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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  Love of my life - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Love of my life - January 12 - 7:21 am

  The joy I get from this car is a first for me from a car. I am amazed by its handling, great gas mileage and lack of need for repair. I will never own any other car. I am getting the E85 next.

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  Gota luv it - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By ellimac - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive not had one problem in the two years that I have had by car. I love it, and I recive so many compliments when ever I drive it.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dennis - January 2 - 1:55 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 with 30,000 miles on it. I have only done expected repairs (brakes, tires, battery, timing belt, oil changes) and one unexpected repair (starter motor at 60,000 mi.). I think the Mitsubishi V6 engine has a lot to do with the reliability. I get 24 mpg combined with I think is pretty good for a 10 year old car. This has been a trouble free car. It now has 144,000 mi and the engine makes a little bit of lifter noise. People complain of the squeaks, but I dont think it is any noisier than other convertibles I have owned.

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  One great convertible - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Carl K. - December 28 - 8:14 am

  This is my first convertible, and first Chrysler product in 10 years. Im so pleased with the car overall. The looks, ride, comfort, and the price. Looks like a car costing twice as much.

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  Bad Transmission or Wind Noise - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Addison - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I must have bought the runt of the litter. From the day I bought the car there were several things that had to be fixed, incorrect bezel on the gear shift (mine has the autostick but the bezel was for the regular transmission), drivers power window motor needed replaced, drivers seat loose, and heated seats did not function. Took it on a trip to New Orleans from Indiana the first month and noticed a noise at 70mph. After several times in service, including a three week transmission re-build they determined that it was not the transmission but wind noise and could not fix the problem.

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  2005 Chrysler Sebring GTC Sun Fun - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Glenn Merideth - December 19 - 8:41 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Sebring GTC by accident, looking for a Chrysler 300, the cute little Pearl Firemist Red GTC grabbed my eye and my heart, and the rest is history. I live out in the boonies in the shadow of the Montana Rockies, and my car has performed flawlessly in temps from 110 to minus 35, always starts instantly, and has never had a mechanical problem of any kind. I have used Mobile One every 5000 miles since new, and it uses no oil at 50000 miles now. Has averaged 28 MPG with 90 % highway miles, and 22 in town, or with the top down on the highway around 20. Great comfort, looks and build quality. I plan on keeping it for the rest of my life. I would buy it all over again.

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  Nice Sebring - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Commuter - December 19 - 5:41 pm

  My Sebring Touring has 4000 miles on it, averaging 30 mpg in mixed suburban and highway driving. It is a pleasant car with stability control, bluetooth, hard drive Sirrius radio and power driver seat, out the door for $19K. Acceleration is decent. The upright driving position is good and visibility fine. Controls are all easy to reach, and the gated shifter makes it easy to reach the gear I want without looking down. I am using the Sebring as a commuter vehicle 45 miles each way, and my fellow carpoolers have commented without being asked on the roomy rear seat, a real strength of this car as compared to many of its competitors. (I know, I sat in all of them.) No issues so far.

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  REMS ROAD TRIP - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By REMS - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Took on a short road trip to Palm Springs CA. from Seattle WA. I was not impressed with the gas mileage I thought it should have been higher for the size of car. The car was fine to ride in as long as you took a break every hour or so. It had lots of get up for passing. The car was quite for a convertable and with the top up was very confortable. I do not like driving this car in the rain however as the backend is light. The overall road trip was nice and had no suprises.

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  Not A Very Good Car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Fran - December 9 - 7:43 pm

  I got this car as a company vehicle last year July 2007. I have the 2.7L V6 engine. I must say, the car is very stylish from the outside but basically, car is a piece of crap! I took this car in several times to the dealership for various repairs. Problems that stand out for me is the following - Car dies intermittenly at low speeds. When making left turns, car makes a growling noise. At stops, sometimes car sputters, then surges forward when foot is on brake. If you dont have to drive it and leave it parked the car get 10s all around. Once you drive it the car gets 1s all around! I will never ever purchase a Chrysler product. No wonder the 3 big American car companies are going out of business!

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  FANTASTIC FIND - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sissy - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This car rides so smooth and quiet. Its really hard to believe its a convertible! We had a Mazda Miata, which we loved very much. Our Sebring is so much more roomier and smoother riding. A dream come true!