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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  GTC 5 SPEED: UPDATE - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Shifter - April 6 - 3:07 pm

  Update: 44,000 miles. My "black-on- black beauty" 5 speed manual continues to be just that. The mirror-like finish remains deep and clear, and still maintains like-new appearance. The last tank of fuel (city driving) yielded 23 mpg, and that fluctuates in a range of 21-23 city--all on original plugs. With the exception of two switch replacements in the heat-ac blower, the car has been absolutely mechanically excellent. One change noted, however, is the presence in Winter, when the cabin is cold, of loud squeaky sounds where the top meets the windshield frame. As the cabin heats up the sound diminishes in loudness. Handling remains tight & I love the 5 speed control in snow and rain.

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  UnReliable - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Joyce - April 1 - 8:49 pm

  Car stalls randomly when stopped. Dealer can find "nothing" wrong. Car occasionally drivings at 5000 RPM when doing only about 60 MPH. Again, dealer can find no cause, says there is "no code" so they cant help you. Offered me the option to turn it into the bank or use it as a trade (less than 1 year later for greatly less than I paid.) Would NEVER purchase form this dealer or this car EVER again.

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  My Excellent Sebring Coupe! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mindy - March 31 - 9:07 am

  I purchased my 02 Sebring LXI coupe used with just over $100,000 miles on it and I was going to be the 3rd owner. I was trading up from my 1997 Sebring coupe. Yep, thats right. I loved my 97 so much I was determined to get another. All maint. records came w/car and throughout very little troubles. And I have done nothing to it but new tires and oil changes in the 2 years I have owned it. It now has 125,000 miles and runs great. I feel so lucky to have such a great car. They are EXCELLENT cars, I highly recommend. Chrysler and other domestic cars are all I will ever own.

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  First american car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By x-saab - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Does not provide tight turn handlling

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  Great Mid Size Car - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By D.B. - March 26 - 9:46 am

  Just got this sebring, but I already love this car. Gets great mpg as opposed to the Dodge caravan I had. Four cylinders are all noisy so that doesnt bother me, performance is good for a four banger, could use more headroom up front but thats the trade off for its sleek styling.

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  Great, economical car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ray - March 24 - 8:59 pm

  Bought it used, former rental car. Has a 2.4 litre 4 cyl. that has good power. Handles freeway speeds quite well. Have had no major problems with it. Gets good gas mileage, 27-29 mpg around town and have gotten as good as 32.5 on the highway.

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  Chrysler Sebring 2006 Touring - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Alexandre - March 24 - 12:27 am

  I have a Touring since 2years. I bought them at 31 000km. Now,My car have 107 000km and hes still running perfectly. The only thing I hate from this car is the quality of plastics used for dash & doors. TOO CHEAP ! Its my second car and I love them. The V6 is smooth,the car is very light so 200hp is sufficient for me,for the moment. Fuel efficient is very great on highway but can be better in city. 10km/l (25% city,75% highway). The best fuel economy for all V6 sedan like Mazda6,Camry,Altima,Accord or Sonata.

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  limited convertible - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By frederick - March 21 - 12:48 am

  i am over 6ft tall try to find a convertible that you can stretch out in and be comfortable at my height i previously owned 2 passats and there is a huge quality of interior ,sheet metal,and paint difference, but having said that it is very appealing to look at and gets great reviewns from passengers and onlookers,just dont look for a tight german ride.the car does everything well enough and the top comes down,nothing better on a summer day

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  Wish I didnt buy - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dr.Arnold - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Lemon. That is how I describe my red sebring convertable. The check engine light came on after one week. Was "fixed" and came on again the following week. They ordered a part, and asid it was safe to drive. In the mean time 3 complete electrical failures. the 3rd one after it was "fixed" again. And a broken RPM gauge to boot. 4th time in the shop and nothing fixed yet. And so far no satisfaction from Chrysler! Dont buy!

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  Good Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mark - March 14 - 3:34 pm

  Car has been good to me since i bought it in 2003. No major repairs, just standard maintenance.