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:

• 

  Disposable Parts - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By JilSC - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The interior is so-so. Both door hinges POP, and the 27.00 parts will cost 350.00 to have installed. The air bag sensor, rear defogger, and visor laches need to be repaired for the second time this year.

• 

  Great Summer Car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By LMDJRX4 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Originally problem with leaky roof...corrected. Rear defogger contnues to be a problem. Great trunk space. Great convertible for family. Fun to drive. No problems in the snow.

• 

  Topless Nut - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By highlandgolfnut - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Sure, there are some things that I wish were better designed, and I would like to get a little more performance out of a car that looks so good, but for the price I paid for a four year old convertible that was in perfect condition inside and out, you have to give up a little. I get comments everywhere I go about what a great car I have(especially in supermarket parking lots). An added bonus is that I can fit my weekly foursome AND four sets of clubs in the car, something I couldnt do in a Mustang, Camaro/Firebird, BMW, or Solare!

• 

  pikerh in Homestead - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By pikerh - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Excellent open air car...if you dont mind the 18-19 mpg range economy. Very dependable only a few electrical problems. Cloth top very nice.

• 

  Pretty good car. - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jstransam - April 25 - 10:00 am

  My girlfriend just bought this car in Aug. and Ive drove it often and its a nice car. I took it to the coast and I had a great ride I would recommend this car to anyone who likes convertibles.

• 

  Mopar Fan - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By wplets - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Ride is a little hard, as well as road noise in this LX version. Transmission began slipping in first 6 months, dealer replaced some pump, now doing same again. Had a 98 Cirrus with similar problem, but not until 85k.

• 

  Beautiful Car - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chases - April 13 - 2:00 am

  First car I ever owned! I loved this car. Very sporty, but better on gas and cheaper insurance. The V6 gave it ALOT of power. The only bad thing is it doesnt make very tight turns

• 

  Drive = Love! - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Steve Phillips - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Hawaii was the perfect place for me to buy this car and I loved every minute of it! Although I live in Washington now and it isnt as fun, I look forward for days to put that top down. I have received compliments on how good it looks since the day I bought it. I will get rid of my SUV way before I get rid of my Sebring! The only problems I have had are changing the battery (behind the front tire) and replacing the alarm.

• 

  goodtime - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By dio mac - April 2 - 2:00 am

  its a greet car

• 

  Thats one fine car... what is it? - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By TK2RPh - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is beautiful. Always proud to drive it. It has been very reliable for us mechanically. Oxygen sensors have been the only mechanical feature of irritation. The steering is nice as long as you do not need to turn sharply. OK gas mileage (24) and acceleration could be better. Excellent stereo but factory speakers will always be sub par no matter what name is on them. The front end is the only exteral dysfunction. It is extremely too low. You do not let anybody drive it that cannot go slow up driveways and entrances. Have taken long trips and travels fine except for extreme road noise at freeway speeds.