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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  No More Sebring - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Goldie - November 5 - 12:23 pm

  I would have to agree with some of the reviews earlier. About a month after purchasing my Sebring I noticed black glue type stuff on side panels of the doors. Ive taken it to the dealer on numerous occasions. The sad part is that they are unable to tell me what’s causing the problem. Since then every year I’ve been out of $100 or more on the following: catalyst converter, serpentine belts and currently it’s in the shop for a transmission repair. I find the car difficult in steering, very small cup holder and loud road noise. The tires on my car 17” quite expensive and only a few stores carry that particular size.

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  WhoooHooo - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By dride9 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have just recently purchased a 2004 and this car is great. I had a 2002 bonneville, and let me tell you I love this car much more. It just goes to show you that simplicity is better. Though it doesnt have the buttons that the bonnie had, it still is far more superior in looks and styling. Can say that I am a chrysler man from now on. And the chrysler dealership that I purchased it from has went beyond the call of duty. No wonder chrysler symbolizes perfection.

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  MY BABY! - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By love my sebring - October 29 - 7:42 pm

  I went to a Nissan dealership, and drove away with a Chrysler. Im a college student, wanted to get something I wouldnt have to pray would break down on me. Test drove a few Nissans then I test drove the Sebring, and then took it home. I love the way the car looks. Its great on gas, and the sound system is great. People have been complaining about the pick up, I think the car is quite peppy, and when Im on the highway I dont even realize how fast Im going sometimes. The inside feels sorta like a airplane cockpit, but I love my car ! I love the gas mileage it rivals a Honda, or Nissan . Not bad for an American made car

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  After rough beginning... - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By newyorker - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Had the auto-start installed and it screwed up the electrical system where we had it in the shop for the first week of its new life! Grand Prix made up for it with lifetime oil changes though...so no complaints now! Excellent car...very sturdy for a convertible - thank god we didnt buy the Cabrio (we were real close!), which felt like a Go Cart compared to this car.

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  Great car for me. Bad car for others. - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Debbie - October 23 - 9:24 am

  The reviews on this car are terrible. I hope my luck holds out. I love my car. I bought it used. Its build date is 3/2003 as a fleet car. For 4 years, Ive driven it and the only problem had to do with transmission & solenoid which dealer found. Cost less than $450 total to fix. I love my car. It is a lot of fun. I will trade it for another in a few years. Looking forward to the hard top convertible.

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  Silver Beauty - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By George - October 19 - 1:41 pm

  Two months ago we bought a red LX model of this car with a 4 cylinder engine. We loved it so much that we bought this one. It has more standard features, but is no less fun to drive. Weve had no problems with it, and its powerful, well made, smoothly running car.

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  Going Topless! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By George. - October 19 - 1:15 pm

  We bought this car in red about two months ago. Its FUN to drive and its economical on gas, getting 32 mpg on long trips over the road. Weve had no trouble at all with it, and we love its styling and hideaway top which is always an attention getter! The engine runs smoothly, quietly and seems vibration free. There are no body shakes or rattles or squeaks that one usually expects to find, even in the most expensive of convertibles. Its power wont win any races, but its very adequate for most situations. We liked this car SO MUCH that we bought a silver one for my wife! Hers is the Touring model convertible with the 2.7 liter V6 motor. Pls. see th

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  What have I done? - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sick to my stomach - October 17 - 11:33 pm

  I bought the Sebring about a month ago. I absolutely hate this car. It sounds terrible. Never know what noises Im going to hear each day. Kind of fun to drive but so noisy and uncomfortable its hard to get past anything else. Please ask if you can take car for a few days and drive before you buy to make sure its what you want. Wish I would have. Not fun just sick to my stomach that Im in this car for a long time. I wish I could hire someone to run it off of a cliff.

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  Affordable Fun - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ray - October 16 - 7:58 pm

  We bought it last fall with 52K miles. Computer slippery with strong Chrysler retro styling. Roomy, great road trip for two. We read the clubs web site cover to cover. We anticipated all the ankle-biter stuff (the "leaks" from clogged drains, instrument cluster solder joints, suspension fixes, etc.). By learning the root cause of these problems we saved hundreds. Purchase price was low, so we invested in long term things (seals, an original blend Candy Apple Red paint job, some body work, some suspension work). Now we enjoy it. We have done a couple of 1K+ road trips. We have less than 60K on the car now and around 10K invested -- and no car payments. Its 12 yrs old, ready for another 12.

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  My Sebring is perfect - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By SebringIS1337 - October 15 - 6:07 pm

  We have had this car for about 6 or 7 years now and the only things we have had get fixed are two flat tires (damn nails) and a new starter. Other than that is has had oil changes. I have one complaint and that is about the tiny front brakes, they are about the size of a coffee can lid, and this car weighs a ton to slow down. But you can take a turn going so fast and you wont loose traction and it is perfect int the snow, just plows right through the snow. Since it weighs so much you can burn out if you want really easy, just step on the gas a tad and you fly!