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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Love my car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By jaams - May 29 - 1:23 pmI get more compliments on look of my car. The color is royal blue with a blue top and chrome wheels and it looks great. I have fun driving this car, and love to drive with the top down most of the time.The dash also has a great look and lots of leg room for drivers and passengers
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Good car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
By erik - May 26 - 12:23 pmIt feels like you are driving a car that costs a lot more. The ride is very smooth. Acceleration is very good for a four cylinder. The trip computer reads as high as 35mpg. But I calculated mileage myself and Im getting 32.5. I drive 90% highway.
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Excellence without the high price - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By AFbowl300 - May 22 - 2:00 amThis car has been highly reliable and has excellent value without the high price. I enjoy driving it. It has fun colors to choose from and comes with standard features that one would need who doesnt drive far.
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Fun Daily Driver - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By snowdogg - May 21 - 2:15 pmThe Sebring GTC is my second convertible, much different from my 95 Cutlass Supreme. I plan on using this car for commuting on a year round basis (in Vermont). It remains to be seen how it will fare in winter, but with FWD and good snow tires I think it will be OK. Gas mileage is good at 28-30 mpg on regular, the top is truly weatherproof and interior quiet with top up.
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What a Car! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By billt - May 16 - 2:00 amDriving this car is fun. Ive only had it a few days, but the manual shifting made available along with automatic Shift, is awesome. The car has a lot of get up and go, and the price is right. My first Chrysler, and Im wondering why it took me so long. It will be my car of choice as long as I can have the top down. I also had a great salesman who wasnt high pressured, and he let me go at my own pace as I decided to buy this convertible. It was a great experience.
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hate it cant wait to get rid of it - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By cool man big car - May 16 - 2:00 amhate it the quality is bad im mean bad the part that holds up the trunk melted twice the paint used to be blue now it is black. hate it beware dont get it forget it was even made in fact all the chrysler are bad
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Avoid this Sedan! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By Smiles - May 10 - 12:36 pmThe first three years were fine, not great but managable. We did have to take it in for a few warranty items to a local dealer, CD player, running roughly, etc. Now there are too many major problems to list. We were originally planning on driving it until my son could drive but I dont think this lemon will hold out. I also dont want to put my son in a car that we cant depend on. Its bushings are bad, the interior dash light rarely works, it is leaking oil, the inside "chrome" looking handles is flaking off, the leather on the steering wheel is gone, excessive brake dust on front.You get the picture. Junk! Too bad we bought the loaded version - what a waste of money.
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Medicore at best - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By iso - May 5 - 11:35 pmI bought my Sebring Convertible with 98K on it. Not new, I know. My biggest complaint is oil issues. The oil light came on, I took it in and they replaced the oil sending unit. 10 miles later, it came on again. Every mechanic I took it in to gave me a different explanation and a different price. I drove it for a year with the light on. The rear window broke and cost around $1000 to replace. The turning radius is horrid. The interior of the door came away from the door. Crappy Chrysler quality. It was fun to drive, but a headache overall. Im buying Japanese next time.
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Dont make this mistake! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By davis13 - May 3 - 8:42 pmI wish I had done more research before buying this car. From day one, I have always heard a whine especially during acceleration. These cars eat brakes. Its ridiculous. A couple of weeks ago, the car stranded me, transmission woes. I had to have the planetary gears replaced three times in the course of ten days. Finally they replaced the cas" I assume that houses the gears. The day after I get it home, the OBD light comes on. My plans this weekend? To find another car.
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Seemingly Reliable Car with a lot of go! - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
By Shane - April 27 - 3:55 pmI purchased this car used with 19,000 miles and have to say it still had the new car smell. Handles and drives well. 2.7 liter v6 engine has a lot of pep and takes a minute to get use to the jumpiness of the throttle, however this is a plus once you get accustomed. The sedan is sharp on the outside with nice big wheels and sleek lines overall. The interior feels solid and reliable to me with lots of space and high end farbric bucket seats. I like the chunky radio buttons and the standard sound system is quite good. The interior is dated but the finishes seem reliable as a result. Engine builty by Chrysler- Mercedes so very reliable.
