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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Wonderful Car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
By mae - March 13 - 10:27 amI love my new convertible. It has great get up and go, fully loaded, touch screen nav and radio, drink heat/cool, pleanty of room for my two teenagers in the back seat. Leather is durable for our trips to the beach and my kids clunky backpacks. Im in my mid-thirties and I get loads of compliments. Its wonderful. Great value as well.
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Unreliable - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
By patelk - March 12 - 7:09 pmMy car has only 5,000 miles and I have taken it back for repairs 5 times. It occassionally stalls when I put it in drive. The battery died twice, and the stereo shuts off and turns back on by itself. The dealer said there is nothing wrong with it.
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The ragtop is back! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By kishbaugh - March 11 - 10:00 amNo need to keep looking at expensive European convertibles. The Sebring has all the features of the Saab 930 and Volvo C70 convertibles plus room for two adults in the rear seat at half the price. From the heated seats to the dual radio steering controls this car delivers interior genius. The exterior will turn heads at every corner. The redesigned front fascia is better looking than the Ford T-bird. The cloth top is extemely quiet and well built. I have had the top down with outside temps as low as 45F with the seat warmers and heat on it was great. Test drive this car tomorrow and you will buy it!
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not bad - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
By male28 - March 8 - 3:23 pmnot a bad car at all. bought it with 95,000 miles have put 20,000 on it myself an it still hasnt left me stranded. isnt the fastest car in the world but from a rolling 35 itll pick up speed quick, youll be doing 90 n not even realize it, very smooth. im 63 an i have plenty of room, i just cant have anyone sit behind me. front wheel drive but stinks in the snow, great on wet roads. brakes and tranny are suspect, but nothing to make me want to get rid of it. i can honestly say ill probly have this car for a loooong looong time, even when the engine goes, ill put another 1 in it.
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Great car for the money - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By tx20004 - March 5 - 2:00 amThis is a very capable car. It has enough power to drive fast, gas mileage is excellent, comfortable. just had a 6 hours trip and it was very smooth (thanks to cruise control). overall great value.
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Great Car - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
By fenikkusu - March 4 - 11:48 pmGreat little car for the money. Ride is smooth and engine has a lot of get up and go. I was concerned after reading negative reviews, but the car has grown on me.
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Whats everyone complaining about? - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By car_auctioneer - March 1 - 2:54 pmI have a 2002 Sebring LX 4 cylinder. I bought it from a "little old lady" with 5k miles on it a few years ago. It now has 50,000 and I couldnt be happier. I dont understand all the bad press, this car has been trouble-free except for the heater blower motor resistor, a $20 part I installed myself. Otherwise, nothing, not even the battery has gone bad. Has decent acceleration for a 4, and I get 29 highway and 25 average. I think the styling is great and as used car values go, you wont find a better bang for your buck. 6 cyl buyers beware: as with all 2.7 6 cyl Chryslers, make sure you CHANGE YOUR OIL regularly. One of the best Ive owned, and I"ve had a BUNCH!
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Nice car for the price - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By Rick - February 27 - 3:42 pmWe bought the car in 2004. Other than oil changes, we havent had to do much else with the car. We have had some issues with the brakes but other than that, its pretty much been maintenance free. Fun car to drive and I find it comfortable also. We live in the Northeast and as long as you have good winter tires, you can go just about anywhere. On snowy days I take the car instead of my Chevy 2- wheel drive truck.
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Quality of craftmanship - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By cscott - February 25 - 10:00 amThe windshield leaks when it rains and headlight is already getting condensation. This leaves me with concerns of quality of the product. We only have 5500 miles on it so far. It was purchased new.
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Youll Love It! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
By Peter - February 21 - 7:29 pmBought this vehicle in the middle of winter and just love it! Sitting in the drivers seat is like sitting in a cockpit of a plane. I bought the hard top and there is no indication that it is a convertible when you drive it. This car is so sexy and gets a lot of looks. The My Gig system is outstanding and there are so many other great options on the limited version. I looked at Volvo and BMW and bought my Sebring Limited hard top because it is better looking and a smoother ride. Go out and get this vehicle!
