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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  great car for the value - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By rds - March 4 - 10:00 am

  great gas mileage good performance

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  Bob Seger Rocks in the CD - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By golf_artist - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Hey, just bought my new car! Cool saying that huh... Drove it first day and had a minor TSB issue and the dealer dealt with it correctly. Car is beautiful, stylish, affordable and will take care of my needs. First Chrysler product I have owned, Will Not be the Last!!!

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  Transportation - We love this car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By tlrar - February 19 - 1:14 am

  Needing a reliable vehicle during the winter months was VERY important,able to handle upstate NY winters before the snowplows. With good tires, this car exceeded our expectations. Comfort and reliability is a plus. The downfalls of our expectations is it does shift hard and awkward in extreme temperatures. The vehicle is hard to start in extreme temperatures. Very nice running and very smooth car. Acceleration is great yet the tranny is quite noisey when accelerating fast. The car lacks anti lock brakes, but we are able to stop the vehicle wherever and whenever. Anyone looking for a good, stylish and reliable should consider the sebring. We do not regret ours.

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  More than I bargained for - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Don - February 18 - 9:58 am

  It is relatively quiet for a convertible, has plenty of power and is comfortable and well built. It has had one recall that was taken care of by the dealer very promptly. This is my 3rd Sebring convertible having had a 97 and a 99. This one surpasses the others in all categories. The gas mileage is excellent for the amount of power the engine produces. The fact that it seats 4 full sized adults in reasonable comfort is another plus.

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  the new chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By kg - February 4 - 6:28 am

  Since the buy out the cars coming out seem very well put together. I LOVE MY CAR. Drives very well, Handles very well on the open road or in town. I had shopped around for other cars and was not even looking at the sebring, i sat in the ar and then test drove it and fell in love. Bought it on site that day.

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  My Sebring - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jim Webb - January 26 - 12:41 pm

  Very nice shape and preformance. I really like the pick-up-and-go of the car. When I go to pass someone it do NOT bog down, it jumps up and goes. Comfort is great also. Look and feel is super.

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  I love my car - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By samm - January 11 - 7:07 pm

  I had a 1996 Sebring convertible before and I was very satisified. I felt the new style was not as sleek as the old models, but after driving this one, I feel that the car performs and feels much better. It is more solid and drives with less floting than the older model. I am glad I did not let my sence of design be the only thing that ruled my purchase. My husband is a big man and fits better in this car. I love my car..........

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  Perfect choice!! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By TopDownFun - January 7 - 11:57 pm

  I had searched for quite a while looking for the right size convertible that would be used as a primary driver. The other brands did not have the room or options that the Sebring did. After the first test drive I was in love Almost coming up on two years now with 56K miles owning this car I have yet to have any maintainence problems. Or for that fact anything to complain about. It was the right choice for the right price. Thumbs up to Chrysler for a great product!!

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  2006 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convert - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By rdc - January 4 - 2:26 am

  For the price, its a great little car. Four adults can actually fit in this convertible - great for our two grandkids. Better ride than I expected and quieter than I expected. This is our Florida car and the top is rarely up.

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  Stylin Sebring - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Angie - January 2 - 4:33 pm

  Overall, this has been a great car. Its been very reliable, and I love the pick-up of the 3.0 V6. I get compliments on the body style all the time, and the black paint looks so sleek! Well, it used to until it recently started to fade and oxidize like you wouldnt believe. Especially on the roof and trunk. Dealer said theyd cover the cost of repainting those areas, so well see how that goes. Other than the paint, its been a great car, and Ive had no major problems.