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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  My Sebring, My Baby - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By silvey - May 7 - 2:01 pm

  Love! Love! Love my 1999 LIMITED convertible! Bought used - went from a 90 LeBaron to this and both have been amazing cars. Car handles like a dream and its so much fun to drive! All of the added LIMITED features (fog lights, cloth top, cd player & autostick which I love in the snow) were so worth the extra few dollars. Custom PLATINUM color is gorgeous & the compliments are plenty, even on a 6-yr old car. Love it! Only problems were a pesky wiper that carved into the windshield and the rear defogger detached twice, which the dealership replaced, and getting used to the large blindspots. I agree with the other comments that the dealership service has been the pits, though. 5 star? NO WAY!

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  A True A+ Chrysler - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By BLPro - May 7 - 12:40 am

  -I owned this car for three years, and had NO major problems with it. The only repairs were the Battery, Front Breaks, and average Tune-ups. A fantastic Wisconsin winter & summer car. I get 30 miles/Gal. Quick pick-up for Highway Driving. I knew about the drain holes ahead of time, so I avoided wet floors. If you have the "Flooding Problems" & "Standing Water" inside on the floors, just keep the drain holes along the frame under each door uncloged, that should solve the problem with water on the floors. I have had no problem getting people in the back seats either, rather roomy back there. Basic preventative maintainance, and the car has been great. Better then the Benz I had, & cheaper.)

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chuck - April 29 - 3:20 pm

  Great car for cruising. But if you want a car for speed and sports handling, then this is not the car. But then where can the average person fly around hair pin turns, down shifting and sliding the back end on the turn. The ads you see on television for the aggressive driver are the exception.

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  better than our old 2000 sebring convert - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Steve - April 28 - 1:47 pm

  Went the the auto show and tested all the convertibles from $25k to $85k. Liked the sebring the best bcause of its styling and size. You can put 2 sets of golf clubs in the trunk and still fit a cooler or two in there as well. Has all the options of the higher end cars for a lot less money. Real quiet ride.

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  Simply AWSOME! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Stu & Cathy - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Chrysler. We LOVE it! I would drive this car on any long vacations and never get tired. It gives a wonderful smooth ride and when needed lots of ZOOM! They did a great job following the Cirus with the Sebring. Only complaint is the its a little thursty when it comes to gas in the city.

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  Great convertible! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By gfriedrich - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This car does a great job in snow as well as dry roads. I cant wait to drive it routinely with the top down.

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  Good Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jemn26 - April 18 - 1:11 am

  Purchased with 22410 miles and looks and feels like new....good power for a 4 cylinder.....nice family car

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  Great car for a reasonable price - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Diane - April 16 - 1:43 pm

  Absolutely love the car. Have a mercedes and like this one as much. Only complaint i have is difficult to make a right turn.....If top is up...Very poor visibility.

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  My experience with the sebring - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By raymond wroten - April 16 - 8:40 am

  My first sebring was the Limited which I really enjoyed driving. I traded to get a newer car and decided on the touring model. These cars are very similar although the limited had more features. Both are fun to drive, however on trips there is a definate lack of space for luggage. The only answer to this is to make the car slightly larger or redesign the trunk compartment. It is a great car. One other problem is that the dealers dont give true value on these cars in trade in. forcing customers to sell the car to an individule. This is a minus, both for the company and the owner.

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  Lees opinion - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ms B - April 14 - 1:55 pm

  Im very pleased with the handling ability of this car. I live in the southest, and I took the car on a roadtrip to the northest . We ran into an unexpected snow storm, and the car handled excellently on the ice & snowy conditions!