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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  Johnny on the spot - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jon Schroeder - August 14 - 3:50 am

  I think for the money invested in the car, it is a comparable, sporty, fun to drive, fairly economical, good looking form a bill for the morning. This is the second one Ive owned and I would buy one again. I get lots of compliments on it.

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  Mitsubishi at Heart = Saving Grace - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Matteo J - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Pretty happy overall. Fairly normal maintenance items (except for 3 replacement TPSs). Cramped V6 means costly labor and difficult maintance at home (like getting to those back three plugs to change them). Automatic transmission sluggish. Comfortable and fun to drive regardless. Real problem is dealing with Chrysler. Very poor customer service, unwilling to give customer benefit of the doubt in any case (even when they made the original mistake-no service contract docs despite multiple requests), mediocre technicians at dealerships, big markups on Mopar parts (bigger on Mitsubishi). Willing to try Mitsubishi again. Never owning another Chrysler. Ever.

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  great used ride - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By TX22 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I liked it right off...nice car.problems are nile, 99K as of now and have not had to do one thing except tires and brakes. Key was weird once, nothing happened, there is a fuse that burns out that triggers everyhting. I would another one for sure

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  my fun car - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By ira kellman - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed driving this car these past 3 years.It moves well and quickly,you feel like youre drivingand its very comfortable upfront.

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  Dont Count On It - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By AlanFraser - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a maintenance nightmare. Every four to six months, there is an ignition problem in which the car has power but the engine will not turn over. The dealer has tried at least four times to correct the problem but it returns. Clutch switch has been replaced twice, starter, solenoid, etc. No joy. I most emphatically do not beat this car. It is a total lemon. Do not buy this car and expect reliability. There car has an even bigger problem in that the weight balance is horrendous. It is so front-heavy due to the six-cylinder engine that it is dangerous in virtually any corner. You wont pick this up in a drive test.

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  Great Value for the Money! - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Carl J. - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my first convertible and I am very happy with it. I have 70000 miles on it and it looks as good as when it was new. Very few problems with the car, all were minor. Still no leaks. The trunk is great for a convertible and the back seats actually are comfortable. I keep thinking about a new car, but cant bring myself to get rid of it. On the downside, it could use a few more horses, but the car is very reliable. The top is still in great sheape. It still turns heads!

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  Enjoying my blue coupe - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Kimchee - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have been pleased with the car, but there are a couple of buggy things about it. My car doors lock on their own after I leave the vehicle and the dealership said it cant be reprogrammed. So everytime I need to get in my car in my garage I have to unlock the doors again. I also had to have a new instrument cluster installed because the tachometer was working sporadically. The dealer couldnt set my mileage on the new odometer, so now I have miles on the odometer with the REAL miles on a sticker on the inside drivers door. Other than that, I have been pleased with the car and it really is a head turner.

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  So far, so good - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By qtbubbette - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car due to being pressured by my brother, who sold vehicles at the place I bought the car. It came fully loaded and included a pretty hefty price tag, but I am so glad that I did! I love this car!

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  Original Owner - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By LegalEagle - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I am the original owner and took care of it since day 1. Problems with brakes needing replaced every three months or so after 36,000. Has over 105,000 and am now having problems ... distributor needs replaced, tune up cost $600, did not pass emissions testin, engine idles rough, had to replace electonic circuit board because tach and odometer stopped working ($600 repair). Stereo shorts out. Parts are expensive but the car is fun to drive. I will be selling within the next 6 months and do not plan to buy another. Too expensive to maintain.

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  Pseudo-Sport Near Luxury - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By MW1000 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  V6 is flawless at 80k miles with 20-30 mpg, decent power (160hp) but not great. Trans was rebuilt already. Handles like a real sports car, yet soaks up rough pavement. Great looks! Front spoiler is too low, scrapes driveways and hits parking blocks. Side windows seal poorly. Ive been using it as a delivery car for the past 13k miles without any real problems except the front brakes make noise despite repeated attempts to fix them. Tune-up is a pain to do. Timing belt MUST be replaced every 60k miles.