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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  I love it - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Wayne Kopp - December 5 - 9:07 am

  We bought our car to take to Florida for 2 months. It has great styling, looks sporty and the seats are very confortable. I was extremely pleased with the gas mileage. The best feature is trunk space with a convertable. The back seats are very confortable. This is my first Chrysler in 43 years of driving many cars and models and I am very pleased. Have had it for 1 year and no problems at all.

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  Poor Workmanship - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By mac - December 4 - 1:35 pm

  Paid 10k, spent 4 k in repairs over 3 yrs Leaking problem-coolant, transmission, oil Brakes problem: Fixed over and over, still squeaky, bad parts A/C Heating: A/C use shuts down engine in summer. Heat wont work unless you put it on level 4 Reliability: Say a prayer everytime you leave your driveway and hope it doesnt shut down. Overall: With regular maintenance, there is always a minimum $600-1000 cost of repairing something. Went broke with this car, all other bills started being paid late because I put all our money into keeping this car on the road

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  our new sebring convertible - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By m s s - December 1 - 10:00 am

  very impressed with how much fun to drive and overall fit and finish. surprisingly quiet on open highway with top up or down. loaded with features especially compared with all the other convertibles out there to choose from, many costing thousands more.

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  giddy up ah... go - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By sloroller - December 1 - 3:12 am

  We have the GTC model which has the sporty front end and hugs the turns nicely and does not sway. I put some self stick weather striping across the top at the front so closure would quiet the wind draft. It worked. Everything is ok about the car except for the quick stop and the quick start which it can do sporty but It seems the torque converter cant find the right gear to catch the engine at the sudden drop of the higher rpm then gassing it quickly. I have always thought that a 5 spd transmission could solve the problem. So we dont do any Hollywood stops and let the car come to a complete stop before hitting the throttle.

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  Good so far! - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By jpassare - November 28 - 7:14 pm

  I purchased my 07 Sebring new, and put 25K miles in one year. In this time it only needed one minor fix to the trunk release. I have the 2.4l 4 cyl, and no issues with pep. Im a bit surprised by some reviews that report lack of pep. I travel a lot, and have driven many rental cars with 4 cyl. engines. I dont think any of them have as much go or more power than my Sebring. On the highway its quite and handles far better than I expected for the price I paid. On one recent highway trip I got 35 mpg doing mostly 70 mph. My only concern is if Chrysler will stay in business to honor the life time power- train warranty that came with my car for no extra cost!

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  Road Machine - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By geezer51 - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with this car. Comfortable on long trips and has plenty of power.

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  Very Good Car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mark - November 22 - 11:27 pm

  Car rides and handles quite well. Comfortable for long trips. Looks pretty good with some decent quality to the interior materials, not full of cheap plastic. Very good stereo. Have had no real problems with it, so very reliable. Much better in that regard than my 2004 Hyundai Accent, or 90s model Ford cars. On the downside the fuel mileage isnt great. The visibility and maneuverability are somewhat lacking but Im used to compact cars. This is a bit of a boat. Windshield defrost takes forever, very ill conceived big center vent in the dash. Low ground clearance. Only a four speed automatic, should be five or six gears. Overall pretty happy.

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  Chrysler Sebring Convertible = fun - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By dave III - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Great car; fun to drive; very reliable for me.

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  Outstanding luxury sleeper! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ken Thurman - November 18 - 4:45 pm

  One of the finest cars Ive owned. A real head-turner & BMW- surpriser! I got the loaded performance 5-speed with 24-value Mitsu V6. Gorgeous indigo exterior with gray leather, "wood" trimmed, 4-CD blowout sounds interior. At first changes added K&N filter, Z- Max & 245x45 Toyos. Been absolutely rock-solid reliable & thats even after hot laps around Sears Point & Laguna Seca! What a rush. Only complaints are a bit too much wind noise, limited rear quarter vision, & power mirrors lost power. Oil, belts, brakes, & tires are only money Ive had to put in. At 75,000 miles. No major maintenance until I reach 90,000 miles + 100,000 warranty to boot! Great!

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  Cute but uncomfortable - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By simon87 - November 11 - 7:38 am

  I bought this car because of its good looks both interior and exterior, great mileage, and it suited my needs. After driving it about a year and a half, I am ready for something new. It still runs great, however, it is so uncomfortable. My back gets sore after driving an hour or so, its incredibly hard to get in and out of and the road noise on the highway gets pretty annoying. Everything on it is very light and plasticy making it feel like you really are driving a Barbie car on the interstate. It just doesnt feel safe and the very low roof makes me clostrophobic.