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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  Good, not Great - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By huey44 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Have as company car. Great price for convertible. Has turning radius of a RV. Problems with rear defroster. Wire connection keeps coming unsoldered. Finally had to use duct tape to keep on.

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  Sebrings are awesome - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By landa - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this car for a month. It runs really smooth and good. The interior and exterior is wonderful. The horsepower on this bab is out of this world. The only problem I have with the sebring is that it drowns gas. whew, with gas prices as high as they are,you need to get a gas card.lol

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  Fun car! - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By ck_anna - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I just go it. I traded my Lebaron convertible for it. Big jump in size & quality. Love it! Top is much easier to operate on the sebring. great over all car!

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  Fun car! - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By cutiewithdroptop - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I just go it. I traded my Lebaron convertible for it. Big jump in size & quality. Love it! Top is much easier to operate on the sebring. great over all car!

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  A pretty good car - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By musicguy - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this car for quite a while and really cant seem to find too much wrong with it. There have been quite a few recalls which is a little disconcerting, but they were all taken car of by the dealer. One nasty problem with the threshhold drain holes caused water to accumulate under the carpet. That wasnt a covered defect under warranty and cost us a few hundred to strip and dryy the interior.

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  Enjoyable Ride - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By topdownalways - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun ride with decent gas milage. Ive driven other LXi rental convertables and have seen a difference on performance. Some, like mine, have a lag when stepping on the gas and accelerating (which is critical for the split second pass). Once it does kick in, there is a jerk and quick acceleration. Sound system is great, seating room is great, trunk space is good (better than most convertables), love the car design and that you can be moving and still open/close the top. I have had the car for two years. I have had the window motor, the electrical light panel controler, and wheel bearings replaced at 36,000 miles.

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  almost 8 years - 1995 Chrysler Sebring
  By Steven Chilton - April 5 - 2:00 am

  When this car came out in 95 it was probably the best looking American car. Its style was similar to the Lexus 300s. Thats why I bought it. I always said it was a poor mans Lexus. Ive had this car almost 8 years and it still looks good and has been reliable. Only tires brakes and battery. It has had an oil leak for the past 3 years. the dealer seemed to think it was the cam senser but they werent sure so I didnt have it fixed. Its been a good car never breaking down once. The tape player did jam and I havent bben able to get the tape out.

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  Never again! - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By Carl R. - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Since day one this car has been nothing but problems. I have replaced the ball joints, axles, brakes twice, ty-rods 3 times. The digital odometer stopped working at 90K. It has had electrcial problems such as the power windows, seats, mirrors anad dash board lights will speratically not function. The top leaks. The battery has died three times in the course of one year. The door hinges have broken and the cooling system has sprung leakes everywhere. My mechanic runs and locks the door everytime I or the tow truck pull up with the car. This car has been a non stop mechanical disater!

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  nice car but not a sport car - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By velo - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car, but it is not a sport car, the mileage surprisingly economical. and 4 can seat in with no troubles. I have driven the car over 30,000 miles with only one problem: an electrical sensor part of the transmission. otherwise it has been very dependable, this car is all about open/fresh air with comfort

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  2002 Lxi - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By wingermi - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought as a used "program" car, rental turn in. Has been great, two problems, steering wheel leather shot (replaced under warranty)Air Bag light always going on - been to dealer twice. Otherwise very nice car - would have loved a Miata but nowhere to put the kids!