - February 20 - 2:01 pm

  Beautiful, fun car to drive. You get many looks in this baby! Its fast, roomy back seat, and handles seamlessly. The 2.5 Mitsubishi engine is powerful and reliable. You cant miss with this one! Family friendly and sexy to boot!

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  Great car @ a great price - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By aubie - February 17 - 9:14 am

  This is my 1st new car, third car Ive owned in my lifetime. I love this car. I bought it right when the midwest snow storms started and it handles very well. The stabilization system has come in handy and my ABS is wonderful. The V6 option gives the car a smooth ride.

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  95 sebring lx - 1995 Chrysler Sebring
  By kore698 - February 16 - 7:42 am

  great car for the money and performance that youll get out of its styling is good for the eyes to look at.

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  Its early, but I like the car so far. - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By kjbad - February 15 - 12:49 pm

  I used to own an Eagle vision, so its nice to see the little things Chrysler has fixed in the last decade. I have a Touring with 2.7 V6, Boston speakers (NICE!), U-Connect (VERY NICE!), and power sunroof. The car gets some stares because its new. Im still under 500 mi, so no hi-revving for me. Taking my first trip (900 mi round-trip) this weekend to see how it handles on the highway. So far, so good. Got 350 mi on my first tank of gas in the city.

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  My second car a beauty - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Adam - February 15 - 9:01 am

  I bought the car with 10,600 miles and it drove as if it were brand new, good suspension that you dont feel every bump like most convertibles. The base speakers can get quite loud.

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  My second convertible - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ray - January 29 - 9:27 pm

  I have now had my Sebring for almost 3 years. The car is a blast to drive and looks great. The only problem I have had (last week) that upset me was a broken drivers door strap that cost $260 to replace. Two other minor problems that were covered under warranty. I now have 63,000 miles on the car and have never been stuck. I would definitely consider another one, especially now that you can get one with the 3.5 engine.(My wife has that motor in her Pacifica). I get an honest 23-25 mpg around town. My first convertible was a 1963 T-Bird that I had in 1966. This one just reinforced my belief that everyone should have at least one convertible during their life.My daughter gets it next year.