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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  98 Sebring Coupe - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By Katsalumnus - April 21 - 4:20 pm

  Ive had this car for more than nine years. I have only had normal wear and tear maintenance on it. I am a medium frame woman and the cockpit and placing of instrument panel is comfortable and useful.

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  Worth a Look - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Gunner - April 16 - 2:25 pm

  Ive had this car for about a week and I am pleasantly surprised. The touring model has tons of standard features that are options in other cars.

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  Good Deal for a Convertible - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Convertibles Only - April 16 - 8:19 am

  I purchased my 2002 Limited convertible in Jan 2006. It had 30,000 miles on it. I have had no mechanical problems, just change the oil and go. Power, handling and looks are great. The only unusual problem I had was that one of the chrome wheels rusted around the rim and it was impossible to get a good seal to the tire. So, I was getting a constant slow leak I swapped the chrome wheels with some aftermarket rims and new tires and the car looks even better than before!

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  Caddillac amenities at a Chrysler price. - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Adam P. - April 13 - 6:36 pm

  This car is great for me. Being a high school student and a Caterpillar employee, I need something that is sporty enough for my down time, but luxurious enough for the office. The Sebring seems to deliver meet my needs. I have regularly serviced it, and the only thing I have had to replace is the wiper motor. The nice rims are a big plus, and I love the wood trim and sunroof. However, the paint on the spoiler erodes horribly. Being a 1999, it has both cassette and CD, which is nice. It has been reliable in hot, cold, rain, or shine. The trunk is also huge. And if it isnt big enough I can always fold down the back seats. The Sebring LXi has impressed my friends and is definitely a great buy!

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  Not the best sporty car Ive owned - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By lcarrollccc - April 9 - 6:32 pm

  I loved the look of this car with the low profile and smaller windows, but the smaller windows caused too many blind spots which caused many close calls. It also sputters when starting to drive it after its been driven and has a hot motor (you can hear the gas in the lines). Last, it needed several things replaced that should not have needed replacing, such as a wheel bearing, sway bars, ignition cables, and upper and lower hoses at 30,155 miles.

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  Great Topless Fun - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By msticks - April 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth convertible and third Sebring. I traded my 1998 Sebring JXi in on a 2001 Sebring Limited (the first one my dealer received). It was Dark Blue with the Cream Leather seats. I was very disappointed in that car. Had serious electrical problems from the get-go and had to have it back to the dealer several times. In addition the very pretty cream interior was a nightmare to keep clean. Got rid of that and bought a 2002 Sebring LXi with Taupe leather interior. MUCH better car. Never been back to the dealer, seems better put together than the Limited was. Very stiff structure and well insulated top makes you forget its a convertible, until you put top down.

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  Red Rag Top - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By AL. ROMANO - April 2 - 5:05 pm

  It has been a wonderful car to drive and has never let me down or stranded. The power top and power windows have never failed to open or close. The top has a year or two left and it needs a couple of new tires. It may also need a new muffler soon. The top is not ripped and there are no dents just some minor scratches on the bumpers. The leather interior has no rips.

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  Nice combo affordable conv - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By patpat - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall this car give reasonable return from its price. Roomy interior, extremely comfortable seat and leather. Good power and good looking body style. Everyone suprise its a American car when they first see it.

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  A Great Car. - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Darwin - April 1 - 5:07 pm

  I now have over 80,000 miles on the car. I have had no major problems with the car. Change the oil and thats about it. Love the size and fits the family well.

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  A greatly built car. - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By andy - March 31 - 8:56 pm

  Ive owned this car since new and the engine, transmission, A/C, and electrical system never gave me a problem. The only major maintenance I did was replace the motor mounts, installed a new top and new carpet. This is a very underrated car. The engine and transmission are Japanese and these can go the distance like Toyotas or Hondas.