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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  Stay Away From This Car! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Grneyes421 - April 9 - 1:42 pm

  Everything worked fine for the first 1.5 years. Then noticed leaking when it rained, and I mean front and rear floor flooded. Had to scoop the water out. Then it was a snow ball effect in repairs. Battery,Valve cover gasket, timing belt, and water pump $700 Brakes and Tires $450 Misc stuff $300 New motor for window $100, Catalytic Converter (didnt fix) all in 6 weeks? Then BLAMMO Blew a Freaking Rod! Still owe $4000 on the loan. Now Im left with a heap of scrap metal with moldy carpets on a good set of tires. They want you to buy American, well make it reliable. Looking for a Honda or Toyota now..

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  ENGINE DIED FROM SLUDGE - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By concetta van patten - February 27 - 1:32 am

  Engine died w/approx 45,000 mi. Oil changed as recommended. Shocked that Chrysler put the 2.7 Liter engine in some of these 2004 Sebrings when there were hundreds of complaints about these engines.Theres class action lawsuit re this 2.7 L engine which is apparently built in such a way that coolant gets into the engine,oil doesnt filter properly due to structural design and turns to sludge, and the engine holds less oil, thereby requiring more frequent oil changes.Chrysler and extended warranty co.s refuse to cover cost, due to sludge even when customer produces oil change receipts.I still owe $9600 on the loan and new engine will cost half that.

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  Chrysler Quality - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Joe - December 27 - 9:48 pm

  Like the cars look. Fun to drive, just wish it wasnt always to get service. How can they make such good mini-vans (I am on my 3rd), yet make such a poor quality convertible. There has never been a time when there wasnt something seriously wrong with it. It leaks trans fluid, oil and coolant. I just got it inspected again at the dealership, currently, the trans solenoid pack needs replacing, the oil pan and oil pressure sending switch is leaking, the rack and pinion is shot, the door "clips" are broken, the leather seats are tearing and I just replaced the right front hub bearing. The windshield washer works good though.

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  You get what you pay for - 2010 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ash Kidman - December 22 - 10:48 am

  Firstly, I didnt purchase this car, it was provided as a company vehicle. After just three weeks of driving the vehicle and with 1300 miles on the odometer, I have already had to replace a tail lamp bulb (not that big a deal) and now the engine light is on. The seats on this vehicle take some getting used to, the interior looks nice but the materials are cheap. Engine in my vehicle is actually the 2.7 V6, and as V6s go it is unrefined and sluggish. Gas mileage is average for a vehicle this size. My company had a choice between this car and the new Taurus. The Taurus is bigger, more powerful, better built and more expensive...the Sebring proves the old adage, you get what you pay for.

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  Cant Find Parts - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By sarasotagene - November 9 - 12:03 pm

  Great car but when it breaks you may have problems getting parts. I had to work hard to find after market lifters for the top because Chrysler was not making them. Cant have a convertible with the top not going up

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  Looks good but - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By davfit - October 5 - 2:39 pm

  What can I say about this Car liked its Looks, Drives good,but has to many Design flaws...... Exterior well look at top of door frames ,odd looking should have been higher, glass taller fake window addition on rear panel,???? Interior :Plastic sandpaper panels or Interior by biglots good layout Cheap Materials No GRAY INTERIORS BORING ...DATED .... The Sonota is such a better choice

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  Chrysler Hurts - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By IDK - September 22 - 5:54 pm

  I bought my car new replaced brakes twice rotors once. I agree with the person that said maybe the brakes are not strong enough for this car. I now seem to have an electrical problem. Airbag light comes on when it wants, windows work when they want car just lost power on an exit ramp. From what I seen on this site dealerships can not figure it out. I Bought this car new so I would not have to deal with a care breaking down, because I thought it would be better to make payments on a new car instead of constantly repair an old one. My bad (I was wrong).

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  2004 Bad Engines Known - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By kslinca - September 20 - 3:51 pm

  It is known that this car has bad engines in that there is a problem with the oil valve system causing the engine to run out of oil without telling you there is a problem. therefore the engine blows up! (Im not a professional but if you do the research youll find what i did about this) BUT Chrysler Does Not Stand By Their Products....even tho this should be covered. Cost me $8,000.

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  Almost put me into pre-term labor - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jill - August 30 - 3:42 pm

  Bought this vehicle in November of 05 with 35k miles. I had it about 2 months when the blower became very loud and annoying. In October of 07, the transmission control module went out, costing about $200. I read some reviews at that point and debated selling it. Since it was paid off I decided to keep it. In March of 08, at 77k, the car died. 4 weeks and $4,400 later, I got my car back after the computer and entire engine had been replaced. Apparently the car has problems with oil sludge, although I had kept up on all routine maintenance. Worst month of my life, all while expecting my first child. I will NEVER EVER buy a Chrysler again. Dont buy this car!

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  Wish I would have waited - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Rushed Into It - July 14 - 7:42 pm

  Next month will be a year I have the car. Two weeks after I got it check engine light was on. I found out its the purge valve. Then to top it off everytime it raines I have a flood on the driver side floorboard front to back seat. It will cost me more to have them find out the problem because the dealership doesnt want to honor my warranty. Im trading it in as soon as possible. More trouble than its worth.