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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  Would not recommend - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By MyJohnny - May 16 - 5:25 pm

  I purchased my vehicle in June 2007. 2 weeks after purchasing the automatic top got stuck in the up position. Could not be driven. Had to put it on a flatbed and have it towed. Ugh! 2 months later, the exact same thing happened. Had to get it towed again, in the rain! Since then, I have had two recalls on the relay switch for the same problem. While I love the way the car looks, I would NEVER recommend anyone to purchase. During this past year while having the car, I have never been able to really enjoy the vehicle, since every time I put the top down, I close my eyes and have to pray that it doesnt get stuck again. Also, does a lot of sputtering. Never could find the problem.

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  JXI Limited Convt - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By SparkDog74 - May 11 - 1:54 pm

  I just bought the Limited model with the indiglo style dash, white faced gauges, and autostick. Love the car, gets attention you want and none that you dont. Two toned interior 2.5 is peppy not powerful. Chrome wheels are a nice touch, but expect the tires to be a little spendy. Just bought and putting it through its paces. Infinity sound systems is good, wish cd changer would read cd/rw formats. Looking for interior parts, I imagine they will be hard to find.

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  Its several years later from first revi - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Shifter - May 11 - 1:38 pm

  It is now several years since my first posting. I still love my GTC, and it still looks showroom-clean. Twice the blower switch needed replacement, but aside from one headlight, the car has been trouble-free. The 5 speed is the best on snow and ice, and I like the control in rush hour (especially as a way of conserving fuel given the current cost). MPG in the city hovers between 21 and 24 depending on driving conditions. My second review (first in 2006) still radiates enthusiasm for this car. I still wish 1st gear had less resistance off the line, but all in all, I continue to love this car. A little Meguiars Instant Detail keeps the black a high gloss and the wheels looking good.

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  2008 Sebring - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chrysler Guy - May 9 - 2:29 pm

  A real pleasure to drive. Nicely appointed interior although the hard, silver plastic trim is not too classy. Good sound from the standard radio and Sirius radio is a plus. My mileage averages between 31 and 32 for all around driving. Lots of nice goodies auto headlights, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto temp control, power seats, etc. make is nice to drive and handling is also good.

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  Basically a Fun Car BUT! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By SirSteven - May 8 - 12:47 pm

  I now have 10,000 trouble free fun miles except I had a mygig radio option. Dont let anybody kid you it is junk! In the first three months I was without a radio for at least two months. It came on when it felt like it. I was promised a software up grade each month. It never came! Finally it got here. They put it in and radio was worse. The installed a new radio. It wasnt new it was a refurbished. What a laugh. It was worse then the first on plus the switched hard drive capacity. It still didnt work. The bluetooth locked up with the phones and your party could not hear you. The put in another refurbished unit and it again was junk. Now have a new unit from a demo car and its junk

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  Love It! - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By jess - May 7 - 2:04 pm

  I bought this car only a few months ago, but so far have taken it on 3 road trips. I love the way it drives. Havent had any major problems with it. Sunroof didnt open all the time took it back to dealership they replaced the motor of it. Other than that I love everything about it. It has a lot of interior space.

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  Love the Sebring Hardtop Convertible - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sam - May 7 - 2:44 am

  The car handles the roads well and highway driving is like riding in a low-flying airplane. The ride is incredibly smooth with very little road noise. The feel of the car is very solid not like a typical convertible. I’ve negotiated corners much faster than usual and found that it corners like most other cars that I’ve experienced. The dash and instrument panel is well appointed. The 3.5 is great and the extra power helps handle all kinds of traffic situations. Top goes up & down 3 times a day, no problems. Washing is a breeze I use the drive-thru carwash & have no water problems whatsoever. Test drive this car and I think you will be “hooked”. This car is a beauty I love it!

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  Serious Convertible - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Hudson Valley - May 3 - 9:07 pm

  This is a Excellent affordable convertible. The 1996 JXI is really a Mitsubishi eclipse super-sized for the American market. To improve power I had larger fuel jets installed and modified the computer tuning, stiffer springs for handling and it is a blast to drive. Bought is used off lease w/ bumper to bumper platinum warranty and had the amp replaced twice the top, speedometer cable, instrument cluster and the entire front end and a bunch of other stuff replaced for "free". Amp just blew again, replacing from ebay $40, why is the amp placed on the floor of a convertible? Considering lowering suspension and rear disk brakes. Keeping it for my son who is only four years old. :)

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  Pleasanty impressed - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Picky - May 2 - 9:21 am

  I was toying with buying a used luxury car and decided to look at a new lesser model. I was impressed with the options this had. I drive a long way to work so the gas mileage was a huge plus. Didnt really care too much about the lack of pick up. This car has just as much options as the used luxury car I was going to get without all the miles!

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  I Love my 2001 Sebring - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By barbara - April 30 - 2:32 pm

  I Have owned my car for 7 years havent had any real problems with it currently have 104,000 miles, but I keep it well maintained with oil changes,and general maintenance, the one thing I dislike is the cup placement it is right in front of cd changer and I havent been able to use the Cd player due to a cd Jam, that happened when i put my cup in the holder.