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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  A Great Car Just Got Better - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Gary Custis - November 12 - 5:56 pm

  I was a proud owner of the 1999 Chrysler Sebring LXi. I truly enjoyed driving that one until I went in to the dealership for service and the new 2007 model was staring at me. It called me over for a test drive and forced me to buy it. I love it! It drives like a sporty car but has the feel of a small luxury car.

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  billy - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By billy - November 10 - 1:42 pm

  this car is the best sedan on the market. how the engineers at Chrysler can make such a drastic improvement to an already work of art is beyond my understanding

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  I love it! - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Marjorie Keller - November 9 - 6:56 pm

  The Sebring Convertible is the best convertible around for the money. Its style suits me as a woman...I dont need big grills or a powerful motor or a fancy name. My vehicle is 6 years old and I still get compliments wherever I take it! Thanks, Chrysler, for a wonderful "womans car".

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  Great Car, SLOW, but great - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By jdavis0503 - November 7 - 2:54 pm

  I bought the car for my birthday! It has been a great car since i bought it 6 months ago. No trouble yet!!! It is sorta of gutless for a 4 cylinder but the car is simply too big for that small of an engine. The transmission sometimes tends to slip from 2nd to 3rd...cant figure out why. Other than that, it is amazing. The factory sound system is better then most AFTERMARKET systems!!!

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  2005 Sebring - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By DONNA EGGEBEEN - November 4 - 10:27 pm

  The Sebring is a very enjoyable mid- priced car. It is a sharp looking car and drives very well. Handles great, I love the "pick-up" it has. I would buy a Sebring again

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  great car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By texashottie - November 2 - 5:32 pm

  very fun car to drive. get a lot of looks in the car top up or down. turns corners very well. but i have noticed that the car doesnt take bumps very well. other than that i love the car very much.

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  Im thrilled. Wife is ecstatic. - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By TalkingToilet - October 25 - 1:17 pm

  This is our first convertible. After reviewing all available in our price range, this one by far seemed the best choice -- simply because its easily the classiest-looking of all its peers. Weve had old Fords and newer Mercedes...my wife has never cared which we drove. To her, a cars a car. The Sebring Touring Convertible, however, has her coming to my office EVERY DAY to steal it from me or to wait until I get off so we can just drive. She hates driving in traffic...except with this car (when the tops down). Im thrilled. Wife is ecstatic. NOTE: Get the V6. Dont you dare skimp on this. Its not very powerful, really, so dont go for anything less.

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  Had for 4.5 years and still going strong - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By MarkM - October 17 - 11:45 am

  I have had this car since spring of 2002 and I still love driving it. I changed the brake pads and fluids at 50,000 and have changed the tires twice in 60,000 miles, and thats been the only maintenance necessary (other than oil changes). It still runs smoothly, and still has plenty of power. This car is the perfect balance between performance and practicality. I have moved apartments twice, transporting my stuff in this car. The back seat is spacious, and the sound system is GREAT. I didnt expect to still love the car this much after 4 and a half years, and I still get compliments on it.

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  I miss my Chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By deez - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The car was awesome. No complaints at all. For some reason, I traded in for an SUV. Boy, do I miss this car! I am still kicking myself in the head for trading it in!

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  luv my sebring - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By shali - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. the take off from lights is exceptional. the bucket seats are comfortable. the back seat is spacious, and give a comfortable ride.