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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super fun car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By james - September 24 - 12:18 ami love this car !!! i have worked in the auto industry for twenty years and i find this car to be the most fun car to drive. i would recomend this car if you want to seat four people in the car and it is roomy enough for all four to be comfortable.
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Affordable Luxury! - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By Bret - September 23 - 2:30 amMy last car was a 98 Cirrus. 124,000 miles and never a single problem until my girlfriend totalled it. I had set out to buy a 300c, but I didnt care for its chopped shorty windshield and the boxed-in" feeling I had when seated in it. (I was really used to the cab-forward design of the Cirrus) Jerry Reneau Chrysler/Dodge in Paso Robles, California had a beautiful Magnesium Pearl Coat Sebring Limited with Leather/Suede, a Moonroof and all the bells and whistles. I test drove the Pacifica, Magnum, 300c and the Sebring just blew me away! Im 64" so interior space is a major concern for me, and I ride comfortably with plenty of legroom/headroom. I am completely satisfied with my Sebring.
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Drop the top for exhilaration! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Terje Thomassen - September 19 - 1:02 amOriginally purchased an 01 LXI but totaled it 13 months later when another driver ran a red light. Both air bags deployed and the unibody absorbed the impact, protecting me from any bodily injuries. I immediately purchased an 02 LXI and was happy to see that the V6 was improved with a double overhead cam. The acceleration is addicting and hitting 110 mph with the top down was a super thrill. I upgraded the tires to a high performance Yokohama AS430 and this LXI craves the curves at any speed. Drove from Texas to Georgia with two teenagers for a two week vacation and had plenty of room for all the bagage. This car was a breeze to drive for 8hrs or more at a time, plus its easy on gas.
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Great mix of fun / practicality - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By 2001LXiVert - September 13 - 6:08 pmThis is the best car Ive ever owned. I bought it new with 2 miles on it in March of 2001 and have never had any major mechanical problems with it. Very comfortable and stylish, plus great for a family car. 200 hp performs very well in a heavy convertible, plus >30 highway mileage. City mileage suffers some, but still >20 even on the bad days. I bought this car because the 2001 was the first year to offer the 2.7l V6 and better styling than the previous Sebrings.
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Very Satisfied - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By Bob - August 25 - 10:43 pmI didnt set out to buy a Sebring, but I am glad I did. It holds the road well, and remains level on turns. Has a tight turning radius. The engine far exceeds my expectation. Road noise a bit high but not that objectionable. Have owned it for close to a year and have not had a single problem. Do wish there was an adjustment to make the trunk lid lift higher when opened remotely. Was quite surprised at size of trunk.
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Awesome car!!!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By james - August 19 - 11:15 pmMy wife and i bought our sebring convertible used with 15000 miles on it so far it has been the most exciting car we have ever had . i cant remember a time when i enjoyed a car so much . this is a wonderful automobile, fun to drive, handles great, super economical fun car with style. i have had chrysler products for years three myself and several owned by my family. keep up the good work .
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awsome - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Eloy eam - August 14 - 10:00 amI love this car for a 4cyl this baby really moves,as for the ride and handling im speachless.Great car good on gas, awsome on the highway. Need one eye on the road the other on the speedometer to avoid speeding.Great interio, lots of trunk space.
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2004 Sebring - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By ptmwriter - August 14 - 10:00 amI just bought my 3rd Chrysler convertible and each one is better than the last. My 1998 Sebring was recently in an accident and totalled. I had hoped to keep that car for 4 to 6 more years. The decision to replace it with a new Sebring was a no brainer. I have gone on many long distance road trips and anticipate many more in my new car.
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Excellent Mid Size Sedan - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By John - August 13 - 5:46 pmExtremely reliable, gets good mileage at highway speeds and requires little maintenance.
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New car for spouse - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By MACECOMM - August 11 - 7:53 pmPerfect for mid Stream consumer
