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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  maintanence nightmare - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By rickscorgis - January 20 - 8:06 am

  my 2002 lxi convt, has been in the shop to change the tie rods and ball joints and rocker arms 3 times, starting at 20k. a rattle in back brake since 20k. i have had to pay for 90% of cost of all repairs. i drive on smooth roads and the car is garaged day and night. heater knob control broke twice..rear defog broke still heated seats both broke..replaced leather on driver seat..top canvas, a lot of wear spots..rust under both doors since 24k no warranty coverage. car lunges or slams into gear a lot, no problem according to chrysler..and i am still having front end Do not buy this car it looks very nice but the sebring is made poorly and chrysler doesnt stand behind their prodwobble and vibration.

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  2003 Sebring LXi Still Rocks!! - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By JC - January 17 - 4:38 pm

  I had a Chrysler Cirrus before my Sebring LXi, the (foreign manufactured) Cirrus was discontinued and the (American made) Sebring replaced it... they are essentially the same style/type vehicle (smaller, not a "boat" and very comfortable to drive, lots of power and handling to trust)... I loved my Cirrus and was unhappy that Chrysler had discontinued them (and I bought my Sebring somewhat reluctantly)... WoW! were my fears unfounded. The Sebring was a real step up in overall driving experience... It continues to be a wonderful vehicle, literally in every imaginable way. It truly feels/performs like a sports car. It has power to spare anytime I need it, IT ROCKS! (Im Age 58)

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  christine is her name - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By rick flanagan - January 11 - 12:25 am

  I bought the 2.7 litre v6.i absolutely love it.i named her christine.i bought it off a lot in 2013.paid 5.,000.had 89,000 miles.i noticed a small issue that a full tune up would fix.i was right, new coils and plugs did the trick.what people havent figured out is that the engine is designed by mercedes.from a dead stop, it produces massive torque.very fast.i upgraded the exhaust to flowmaster, now she rumbles.I love this car so much that now it has a bluetooth cd player with a awesome sound system.im very pleased.its a smooth ride, everything is reaching distance when driving and plenty of power when i need it.from my research i have found that the v6 touring sebring is basically a sports car with four doors.

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  96 Sebring Review - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Raheen - January 10 - 7:54 pm

  Ive own the 96 for about 7yrs. Great car, however they are expensive. The car was bought in 2000 with 16K and now I have 178K. Just got the transmission rebuilt at 178K, ball joints around 160K and timing belt and water pump at 90K. A few other repairs but overall this car has held up pretty well. Currently considering the convertible, but Ill just keep driving the coupe for now. Great car.

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  Chrysler is miserable - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Matt Snyder - January 8 - 8:04 pm

  The worst car that Ive ever known. At 26,000 I had my THIRD transmission installed original, at 22,000 rebuilt tranny, 26,000 brand new one installed. Its been in the shop over 8 times for the transmission slipping especially in cold weather. Chrysler customer service does not stand behind their product. I will never buy a Chrysler product again. This all could have been fixed if they stood behind their product.

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  Not too bad - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By rose - January 6 - 5:21 pm

  I love driving my car. Its great. The passenger door, below the handle rusted right through. A weird place to rust. Maybe thats why theyre not suppose to be driven on the winter.

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  I wish I had bought it sooner - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Neil - January 5 - 4:33 pm

  Corners well with speed sensitive steering, reasonable acceleration, fantastic brakes - I should have bought one when it was new. Plenty of room in the trunk for golf clubs, too. Try packing your clubs in a Mustang ragtop sometime -NOT!--maybe *miniature* golf. My sebring had a quirk *had* that is-- the tach and odometer were intermittent until I fixed a loose solder connection- an easy fix. Comfortable, comfortable, comfortable-- even in the back seat. A very sexy car.

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  The best vehicle i have ever owned - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By JessicaRamirez - December 21 - 2:52 pm

  I really like this car i am so happy i bought one. It is sexy sleek, and rides so smooth. The sound quality is fabulous.

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  Poor quality - poor warranty - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dont_Buy_Chry - December 20 - 10:43 am

  My wifes dream car. Definitely not mine. Car looks nice, but thats it. 2.7L V6 is okay but stalls & sputters in summer (when youd like to be driving the most). Very finicky w/fuel brands here in NE. After 2mos going back & forth w/regional mgr. they replaced fabric top ("weave direction"/wasnt sewn correctly?) Cabin fan relay (AC) died on our anniversary trip-! Dealer couldnt fix terminals on rear defrost after 4 trips & then wouldnt warranty their own repairs. (fixed myself w/flexible conductive epoxy) Drivers door still isnt adjusted correctly. Daimler Benz has surely picked up a ailing pony in Chrysler. I will NEVER EVER buy a mopar again.

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  Nice car but!!!! - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By good looks - December 15 - 2:43 pm

  The Sebring is a wonderful car except for the transmission, which goes out ever so often (lol). The interior is beautiful and the exterior look is sporty. The car just needs to be remanufactured for reliability. Other than that it drives ok.