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:

• 

  Nice car - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By george7861 - August 5 - 10:52 am

  Even though the car is really a Mitsubishi Eclipse with a Chrysler body it is a nice sporty, fast car. It handles really good, mine has 140,000 miles on it and it starts better in the winter better than my neighbors VW.

• 

  I Miss My Convertible Already!! - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By crazykatiemae - August 1 - 1:22 pm

  I loved my Sebring convertible! Most reliable little care Ive had! Owned her for 2 years and just sold so I could buy something that is a tad more WI winter friendly! Loved dropping the top on my hour commute home from work after a long day! Made for several fun road trips over summer! Never had a problem with it other than the air condition and heat didnt always work when I wanted them too and I had to chase the boot down the highway a few times...

• 

  Fun but not worth the trouble - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bob D - July 30 - 12:00 pm

  After reading other reviews it has become apparent to me that my experience with the Sebring is somewhat typical. In general, lots of things need tweaking and repairs are costly and frequent. 125k miles - replaced/repaired - panel cluster - many radio components - brakes through and through - fan assembly - soon to replace the rubbers that seat the spark plug tubes (rough idle - arcing) gotta remove the engine cover... we all know what that can cost. Lots of rust spots on the way. When I buy a used car the next time I will consult Edmunds first. Sebring - not again, but the car still remains a head turner. Too much invested to sell but worried what will go next.

• 

  A great car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Socaltim - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Chrysler Sebring LXI Coupe in May of 2003. It was a brand new 2002 that was left over so I got it for $18,350!!! I think the car is stunningly beautiful on the outside. Mine is loaded with every option but ABS. Driving the car is pure pleasure. The V6 is silky smooth and really pulls hard. The 5-speed shifts smoothly and the clutch uptake is perfect. The intake/exhaust sound when you wind it up is the perfect blend of turbine-like harmonics. The interior is nice, with leather seats and an terrific Infinity sound system. Im betting that the Mitsubihi drivetrain holds up better than the other Sebrings.

• 

  bought this car cheap - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Tony - July 29 - 7:59 am

  I bought this 2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible with 56,000 miles @$6500.00. I wont say as this car hasnt proven reliability but it is a decent car. For the price I paid for the car as I am going to use it to drive back and forth to college should do ok. The car shimmys at 45 mph and i just put on new tires, done a 4 wheel alignment. My recommendations since Chrysler has had a reputation (bad) for the 2.7 liter v6 is to use full synthetic oil. This is my first convertible ever and I do like driving with the top down.

• 

  so far - good car - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By scobb - July 27 - 11:22 am

  I have truly fallen for my sebring. Never had been a fan before having only experienced the convertibles in the past. It drives so smooth and has decent pick up. The look is sharp and it is very comfortable. I do feel it is "simple" in the interior department - not many bells and whistles. Having said all of this, I did not pay full price for it either. I was able to get it for under $14k during the cash for clunkers/double rebate from Chrysler. I do not know if I would have paid $20k for it. Only time will tell.

• 

  Good Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Wallace Black - July 25 - 2:23 pm

  I have been looking for a new car and started researching vehicles. I have been very satisfied with my Sebring and might keep it longer. It is good looking, good gas mileage, adequate power, and has been reliable. When I drive a new car, they are much more expensive and dont seem any better than what I got. Sorry for those who have had problems.

• 

  best car ever!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By favre44 - July 25 - 1:08 pm

  When I purchased this car in 2005, I loved it. I still do! I LOVE the seat heaters. Its the best part. When I sit in the car, I feel like royalty. The leather seats are Awesome because it makes me look rich! Got to love making the neibors jealous. Ha ha! It can fly! It can really go fast! BOTTOM LINE: This car is Awesome!!!!!!!

• 

  Not the best convertible, great to drive - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By iisk8 - July 23 - 10:05 am

  Bought this car new, has needed brakes continually. Just found out entire undercarriage is rotting, and last year the drain holes plugged and the interior flooded blowing the amp and rear speakers. Have to say loved the car, but would not consider buying the updated model. I only get about 10 miles to the gallon on local driving which is all I do.

• 

  Better than most - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By bigal - July 21 - 10:34 am

  I guess I am more fortunate than most of those posting here - I have not had much of a problem at all with my Sebring since I bought it new in 2004. It has been reliable, fun, and has given me great fuel economy - 28- 30mpg on the road about 25mpg around town, using no modifications except synthetic oil and lighter michelin performance tires. Occassionally I get a hard cold start on the engine that feels like a vaccum lock, but otherwise this baby has been rock solid. After 5 years of driving on virginia and DC roads, it still has remarkably few squeaks and rattles for a convertible. Road noise is not great, but, it IS a convertible, so just crank up the stereo and turn off the cell phone