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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  Worst car I ever owned!! - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Roadmanh - May 24 - 10:20 am

  I bought my first new car in 1968 and since that time I have owned 23 new cars everything from compact to luxury, foreign and domestic.From a reliability and performance standpoint I will give it a zero and Im being kind. It is so unreliable my wife, for whom I purchased the car, will no drive it and because it performs so poorly I will not take it on a long trip.

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  i was wrong about this car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By cool man big car 2 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  i reported about this car before and said it was really bad but chrysler fixed them all and now its great after my lease is up im going to buy another car mabe the crossfire or the new hemi powered 300c.

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  Dangerous Brake Problem - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By pinehead - May 20 - 4:47 pm

  I bought this car new. With 2 weeks or purchase I noticed that the brakes were sketchy when the roads were wet. You could slam the pedal to the floor and the car just wanted to keep on going. The worst issue was when there was snow or ice on the road. I brought this car in to the dealership twice to have them check the brakes. They claimed there was nothing wrong. The back wheels would slip horribly in the snow. There was almost no control of this vehicle in those conditions. I went off the road twice with it driving 5 miles and hour. Chrysler refused to admit to a problem or do anything about it. I has 3 others drive the thing in snow and they all agreed that there was a problem .

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  pretty good car - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By tom galvin - May 18 - 10:52 pm

  I have had this car 3 years now and no problems. My daughter has wrecked it a couple times almost totaling it. Holds up good in a bad accident, looks nice, has good power, comfortable. The car is great to drive around town and on the highway. When I brake the spare tire makes a thud noise and ive tried to anchor i down better but doesnt work. The car is good and I would say its upper class quality.

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  2007 Sebring - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chris - May 18 - 9:21 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used a year ago and since then had nothing but nightmares. After a month of having it the shifter was stuck in park and had to be towed to dealership. They had the car for a week because the part was not in stock. The engine sounds very whiny and the brakes make alot of grinding sounds. Now with 40k on it the alternator went out on me. I have been calling around and told it would take 3-7 days to get it in and the cost is almost $400. When I called the dealership and asked why this car is having so many problems they said I have never heard of them having any issues. I would never buy a chrysler again.

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  Fuel Economy - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By Joe - May 17 - 6:17 pm

  Weve been blown away by the fuel economy. Highway has been 34 - 37 MPG, while highway-city combined is around 28 MPG. We find it very comfortable to drive.

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  good car - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By shorty - May 15 - 8:58 am

  I have the hardtop, and I really have no complaints for the money you cant beat it,

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  Great car since I bought it. - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Carrie - May 14 - 6:05 pm

  I bought this car new and am still driving it. I have 123K on it now. Problems I have had with it over the years are: At 23K transmission had issues, but they re-built it under warranty and I havent had an issue since. Wheel bearings went once at around 65K. Air conditioning goes on and off at random which Im told is a control pannel issue. I have had multiple heat resisters replaced which is a well known issue for this car. I also have chrome wheels which is the most pain as they lose air constantly. The engine light stays on from a bad gas cap sensor. Oil light comes on at stops after long drives, but does not appear to be serious. Despite issues, I still feel it is reliable

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  Drippy Roof - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bill - May 14 - 9:09 am

  I have read other reviews on the 2008 convertibles, but I did read where anyone was complaining about the water dripping into the car when you put the window down or open the door when it is raining. If it is raining at all you will get a fair amount of water in the car (our on your leg)if you have to get out or open the window for any reason.

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  A good car a first.... - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Yeti - May 9 - 2:50 pm

  We bought this car 9 months used and it was a great car for the first 2 years or so. We replaced the front brakes twice in 3 years and then a caliper in the rear seized and that all had to be replaced. The thing that burned me the most is how expensive the parts are. To be fair the car was a dream to drive and never once broke down, but Im giving it a low reliability number because of the cost of maintenance. We ditched it in the end because of a rear suspension linkage going bad, the A/C pump starting to go, the power windows starting to go in the front, and emission test issues.