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:
Showing 271 through 280 of 1,334.00-
Ok car for the price. - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By jaosn60050 - April 28 - 10:00 amI am not so sure about the build quality of Chrysler/Dodge vehicles. This is a nice car with nice touches, but the transmission is very querky. The first week I had it it started leaking oil all over my driveway. Thats the only problem I have come in contact with so far.
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Problems disguised by beautiful exterior - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By Susan Wagner - March 30 - 12:13 am1) Some problems with braking, nearly causing an accident with a school bus. When I tried to brake, it seemed as if the motor was not going to rev down, like it was not going to decelerate. Very scary. 2) Has a habit of hopping forward if you do not have the brake pedal pushed all the way to the floor. 3) Rear axle is very squeaky, especially when the weather is cold. 4) Brakes are very noisy and make noise most every time I brake. Very annoying.
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Its Fun to Drive But!!!!! - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
By Cesar - March 29 - 4:01 pmI bought as a used car. It is really fun to drive and I lke but I had so many probles with the front end and rear suspensions. It was OK to fix these parts as I really like the car but all the parts are very expensive. I recommend to by this car brand new and if used should be in a perfect shape and condition. I love my car despite all these problems and I wont get rid of it.
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good quality - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By jwbclean - March 26 - 2:00 amThe car is put together nicely. fit and finish wise. Easy to function. Top is very fast up or down. I was surprised for a Chrysler. You dont feel like your in a cheap car. If you consider 31k cheap. Smooth and stable. Red inferno is spectacular color when polished. I have owned about 24 cars and I am 44 years old. I put right there in the top 10
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Verrry Disappointed - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Sad and Broke - March 21 - 12:33 pmCar is a great car if you want to pay full price for limited life of the engine.The problem with this car is the unreliabilty issues with the 6.7 liter engine. I had the car checked by a Chrysler center the day before I left on vacation and the service department could find nothing wrong even though a service engine light had come on. 250 miles away from home, the engine light came back on and I was on the interstate on a Saturday with two small kids and nothing open. Rented a car for three days and another week while waiting on a part to come in.A year later at 74k miles just over warranty, the engine went. Repair shop said familiar story on these 6.7L engines. Cost $3,000 for new motor.
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[bork g] - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By bork g. - March 14 - 1:08 amwe like the overall style and admiring glances...gold and black colors good combo...good tires and wheel style...storage pockets are good...needs greater range in steering wheel tilt...no place to put trash bag...electric window buttons on drivers door should be positioned a little further forward... NICE CAR! but not the dealer, so for any servicing we will go to the competition.
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Great car for the money - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By JM in NJ - March 2 - 10:00 amThis is a great car for the money. For just under $26,000, I got a car with a V-6 engine, autostick transmission, heated leather seats, a killer sound system with 120 watts, chrome wheels, moonroof, a great ABS brake system, great sport suspension, great steering, comfortable seats, CD changer (4 disc), power everything, and great looks in addition. I would reccomend this car to anyone who enjoys driving; and with a 7yr. warranty, and friendly service centers, you cant go wrong with this car. This is definately a better car; than an import sedan, and much faster than a Camry, with less than 8 seconds 0-60.
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Chrysler Sebring Platnum Series Coupe - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By G. Sweene - February 24 - 3:33 amSteering wheel blocks speedometer and tachometer guages. High rear makes difficult parking due to inability to see rear/trunk from interior.
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i love it! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By very nice!! - February 19 - 7:42 pmi purchased this car for 12k with 20k miles. i could not be more please with this car. it runs great, the gas mileage is very good, and the ride is very smooth. the inside has plenty of leg room (front & back). very fun to drive!! its a keeper!
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Sebring 2002 - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Ns - February 15 - 2:00 amI have had nothing but wonderful experiences with the except. The only faults are no lights in the Glove Box and a prop hood. Strange to say that on a lower class sebringThere were automatic headlights but not on mine. I dont knwow why
