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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  2004 sebring convertible - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By unicorn - July 3 - 11:09 am

  for a4-cylinder, it has a lot of get up and go. Very fun to drive, a lot of leg room also. Nice stereo system, and it drives like a dream.

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  Excellent Vehicle - Expensive to Repair - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By MN_LXi_Pilot - June 28 - 10:22 pm

  This is the best car I have EVER owned, and Ive owned a few in my short time. Performs relatively well, although the 2.5L V6 is anemic at around 160 HP. Handling is great, performs well is most situations, but does tend to exhibit slight understeer qualities, but the length of the wheelbase helps to keep it contained. Now I have over 165,000 miles on it... and these were not your putt putt grandma miles either... I beat the crap out of my cars. Dont feel bad though because I do take care of them, obviously. 150000 before I needed to replace the infamous A604 atransmission. Even now with 165000 it runs just as strong as when I bought it. "Dime" repairs now... time to sell. Ill miss it

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  sebring convertible is great - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By sebring - June 7 - 6:53 pm

  I love this vehicle. it is my second sebring convertible and I rated better than a mustang convertible which I have also owned. More room and leg room than others in this price range.

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  My Sebring - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Raphael - June 6 - 5:21 pm

  Purchased this 04 with 12K miles in Jan of 05. Love it. This car has wonderful handling and has drawn many positive comments regarding its good looks :) Easy to reach all instruments and functions.

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  No Problems..Just concern - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By WRizo58 - June 3 - 10:00 am

  Overall the car runs fine. However, when I hit 5000 miles the ignition stopped turning over as quick.

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  So far so good (knock on wood) - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ned - May 31 - 10:40 pm

  Ive had Sebring for almost two years now. Pros: Chrysler design, great fuel economy (8.4L/100km - mixed highway/city drive), only minor issues. Very quiet ride (!!!) just the way I like it. More than enough power for whatever you need it for. Cons: Front right and rear left window had to be fixed. One sensor had to be replaced. Brakes could be a bit better. Not happy with seat design - not very comfy on long rides. Im 62 and I had to push seat all the way back. Head is still too close to the ceiling, yet that is okay. More than enough room for a passenger behind me to sit comfortably. Im quite happy with it for now. Would buy another Chrysler again.

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  Its almost all good - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Tracy RW - May 26 - 3:53 pm

  The only complaint that I have is that I feel like Im lying down in the drivers seat. Id like to be able to sit up a little straighter. Otherwise I feel like Im driving a strong machine that can easily handle the curves and bumps in the road. The acceleration of the V6 is smooth and the autostick puts me in control.

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  Nice, but Ive had better. - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By KJ - May 20 - 3:05 pm

  I bought my LXi when it was 7 years old with 74,500 miles on it. The previous owner had obviously taken excellent care of the vehicle because it was in pristine condition. Ive put about 51,300 miles on it over the past year and a half and it still runs great. I havent had any major problems...yet. My transmission isnt slipping, but Im leaking fluid like a sieve. Other than that, Ive only had to replace the water pump, timing belt, service the brakes, and get scheduled oil changes and tune-ups.

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  Decent ride for the buck - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bill Tabor - May 16 - 1:55 am

  I had just purchased a 2005 Chrysler Sebring LX Coupe, exterior Brilliant Silver, interior is toupe cloth. My choice of engine was the Mitsubishi built 4 cylinder with the automatic transmission. Great exterior styling, interior is a little plain and lacking in initial quality, ride is surprisingly quiet/ smooth, and the 4 cylinder Mitsubishi engine powers this vehicle w/ V-6 like performance. Bad points to date: Front rotors were warped upon my leaving the showroom w/ this vehicle, as steering wheel and brake pedal shakes/vibrates when attempting to slow down/stop. If this remains to be the only problem that Ill experience w/ this vehicle, only then will I give Chrysler a thumbs up !

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  Pleased in El Paso - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By pleased in El Paso - May 9 - 1:54 pm

  So far it has been very good. But this was because they honored the warranty when the transmission started giving trouble. Though the trouble was minor they overhauled the show thing, which was probably the fair and best then for both the company and certainly for me.