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 451 through 460 of 1,334.00-
98000 miles and zoommmmmm! - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By chicago - August 7 - 2:00 amI have kept up on scheduled matinence. 98000 and I have original starter, altenator, transmission, engine, engine mounts, exhaust pipes....zooooommmmmm! Time to trade in maybe. great vechicle.
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Super Sleek Sleeper! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By KenThur - August 5 - 2:00 amFolks, as a "car guy", former sports racer & auto shop owner... this automobile is one of the finest, fun- est cars on the road. ESPECIALLY considering its amazingly low price & the amazingly high quality & performance! With a little larger tires (& smaller gas MPG), this silky smooth, super light, & powerful Mitsu V6 motivated coupe is a surprise rocket! Bimmers beware... the ONLY thing U got on a Sebring LXi is a higher price. AND it comes with a 7 year / 100k warrenty & all the nice free services like the time i locked myself out(dah). Buy American... U will be glad U did if its one of these fine machines.
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Pugszys Limited - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Pugszy - August 4 - 2:00 amMy second Sebring: the first being a 97 JX. 2nd iteration is much better: Less body cowl, quieter, boot snap though dated is a vast improvement over the 96- 00 fiasco. Excellent value for its price range and I love it in gold with a navy top and the 2 tone cream and navy interior with chrome wheels. I get lots of compliments on it. A very happy Sebring owner since 1997. Will trade to the new 06 which is said to have many styling cues from the current Crossfire.
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2004 Chysler Sebring - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By jude - July 31 - 10:00 amNice car i am going to buy another one when my wife turns the age of 45.
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A Classy Topless - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By PLJSB - July 26 - 2:00 amFather purchased my 97 Sebring Jxi for me when I was 15, at a year old it was an awesome car everything I wanted. To this day I still get complimants on it everywhere I go I have a LexusRX, and A Mercedes SLK230 and will still take my Red Jxi convertible out before them. Very reliable car my only problem has been brake pads wearing to fast probably my fault, and the electric antenna up until this year. The past year I spent $600 on her, It needed a tune up and it needed a new radiator, a few minor oil leaks which can be expected for a car with 120,000 miles on her. But everything was fixed and she runs like a car with only 20,000 on her again.
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My Sebring - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Imdoug - July 12 - 2:00 amSince I have purchased my Sebring in 2001 I have not really had any problems with the car. I have had the regular oil changes and tire rotations. This has been a great car and gets the looks. I have people all the time wanting to know what year the car is and they cant believe that its a 2002. I have to say this has been one of the best cars that Chrysler has made. I of course would love to have the 2004 Chrysler 300M. The limited edition one. I just cant find one. I would love to see them make that car again.
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Great Car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By quefa10 - July 8 - 2:00 amThis is my second Chyrsler convertible. I can describe the car in two words. Comfortable & sophiscated. If the reliability is there (will be proved out by time)...I can see why Chrysler builds so many of them. I purchased it with 23, 000 miles on the oddometer.
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Great Car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By nts6000 - July 6 - 10:00 amMost bang for the buck. Love this car.
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Noticed Elegance - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By A Lineberger - June 26 - 2:00 amEveryone thinks my car is beautiful. So do I. Cruising the interstate at 80 while getting 27-30mph is wonderful. Top end for passing is strong, but dont look to drag race. 0- 60 should not be an issue. If it is,look elsewhere. Heated seats for a 40something back makes touring a breeze. My daughter with her 2004 spec-V sentra is (as I type) looking for one. She flew home from Texas and drove my car--now she says she needs a change because she got spoiled when here in SC.
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Going Topless - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By Kevin Hicks - June 21 - 2:00 amMy review: I am writing because I have been so pleased with this car (Sebring JXi convertible.) The 4 cylinder model is not what you want. Get the 6 cylinder. No major issues in the past 4 years and now she is at 112,000 miles. My only manufacturing complaint is the seams on the convertible top should of been double stiched - or at least done better. So I am now getting a new cloth top as a result. Im going to keep her 1 more year. The 2004 models have a very poor color selection. Sea foam green? PUKE! White=boring. Black- too hot in Florida. If Chrysler will offer a nice blue, or bring back firemist pearl red ( like mine) I will buy another one.
