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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Great Car for the Price! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By sueandron - April 11 - 10:00 amThis is my first "new" car and I really like it. It has the acceleration and handling I was looking for, and the space for the family inside.
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Finally Got the RagTop - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
By PLumma - April 7 - 2:00 amI have been looking for a convertible for a couple of years now... Im no fast buyer. After alot of research I found the Sebring to be the best overall value taking into consideration purchase price, fuel costs, and INSURANCE. It is much cheaper than a mustang. So do your homework like I did and Run dont walk to get your sebring.
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Amazing - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
By Ferret1 - April 2 - 2:00 amThe Sebring Coupe is an amazing sporty car. I had a 1996 coupe also, and what a huge improvement! Nice car!
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Great Car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Dianalkr - March 30 - 2:00 amThis car is such fun. It feels good, looks good, and rides even better. Over the past 10 years Ive had a new Grand Prix, new Blazer, new Caravan....nothing compares to my Sebring! Feel safer driving now then ever before. Am no longer nervous to drive in rain or snow. With a long paved slanted driveway, I never worry of making it during winter weather. My husbands GMC 1500 4X4 or my sons Jeep Cherokee cant begin to compare. This is the best car Ive ever had. I wouldnt hesistate to buy another.
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Best Mid-size for the Money - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By JonEangel - March 22 - 2:00 amCompared to the other top selling mid-sized cars, the Chrysler Sebring 4-Door DXi comes with everything you could possibly want, and under the sticker price of the Accord and Camry. With leather interior, wood grain accents, clean stylish lines and a five star crash test, I dont know why anyone would choose differently.
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If you like to turn heads - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
By LuvMySebring - March 8 - 2:00 amthen you will love this car. I really enjoy driving it. Very sharp. Keep in mind that this is NOT a sports car so dont expect it to drive like one. Yes, the turn radius is a bit wide, but again it is a MID SIZED car. If you find yourself whipping u-turns alot maybe you should invest in a map....??? Back seat is sufficient, but would not want to be back there on a ride over a couple hours. Very low profile, have to take it easy parking and going into/out of parking lots - easy to scrape up the front. Issues with brakes and rims can be addressed, do a google search.....several sites dedicated to the car with tons of great info on all the little quirks!
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Love my sebring convertible - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By Manyhatwoman - March 8 - 2:00 amI love my convertible. There has only been one issue since I purchased it and that was an air bag light that has come on. I wish that there was a little bit more compartment space. The back seat is very spacious. We drove with a 6 ft man in the back seat for 3+ hrs. It would be nice to have a little more power under the wheel and have both seats be electronic adjustment instead of just the drivers side. Otherwise, besides these few picky things, I am in love with my car.
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Love it, has few probs,saved me in wreck - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
By Lindsey - March 3 - 2:00 amI have only had the Sebring GTC convertible for half a year but I love the car. It was so much fun in summer. I recently got in a really bad car accident. The police told me that I was lucky to walk away. Im not saying that the Sebring is safe, because convertibles are definitely not the safest cars to drive, but the crumple zones worked and the airbags deployed. So despite a few bruises, I walked away fine. Overall, I love it and it is so much fun. In my first wreck I get hit from behind and the guys car was smashed pretty badly and all I got was a small dent in the bumper. But in my head on crash, the whole engine and transmission got destroyed.
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4 Dr LX - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Jumpinjay - March 2 - 2:00 amSo far so good, no complaints, I drive up and down the East Coast, it is an easy car to drive in the city and a very good cruising car
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Total Enjoyment - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
By leesa - February 29 - 2:00 amThis has been a great car and is fun to drive. I would purchase another LXI. Would not recommend for 4 adults, 3 is ok but over that it is crowded. Car is rather restricted for someone 6 and taller. Rear window is difficult to clean.
