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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Bought this car and HATE IT!!!! - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
By Newmzedo - November 28 - 5:46 pmI bought this car 3 weeks ago and absolutely hate it. Its the worse piece of crap I have ever rode/drove.The seats are cheap and very uncomfortable, and there is little if no leg room or hip room. If you are over 5 5 forget you have no head room. I feel very confined sitting in this car.The dash is made of this nasty cheap plastic with a silver tin accent and looks like hell.The moon roof is not very big compared to my other car and even thou I have the 2.7 v6 engine it is still sluggish. The head rest in the front seats are at an awkward angle so that you feel like your head is constantly being pushed forward. Its gas mileage is very good. Chrysler should dump this and bring back the 300 M
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Nothing But Trouble - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
By What a Lemon - November 27 - 8:12 pmI bought this car new in May 03. For a while it was a nice, fun to drive car. Around Oct. 2005 I started to have engine trouble. I took it to Chrysler and they told me I needed a new engine. Confirmed by my own independent mechanic. I spent $3,000 on a used engine, installed. This year 06 I had to spend another $1,200 on a new transmission. All said I will have over $20,000 in this car when its paid off. I have too much in it now not to drive it as long as I can. I will never EVER buy another 4 cylinder and might not buy another Chrysler.
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Love this Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By Irish - November 26 - 2:00 amHave no compaints about car... Bought it before even driving.... Chrysler makes a good car and this is second I have had.
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headache from the start - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By sebringhater - November 25 - 3:07 pmhorrible whining noise but intermittent so dealer always says they cant duplicate, transmission slams into drive but intermittent, dealer fixed once but still does it, cant duplicate when they have the car so they wont do anything about it. Car shakes terribly but dealer says its a convertible and you can expect cowl shake. Better than a vibrator. Had the car a little over 5 years and Id be ashamed to sell it to anyone other than another Chrysler dealership so they would have the problem. Probably cured me from buying another Chrysler product and Ive always been a Chrysler person.Been trying off and on for 3 years to get the whining fixed with no luck at all. Number one piece of JUNK
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Chrysler Sebring Convertible - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
By Deb - November 21 - 8:27 pmI absolutely love my Sebring Convertible!!! Its a fun and sexy car. It handles like a dream. My only complaint is that for the size of the car, the gas mileage should be much better. Other that that... its a fantastic ride. After almost 11 years, it sill looks new. No major problems at all. Ill buy another one as soon as this one gives out.
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Chrysler Sebring in Maine - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
By R. J. ST-PIERRE - November 12 - 7:10 pmThis a fun car to drive. It handles very well and the 2.4 has plenty of power for those of us who are looking for reliable transportation at an affordable price. It is easy to parallel park which is great for my wife. Even the low end model includes many features I paid extra for in our previous car.
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A Great Car Just Got Better - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
By Gary Custis - November 12 - 5:56 pmI was a proud owner of the 1999 Chrysler Sebring LXi. I truly enjoyed driving that one until I went in to the dealership for service and the new 2007 model was staring at me. It called me over for a test drive and forced me to buy it. I love it! It drives like a sporty car but has the feel of a small luxury car.
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Do not buy this car! - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By bigpieceofjunk - November 10 - 6:04 pmWell maintained 2001 LXi, only 57K miles in 6 years. Since the 2-year mark, have had to replace the following: wheel bearings, radio, A/C blower, sway bar links, tie rods, upper control arm, transmission control module, fuel system serviced several times, transmission leak fixed twice, now needs O-rings & fuel rail, which is unacceptable on a car with such few miles on it. Im starting to believe what I hear about the Chrysler 2.7l V6. Getting rid of this piece of trash as soon as I can.
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billy - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
By billy - November 10 - 1:42 pmthis car is the best sedan on the market. how the engineers at Chrysler can make such a drastic improvement to an already work of art is beyond my understanding
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I love it! - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
By Marjorie Keller - November 9 - 6:56 pmThe Sebring Convertible is the best convertible around for the money. Its style suits me as a woman...I dont need big grills or a powerful motor or a fancy name. My vehicle is 6 years old and I still get compliments wherever I take it! Thanks, Chrysler, for a wonderful "womans car".
