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:
Showing 401 through 410 of 1,334.00-
Good car, bad Service - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
By xxx - June 12 - 2:00 amI bought it at 40k miles, with extended warranty (excellent idea, as it turned out) and I only had very minor problems with the car. However, all dealerships I dealt with were so incompetent, it took a lot of effort each time to have the car fixed (e.g. 3 visits time 3-4 days each to have the sunroof fixed, 3 visits to have the wheel hubs replaced, 4+ visits for an intermittent no-start problem (they replaced a lot of things, but it was a $12 fuel shut-down relay, etc.) If you know a reliable mechanic, buy this car, its fun to drive. Otherwise, stay away from it.
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Drive it and smile - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By T Bonez - May 25 - 2:00 amDo you break into a smile every time you pull your car out of the driveway? Buy a Sebring convertible and you will. Im only sorry that I had to drive for 25 years before I owned this car. I never knew that driving could be this fun. On nice days, when I see other owners driving with the top UP, I am amazed. Mine is white exterior, black top, tan interior. In my opinion, the best color combination - with the top down, it just oozes "summer fun." The V6 provides plenty of power.
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Breaking - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By RobNAUTICA - May 18 - 2:00 amGood car, but i got it in the middle of an aging period. Its gonna nickle and dime me to death unless i get rid of it. The top broke, windows/door do not sit correctly. New parts are beyond expensive. Do not purchase this car unless you have money to spend on repairs
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Sebring LXi - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By finsdsasa - April 24 - 10:00 amFun car to drive. Decently room for mid size rear passengers. I am 510 and would be happy to have more adjustment backward on drivers seat. On the bumpy highways this car goes like there isnt shock absorbers at all. Power steering pump started to leak at 12K miles.
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LX V6 SUNROOF - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Henry Young - April 24 - 10:00 amGreat ride. Plenty of power with the V6. Effortless acceleration. Surprisingly quiet ride and decent sound system (4 cd changer)
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Reliability Par Excellence - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By D. B. - April 24 - 2:00 amThis car has never been in the shop for repairs other than routine maintenance, brakes, oil changes, etc. It has a new battery but nothing else has been needed except brakes. The transmission is a typical Chrysler trans- mushy and slow. The engine can be over-reved while the car is running!!!!! This is due to the mushy response of the trans.
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I Love It - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By Harrison - April 11 - 2:00 amBought used and have had no problems still turns heads after 6 years seats 4 and has a suitable trunk will buy the 2nd generation in a year or two without a blink
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97-Sebering LXi - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By 5years - April 5 - 2:00 amPretty good car. I might buy another
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A fun car to drive - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By redalert - March 16 - 1:15 amThis car has proved 5 years of reliable service and has only had minor problems including repair of the CD player. Other problems have been minor. The car handles and rides well and is a good vehicle priced reasonably for a convertible in this size class.
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Love it when it works - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
By Paul G. - March 13 - 12:49 amfun car however, have had some problems with fuel pump, major steering assembly repair, and ignition/electrical issues.
