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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  Wow! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By woggly - May 7 - 11:16 pm

  Wonderful automobile, Great fuel mileage, low maintence. Very quite and fun to drive. What a value! If you drive one youll buy one. averaging 34.2 mpg with 60/40 hwy to city driving. Recently averaged 34.2 mpg on a 360 mile trip at 70+ mph.

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  good - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By eric12 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  good car and good shape. very nice

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  FUN FUN FUN!! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By KIM IN LV - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I always wanted a convertible. I finally got my 2004 Graphite Grey Metallic LXi and talk about fun fun fun. It looks great, runs great and makes me feel 10 years younger. It has a nice smooth comfortable ride and handles like a sports car. The good gas mileage has helped in the wallet. I only had one little problem with the a/c fan, but had it fixed right away, and the color I chose shows the dirt very quickly. Other than that, everything else has been great.

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  Great First Car for Teens! - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By Kaylee - May 2 - 7:19 pm

  My dad bought me this car as my first, and its been great. Ive learned a lot about cars by owning it, with the typical breaks here and there (Such as coolant plugs going out, probably due to un-adult driving before me. The window motor broke, and was fairly easy to replace with my dads help.) The car has really has taken a beating, and still remains reliable and loyal. Even when I got into a fender bender, the car still ran wonderfully, and didnt have any mechanical damage when hit on the drivers front fender at 20MPH. The parts were easy to find. Its a fun, fairly safe car, and great for a first car.

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  Nice at the Price! - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By BK - April 29 - 6:24 pm

  NO...problems in over 20,000 miles and the gas mileage here in flat Delaware is 28 mpg. Find a nicer convertible at the price and Ill buy it!

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  Luv it - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mark - April 28 - 3:18 pm

  Just bought my Sebring coupe in March.I got a great deal on it and its a fun car to drive,This is the 68th car Ive owned and I love it.Great mileage,handles well(except on washboard roads)and accelerates quickly!No problems to speak of.Ive owned Mopars from 72 to 96 and this is the best one yet.Does have a hesitation from a stop,but Ill work that out this Summer.I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a good,fun car thats dependable and stylish and reasonably priced.

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  great car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By luke54 - April 26 - 8:23 pm

  I had a lot of cars,some of the the best american mfgs on the road. Im driveing the 2.7 eng. and getting great fuel economy 22/33. I,ve worked in the truck and auto industry for 40 yrs. and this vech. is a good one, no its not a Lincoln Marc VIII, Izusu Axiom,Ford LTD, Mustang Gt5spd,but its a darn good american made auto. My wife and I are very happy with ours.

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  a bit annoyed - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By angelasoup - April 24 - 8:13 pm

  Alright so I have read numerous reviews on here and I am here to report ive had almost every problem on the list. The door dinging noise while the vehicle is in motion and the lights flash. The car alarm going off randomly. To fix that I had to alter the speed of my blinkers. The car takes in water underneath the floor when it rains. The transmission fluid suddenly started leaking out of nowhere and my tranny started acting up yesterday. Hope to god i can fix that! Everything falls out of the cup holders and onto the floor. The dome lights never come on when the door is opened. The trunk will stay open on its own for 30 seconds then fall on my head. The inside is uncomfortable and boring

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  Biggest waste of money ever. DONT BUY - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Brandi - April 15 - 5:38 pm

  I bought my car brand new on Jan 2008. The problems began not even one month later when it started stalling on me. 18 months later and many trips to the dealership(along with recalls) the problem still isnt fixed. Research online about this car and recalls and if you are one of the unlucky ones that have this car, beware- it can stall at any moment causing an accident out of no where. Thankfully mine has only done it while I was either stopped at a light or parked. Also, press brake hard- if it starts to freak out-it will jump forward and possibly rear end someone.

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  Nice ride, terrific value - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jeff - April 8 - 6:01 pm

  My 2001 Sebring Convertible was a terrific car that never had any problems. With all of the incentives out there, I decided to trade it in for an 08 model. Heres some comparisons: - 08 model rides higher, which is nice. - 01 model had a notably bigger cabin - both the front seats and (especially) the rear seats. That said, the 08 is still a comfortable, smooth ride. - The V6 engine in my 01 Sebring had much better accleration. The 08 2.7- liter V6 is adequate, but the difference in power is palpable. - The 08 model has tighter handling and a better turning radius. On balance, the 08 Touring model is a tremendous value. Its a sharp looking, comfortable car with great features.