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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  No hyperbole - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By BanjoMan - August 13 - 8:58 pm

  This car is not a sports car. However, I found previous claims of severe problems with handling to be gross exaggerations. Even taking sharp right turns at speeds higher than I should have I did not encounter excessive body sway or tire squealing. Steering was well behaved under almost any conditions. On straights the car was quiet inside with the cloth top up, and engine noise was noticeable only upon high acceleration. Power was more than adequate. The seats are well formed and comfortable, even the back seats. I like the car.

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  Good car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Keith - August 11 - 1:18 pm

  This is an update to an original post - now I have 73k odo and still relatively trouble free - extended warranty took care of all. Upper strut mounts on front were replaced causing cupping on tires - I thought it was alignment. Seat heater relay replaced as well as rear spring cushions - all faulty from factory. These are minor issues that could happen with any make. The car still delivers 23 - 24 city and 28 hi way. I just now replaced the front brakes at 71k (that is a first). Car is still tight, no road noise, great mileage, excellent sound system, leather has held up well. This is my wifes daily driver, no kids.

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  boring - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By airforce - August 8 - 10:00 am

  the thing has only 200hp and does not handle well at all. very slugish through the corners. Nissan altima is a better buy.

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  Very safe - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By melissa - August 2 - 11:37 pm

  We bought our car used with 47000km on it. since buying it we put 75000km. problems started with the heat blower at around 100000km we were supposed to be covered bumper to bumper warranty but it showed that the coolant system needed a hose replace and it wasnt covered. so we had to fork over $600. around the same time the transmission started to stick and several tests could find no problems but every time you shifted fro park to drive etc, you got a jolt. we ended up leaving the transmission for awhile and got into an accident that totaled the car, hit on the passengers side front end, my husband, my 8 month old baby and myself walked away with minor cuts and bruises, the car was great!

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  NEEDS SOME IMPROVEMENT - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By GENE - July 19 - 3:47 pm

  very poor on gas milage I am averaging on 12.5 mpg. their should be a valet key to lock the truck and glove box.The remote key fob does not always work to lower the top.The u connect voice system is not very easy to work it does not have a good voice recognition.

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  Not for city living - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Matt - July 15 - 9:50 pm

  We bought our 06 Sebring convertible in Naples, Florida. Put about 25,000 miles on it while living in Florida. No mechanical problems to speak of. Moved to Atlanta, Georgia for work. pothole central. In less than 4 months, the convertible went from a smooth driving vehicle to the noisest car Ive ever owned. Its the windows/roof/doors that rattle. The rattles are constant. I think its a combination of 2 things: In Florida I kept the top down all of the time. Lousy city streets. Great car, but if rattles bother you, this is not the car for you. We are trading for a new sedan, as we cant take the noise. Poor build quality. No mechanical problems to speak of, though. noisy.

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  Very Nice Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By JAy - July 12 - 12:59 pm

  I think that this is a great car. I purchased my LX V6 sedan because I have always liked the body styling and it was the least expensive used sedan on the lot. I made the right choice. It handles better than the Mustang it replaced. I have had no mechanical problems. It gets 25 miles to the gallon commuting. The seats are comfortable. The controls are well laid out. I have driven 4 other people to lunch, and no one complained of the size. I would definitely recommend this car to my friends. It is a great car for the money.

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  The Best Sebring Yet - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By convertible Len - July 11 - 3:53 pm

  Having owned a 2005 Sebring with an anemic engine, I decided to buy the new 2008 Sebring Limited for the 3.5 engine and the 6 speed gear box and am I glad I did. This car has good power and handling and is certainly a great improvement over the last Sebring I owned. I also do not like the hard top, so I found the rare cloth top Limited to buy. I have standard antilock breaks plus positraction, and electronic stability control options so the car is very solid, quick off the line and handles very well It us a very solid car. It does not swim all over the road. Overall, it is a really fun boulevard car to drive. I love using the key fob to start it from 35 feet or drop the top.

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  Surprising quality and performance - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Robert J. - July 9 - 6:43 pm

  This is my third Sebring convertible. I had a 1999 and 2004. I am happy with the build quality, fuel economy and performance so far. I have owned the car for five weeks and have driven about 1800 miles. This is a base car and the 2.4 liter four is close to the Toyota four in smoothness and lack of noise. On a short trip (220 miles) on 2 lane highways with a number of rolling hills (not mountains) I got 27.5 mpg. The city mileage with the AC on is about 20 so far. This is not a fast luxury sporty car, but especially for the money I am very pleased so far.

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  Long life for a first production year - 1995 Chrysler Sebring
  By Peter - July 7 - 1:43 pm

  I love my Sebring LXi, which at 185,000 miles has about had enough. Although there were mostly minor or moderate problems, it dropped a valve at about 160,000. I shelled out the money to get it fixed, but now there are too many things wrong with it for it to be worth getting fixed: rear bushing, hole in front exhaust, etc. The only recurring problem with this car was the wheel bearings, replaced multiple times. I loved this car and will miss it.