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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  quite a car for the price, $20,000 - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By bill acampora - February 28 - 10:00 am

  handling, ride, and performance in a car that cost me $20,000. Best overall is the performance of the 200 hp v6. It really revs quickly and also has plenty of power on the inter- states.

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  Good lookin, fun car that is reliable - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By P. Robert - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Weve put 82,000 miles on our 97 LXi with only a few minor problems. All in all, we have been very happy with it. We live in an area that experiences harsh winter weather. The car handles snow great...and, after years of all- weather driving, still not a single spot of rust! In fact, it still looks new and everything works as well as it did when it came from the dealer.

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  I like my car but wish it was bigger - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By butterfly22 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice sedan. Easy to manuever, looks good, stylish for a sedan. I find it very comfortable to drive or ride in as a passanger. I am in my car a lot so this was important. The standard features are plentiful and controls are well located . My biggest complaint is a noise that the dealer has not yet been able to correct. I have made 5 attempts already to get it fixed. Also the back seat became too cramped when we added a baby car seat to it. Ohterwise this is a great commuter car for the person going further than a few miles.

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  best car i have owned - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By soster - February 16 - 2:00 am

  i bought my sebring convertible 6 months new, with 20,000 miles on it. it has been the best car i have owned (including a toyota i once owned). i now have 111,000 miles on it and outside the normal wear and tear have not done anything major to it. i would recommend better speakers and stereo to be heard better when the top is down. i plan on giving this car to my son to drive and i will buy a newer model for myself.

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  Great Car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By rj456789 - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Best car I ever owned

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  Great car for little money - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By David Aron Andrews - January 30 - 2:00 am

  The overall perfomance and value ration is very high in this car. The 2.7 liter engine ( although undersized ) shows a very smooth torque curve starting at low rpm. This translates in a smooth and fairly quick car. Were this car really stands out is in the comfort category. There is more room inside the car then most cars in its class. The seats are great, the build quality is far better than expected. The interior is very quiet even at high way speeds.

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  2002 Sebring LX SB - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By crnrstndes - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Nice styling and design. Substandard seats. Poor headroom, I am 5-6" and there is 4" of head space. 4Cyl model has average power, 6Cyl should be standard but much better gas mileage.

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  Dream Car since the LeBarron - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Karen Olson - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a dream come true. Seems it evolved from the LeBarron and I loved it back then, too, only now it just got better. I am 53 years old and it brings back fond memories of my "Pony Car" days from the 60s and 70s. Her name is "Korbel" after the champagne and her friends call her "Belle" - She is quiet yet feisty in the passing lane. I get plenty of attention and a lot of pleasure while driving this car. Comfortable, sturdy, quiet, smooth - Its all good!

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  Excellent - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By Seth - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This car performs exceptionally well all around. I was in an accident where I was hit in the side by a large truck, and I was plesantly (HA HA) surprised by how well it with stood the impact.

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  I love my Sebring - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jrlinse - January 13 - 10:00 am

  My Sebring offers me the comfort and comparability of the foreign lines of similar make (ie. camery or taurus) without the hefty price point. Its resale is lower than the caparable vehicles but I plan on driving mine until there is little left of it.