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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  Year later still better than expected - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By mhoffman2 - April 12 - 11:35 am

  Wrote review year ago. Now with 15000 more miles, still no problems. Just washed and waxed,and vehicle with white paint still gleams like new. Now that sun is out, I dropped top, no problems. Paid $12000 for Touring model in Feb, 2009, now worth about the same price or possibly more. No regrets. May turn out to be one of better automobile purchases, even if it does suffer some future breakdown. For now,EVERYTHING is good.

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  Good, and Reliable - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By tman24 - April 11 - 12:15 pm

  I have owned this car for a year and a half. The previous owners treated it like crap, as in the oil looked like it had never been changed and the brakes ate the rotors, and there were cigarette burns in the seats. I got it for 3500 in 2009. I cleaned it out, changed the oil and brakes. Since then i havent had any problems(short of vandalism) with the car. I bought it with 54k on it. It now has 75k and it feels better actually. You cant even feel the engine running, and shifts are smooth. I do all my own maintenance so i now know the car like the back of my hand. I feel the engine will last me at least 200k(my grandma sold hers with no problems at 150k).

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  A great American Car - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By cak737 - April 3 - 9:56 am

  I bought this 2006 TSi as a leftover in 07. It now has 60,000 miles and has not had the first problem. The reason I bought it instead of an 07 was it was priced right and loaded w/ options, and Lifetime Warranted. I have a 97 Stratus which I believe is about the same size and frame, it now has 345,000 miles w/ no major problems. And parts for these are 1/4th of parts for foreign cars. I consistently get over 30 MPG highway and thats saying something here in the Mts. of Colorado. Its fun to drive and has very crisp handling, a must in the mts. Overall a great car. Just wish the seats had more padding.

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  Make sure you check Chrysler recalls before paying for repair - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By gigigilari - March 18 - 8:12 am

  I got my Chrysler in June2010 with 68k....not even 2 weeks and it needed new alternator...later on during the summer i had to take my daughter to the hospital and on the way out it didnt want to shift from Park. Now its shaking when slowing down and its doing horrible on gas. I did tune up, regular oil changes, changed brakes and rotors and still shaking. I see a lot of people are having the shift from Park problem!!!! DO NOT pay for fixing it- go to chrysler dealership and they will fix it for free- thats a recall, also this same model has a recall for the stalling.....so if you have a problem check first because it could be a recall so u wonat have to pay or worry about expired warranty!!

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  This car is better than the reviews - 2010 Chrysler Sebring
  By itguy55 - February 19 - 8:50 am

  I recently purchased a 2010 Sebring Limited with the 2.7L V-6 engine. At first sight I liked the Sebrings European styling cues...It seems these days that every American mid-size car on the road wants to look like a Camry--even the venerable Taurus, and I am just tired of that look. My Sebrings lines seem to me much closer to an E-Class Mercedes. When Im sitting in the cockpit, theres also something very Benz-like about a tilt/telescope steering wheel that pushes almost flat against the dash, which at 62" / 260, I appreciate while getting in and out of the car--I can actually turn in the seat to get out, instead of sliding out sideways, which is what I have to do in most cars .

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  First Convertible - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By kketchum - February 7 - 6:20 pm

  I bought this car from my dad, who luckily for me, kept it very clean and up to date on all of its scheduled maintenance. Its been a great first convertible to own. I plan on driving it until it doesnt run anymore, which will probably quite some time from now. The leather interior, heated seats, 6 disc changer make it hard for me to find another convertible with the same features for the value that Ive gotten with this car. Plus, I get lots of attention in it when the top is down - someone always needs directions! :)

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  Get the HARDTOP - Youll love it! - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lovitt - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Had it almost 2 years, 50,000 miles. Not one problem. Rides smooth (VERY American-style), the 3.5 liter engine has good power. I get 33 mpg combined. The top goes up/down in 30 seconds - smooth every time. The interior plastic is a bit cheap (as others have noted), but the seats are excellent. I have driven this from Miami to D.C and back. 15 hrs each way, and no back pain. Its a cruiser! Dead quiet with the hard-top up. No leakage during a rain or car wash. In fact, you can drive in rain with the top down, so long as you stay above 40 mph. The rain flies over you and you stay dry. People look at you like youre a nut, though. Truly fun Florida car. But its NOT a sports car.

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  3.5L V6 Hardtop Convertible - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chris - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Black with platinum wheels and trim, the car sure looks classy. Put synthetic oil and premium gasoline in it, and she flies, too. Sadly, only 20 mpg in the city. What I thought was flimsy building (the grunts and groans quite a bit), I realized is just how the car is sprung. Once you drive it a while, it can really perform for you. All the things they say about the interior are true, and it would have been an easy fix because its really comfy in there, actually. Also, windshield top is a little low for tall people. Classy rig. Ladies in Palm Springs love it.

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  2004 Sebring Convertable - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By John Macatee - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I have not had one problem at all with my Sebring since I bought it new in 2004. It has been reliable, fun, and has given me good fuel economy - 28- 30 mpg on the road about 25 mpg around town, using Copper performance tires. I had a leak in the area or the top back window. the dealer fixed it and I took it through the car wash all the time. I put on 148,000 miles on it in Los Angeles, then I moved it to Hawaii and put on a total of 182,000 miles when my son totaled it! The only thing I had to replace was the front left motor mount, which was caused going airborne for about 30 feet on a wavy road outside of Hilo. I just loved this car and am looking for buy another ASAP!

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  Camry replacement - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lizard - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Equal year/option Camry is $5-6k more! & NOT worth it. Our Camry 02 was very good, BUT VERY expensive to repair, tired systems. We needed a good value (kid in college expenses!), 4 door, & found a mint, Chrysler off-lease, loaded Sebring Touring. 73,000 km. Power train warranty to Mar 2012! So far, 34 imperial mpg on highway (better than our V6 Camry). Cruises effortlessly. Nice firmer ride, but not harsh. Camry was mushy.