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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  Bad car - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By teresa - March 21 - 2:15 pm

  I bought this brand new put over 115,000 miles on it in 6 yrs before the engine caught fire. Not to mention right after warranty expired the AC froze up and tore up the serpentine belt rendering us helpless on Interstate in Arkansas..the LED readout for mileage went out in year 2 and the convertible leaked horribly from year 4.

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  starting to leak!! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Nancy B. - March 20 - 3:52 pm

  I have had my sebring for less then a week and it is already starting to leak around the "convertible" parts to the back windows. The dealership is going to look into this. Other then that I love the car!

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  Wish I Never... - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By CB - March 16 - 11:27 pm

  I should have have bought a Toyota. This car has 0 power, extremely loud road noise, sounds like the windows are always cracked open. Only reason I got it was wife love the look. Mileage terrible. Hard to say something nice about this car except its pretty on the outside. Consider carefully before purchasing this car.

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  I miss mine - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Mike - March 15 - 2:13 am

  Owned a LeBaron b4 this one. Got 200K miles from that so no prob buying American again. Drove my 02 Sebring 2 yrs till I got hit by a drunk on the frwy. Hit center div & shoulder wall. Then took 2 head on hits while disabled in the slow lane at 5:30am. I opened my eyes and saw the 3rd car coming and jumped the heck outta there and over the wall. Yes I could still run and jump! That car was smashed up everywhere except INSIDE. The passenger compartment was largely intact. A front passenger wouldve been worse off than I, but theres no way I shouldve just walked away. My glasses scratched my nose and I scratched my finger going over the wall outside. Not another drop of blood spilt.

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  A Piece of the 50 - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By renewedamericanbuyer - March 15 - 1:06 am

  Formerly a Jaguar owner going through a mid-life crisis, I decided to bite the proverbial bullet purchasing a Bright Silver Sebring GTC. Though not a Jaguar by far, it is an absolute joy to drive, except for the constant, rough transmission shifting in and out of 1st gear (auto), rain dropping in with a window open (a simple rain drip molding at the windshield would solve this issue), cheap interior trim that even Hyundai surpasses in quality, lack of what we currently deem necessary standard equipment absent, unavailable, or non-equipped from the factory, and an enhanced ownership program would be nice, after all, isnt that what the merger with Mercedes was meant to do? Wheres the substance?!

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  Never Another Chrysler - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By MadinDetroit - March 12 - 11:10 pm

  Before I bought this car I was warned that Chryslers have a hard time in cold weather. Now at 100,000 I can attest to the fact that those cold morning startups are getting progressively worse by the season. I believe the blower motor is also dying, it squeals very loudly on the first startup of the day. Sounds like the belts are going bad, and the brakes and struts have failed on all 4 corners. The seats are very uncomfortable. The design is also a bit awkward as it is very difficult to see traffic lights from the front seats when at rest. Fuel mileage should be better for it to be such a "regular" car. And the trans failed at 99,000 miles.

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  2004 Chrysler Sebring Touring - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By sauceco - March 11 - 10:00 am

  With the exception of brake rotor replacement early on (4,000 mi.)The car has been great so far. A nice mid-sized car that has very good road manors, in all weather conditions. Chrysler service has been quick and curteous, A great buy from a great company

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  My Wifes Ride - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Annes Car - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Had a problem with a leaking oil filter after my first oil change. This was resolved after four visits. No other problems.Convertible top and

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  Worst mileage I ever had - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By bigo - March 8 - 10:17 am

  Bought it to leave at our condo in FL. Has about 600 miles on it now and I have filled it up four times already. My 04 Vette, 04 Maxima, 04 Jeep Liberty, and 07 Avelon up North all get far better mileage (nearly twice that for all except the Jeep). All in town short trips except one trip from Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach and rtn. No leg room in back seat. Nice ride characteristics and top operation. My wife loves it though.

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  Wonderful fun car - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By flygirl - March 7 - 1:03 pm

  This car was a great find at $5.5K. As long as you keep an eye on & prevent/repair the usual Chrysler stuff (timing at 100k, belts, on time maintenance, regularly clean trans) youll find it lasts forever. I have no garage, the car is 13 w/158k and is just starting to show rust speckles, but few. Front end has been a challenge, but overall this car hasnt cost much more than normal maintenance. Love the pep and sleekness of the car. I even tow packaged it and tow my canoe/trailer.