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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  Last Chrysler - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Frustrated - June 25 - 1:30 pm

  My wife and I are loyal Chrysler buyers until this vehicle came along. The styling is great and I like the convertible factor. Thats where the compliments end. The vehicle is just over 2 years old now and has been in for repairs 12 times! Thats an average of once every 2 months. Issues include, brake lights coming on intermittently, starting getting stuck, front- end/steering noise, stuck door locks, stalling, recalls and interior fit issues. I am currently working with Chrysler assistance to get rid of this vehicle as I feel the front-end problems make it unsafe to drive. Also, it is not worth now what is owed according to KBB. Another nice kick in the head.

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  2007 Sebring - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chris - May 18 - 9:21 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used a year ago and since then had nothing but nightmares. After a month of having it the shifter was stuck in park and had to be towed to dealership. They had the car for a week because the part was not in stock. The engine sounds very whiny and the brakes make alot of grinding sounds. Now with 40k on it the alternator went out on me. I have been calling around and told it would take 3-7 days to get it in and the cost is almost $400. When I called the dealership and asked why this car is having so many problems they said I have never heard of them having any issues. I would never buy a chrysler again.

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  a bit annoyed - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By angelasoup - April 24 - 8:13 pm

  Alright so I have read numerous reviews on here and I am here to report ive had almost every problem on the list. The door dinging noise while the vehicle is in motion and the lights flash. The car alarm going off randomly. To fix that I had to alter the speed of my blinkers. The car takes in water underneath the floor when it rains. The transmission fluid suddenly started leaking out of nowhere and my tranny started acting up yesterday. Hope to god i can fix that! Everything falls out of the cup holders and onto the floor. The dome lights never come on when the door is opened. The trunk will stay open on its own for 30 seconds then fall on my head. The inside is uncomfortable and boring

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  Biggest waste of money ever. DONT BUY - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Brandi - April 15 - 5:38 pm

  I bought my car brand new on Jan 2008. The problems began not even one month later when it started stalling on me. 18 months later and many trips to the dealership(along with recalls) the problem still isnt fixed. Research online about this car and recalls and if you are one of the unlucky ones that have this car, beware- it can stall at any moment causing an accident out of no where. Thankfully mine has only done it while I was either stopped at a light or parked. Also, press brake hard- if it starts to freak out-it will jump forward and possibly rear end someone.

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  limited convertible - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By frederick - March 21 - 12:48 am

  i am over 6ft tall try to find a convertible that you can stretch out in and be comfortable at my height i previously owned 2 passats and there is a huge quality of interior ,sheet metal,and paint difference, but having said that it is very appealing to look at and gets great reviewns from passengers and onlookers,just dont look for a tight german ride.the car does everything well enough and the top comes down,nothing better on a summer day

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  Unreliable - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By patelk - March 12 - 7:09 pm

  My car has only 5,000 miles and I have taken it back for repairs 5 times. It occassionally stalls when I put it in drive. The battery died twice, and the stereo shuts off and turns back on by itself. The dealer said there is nothing wrong with it.

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  some real problems - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Richard - February 5 - 3:13 am

  Beautiful to look at Hardtop has operated a-ok although it is in the garage having up dates done to top right now Ride is good on smooth hardtop roads but rattles and bangs like a piece of junk when the road gets rough. Gas milage gets whats advertised Dealer service is very expensive 10 bucks for a spark plug is kinda steep.Good fit and finish I love the electronic transmission

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  Bad Transmission or Wind Noise - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Addison - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I must have bought the runt of the litter. From the day I bought the car there were several things that had to be fixed, incorrect bezel on the gear shift (mine has the autostick but the bezel was for the regular transmission), drivers power window motor needed replaced, drivers seat loose, and heated seats did not function. Took it on a trip to New Orleans from Indiana the first month and noticed a noise at 70mph. After several times in service, including a three week transmission re-build they determined that it was not the transmission but wind noise and could not fix the problem.

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  No More Sebring - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Goldie - November 5 - 12:23 pm

  I would have to agree with some of the reviews earlier. About a month after purchasing my Sebring I noticed black glue type stuff on side panels of the doors. Ive taken it to the dealer on numerous occasions. The sad part is that they are unable to tell me what’s causing the problem. Since then every year I’ve been out of $100 or more on the following: catalyst converter, serpentine belts and currently it’s in the shop for a transmission repair. I find the car difficult in steering, very small cup holder and loud road noise. The tires on my car 17” quite expensive and only a few stores carry that particular size.

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  Reliable but has problems - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Thirtysomething - September 24 - 9:11 am

  I purchased this car from Enterprise Car Rental Company in Plano Texas when is was still considered a new car. It has been reliable, but noisy. Sounds like a helicopter flying over my head constantly. I am hard of hearing and wear a hearing aid. When I am driving this car on the interstate it is hard for me to hear on my cell phone because of the noise. The a/c condenser is creating too much water, it is leaking into the passenger side of my car and it drips onto the serpentine belt and squeals. The fuel econ sucks and very little power. I also own a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am, it is more powerful and gets better gas mileage. Plus, it was a pain to replace driver headlight bulb It went out twice!