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:

• 

  Not ready for SUV - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By ttam - March 25 - 7:29 am

  we were looking for a new vehicle. but we were not ready to jump up quite yet to a SUV. (for obvious reasons $$). lets just say Im a bigger dude and the touring was a nice jump up in size from our honda accord sedan. the 17 inch wheels made it a little easier to get in and out. great ride!

• 

  Love my Car - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By robby - March 21 - 12:33 pm

  I bought this car 8 years ago, it was the style that attracted me. I liked the sporty look of the front cowl. I love the way it handles, the performance, the comfort. I have taken very good care of it and it has been a great car.

• 

  Wish they still made this one... - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lisa - March 20 - 2:01 pm

  I bought new. At 60k I wrecked the front end needed radiator heating/cooling replaced and body work. I kept driving and now have 170,000 miles on my car. The only reason Im trading in is all the replacement parts are starting to go bad and I cant live without air conditioning in the summer. I wish they still made this car because Id buy another in a heart beat. There is nothing like slouching down in the seat and punching the gas. Lots of fun.

• 

  Not a bad set of wheels - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By ox13man - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I did a fair ammount of research (with other cars in its class) before springing for this one. The interior is well laid out and intuitive. The performance is sufficient as well-not pressing me to the seat, but not leaving me waiting for the gear to shift (its an automatic). The car is a little heavy, but at high speeds it glides like a dream. At low to moderate speeds it accelerates and corners very well (much to the dismay of my passengers). About the only downside is that it has the typical clunky Chrysler transmission. Overall, a good car though.

• 

  Good Car, Nice ride - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By DAT in Oklahoma - March 19 - 10:54 am

  We bought ours a few weeks ago and really enjoy the ride. This is a very quiet vehicle with plenty of space and leg room. Good handling. Still getting used to the width since Ive driven a jeep for the last 6 years.

• 

  Massive Shaking - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Magnum - March 13 - 6:12 pm

  I purchased this Sebring Convertible limited from the showroom floor after test driving a 2006. After purchasing I was on my way home when I noticed the car had very bad shake at 45 mph and massive cowl shake that did not show up on test drives. Dealer stated this was normal, but that was after they rebalanced and replaced the tires. The car has gotten progressively worse and gets out of balance and alignment on the slightest bumps. I had a 1999 Sebring conv and vibration was very minimal compared to this.

• 

  2006 Sebring Sedan - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By JDP - March 8 - 1:10 pm

  Very pleased the the vehicle and the dealership. They traded the radio to what I wanted. Lots of good nooks for all my "stuff". Center console storage is bigger than my 95 Mazda 626. Good sized trunk with place for full sized spare. A/C is nice and cold. Remote trunk release is nice too. All around - Im pleased. I like the lines on this car. Hopefully it will hold up like my 626 which I had for nearly 12 years.

• 

  2004 Sebring Limited Convertible - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By wwoods18 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost five months. My experience so far has been very positive. I have experienced no squeaks or rattles(even over very rough pavement). The car has given me no trouble at all. The only return trips back to the dealership have been for regularly scheduled maintenance. The only gripe I might have is that the paint scratches much too easily.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Bob A - February 23 - 4:12 am

  The 2007 went in a wind tunnel, all holes got plugs and heavy glass, triple door seals. So quiet!

• 

  Nice Car - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By mjv - February 21 - 11:08 am

  Very smooth ride. It feels like a luxury car. Much improved over my 2004 model. By getting the smaller engine, I was able to spend a little more on the interior features.