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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  whats all the complaining - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By dodgedriver1 - April 22 - 11:47 am

  i bought this car new 8yrs ago and love it. i dont know what people are complaining about with the PROPER care and alittle maintinence this car will last.i now have 110,000 trouble free miles on this car. i will never own anything but chrysler made products.

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  Great car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dezines47 - March 23 - 1:00 pm

  Purchased car as a replacement for my 2000 jxi limited and LOVE IT. A convertible that can take my family of 4 to the beach for a long weekend w/ plenty of room. I read a lot about it before purchasing and ran it through its paces before settling on it. the 3.5 has lots of power and gets over 30mpg on the highway with the top down. Although it does get squirrely with the hard top down. My impressions of this car is with the top up it feels like your driving a luxury car. With the top down, pure sun worship. The biggest surprise was with the hard top up and windows down, I am reminded of the feeling of driving my 1976 Camaro around in the nice weather.

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  Sebring - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By carguy - March 12 - 1:53 pm

  I find the car very satisfactory. No quality problems. Attractive design. Looks better that many of the cars out there. Great economy. Only negative, noisy engine at low speeds..maybe need more insulation.

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  Ok for a first car - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By tom - February 21 - 11:03 am

  Had this car for 5 years in december and its been ok not the best car ive ever owned. The first thing that happened when i got this car wa the a/c was dumping water into the back seat! covered under warranty. Then i got into a wreck not that long ago and busted her up pretty good but the airbag should have deployed but didnt due to a sensor failure. The repair work was good but ever since car has more road noise from the back door. The engine has good power but my radiator hose has a leak and the car over heated and sent smoke into the passenger compartment! So far ive put at least $8000(including the accient) into this car. The accident alone was $6000. But a good car over all.

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  Such a deal (so far) - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By MelH - February 11 - 11:55 am

  Purchased off rental with 12000 miles for $13000 in Feb, 2009. Thus far the car has been comfortable, reliable and fun. Good room for four adults and good trunk for a convertible. Radio and CD changer work well with excellent sound. Before purchasing drove a Toyota convertible, used with 10,000 miles and a $25,000 purchase price. Frankly the cars were comparable in all respects exept Toyota was faster with larger engine. For $12000 less, it allows a large reserve for reliability issues, if any arise. I spoke with four others who have owned current and prior versions of the Sebring convertible, and none had any serious complaints.

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  timing chain - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By browniegirl - January 31 - 12:06 am

  Make sure you get all of your oil changes every 3000 miles. We did not know at the time of purchase that this particular engine has an internal timing chain, in the engine. They wanted to replace our engine with the 3.0L because the 2.7L has such a bad problem with this. We had to have the engine rebuilt and it was almost impossible to get parts for the timing chain assembly. Stick with a car that has a timing belt. Dont buy one with the timing chain in the engine, it only leads to a more expensive repair.

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  Resale value a joke!! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Convertible Lover - January 23 - 7:23 pm

  I love the look of my convertible Sebring. It was in the shop more the first 6 months than I was able to drive it. I had to have the passenger seat replaced because the plastic handle at the top kept breaking the cable in the seat and they couldnt get it fixed without replacing it. Now the driver side plastic handle is broke and needs repaired. The only thing that really bugs me about the car is it isnt worth half of what I paid for it. I cant even trade it in if I wanted too without being upside down. I dont see me buying another Chrysler product. The one really good thing is the looks you get when driving it.

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  Really Great. Sebring Haters are Crazy - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By shrambo - January 22 - 8:56 pm

  I got the car last year. Its my first car, and so far its been great. It is 11 years old and still runs great. It gives you the illusion of a sports car and has decent performance. I raced a Jeep Grand Cherokee and smoked it. Its a little long (thats what she said) but I guess thats good because that means its safer. My Sebring was in excellent condition until my stepdad backed into it and a ran into a minivan (two different accidents). But even through all that it runs fine. However, the passenger door is now jammed shut from the minivan.. The trunk doesnt stay up. The keys can be taken out while the engines running. not sure if thats normal..

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  Fun - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Emily - January 14 - 9:57 pm

  I wanted a convertible with a back seat, and this was one that I could afford! I really do love this car... its so much fun to drive around with the top down in the summertime, but Ive also had no issues driving in several inches of snow. I had a small leak repaired by the front window shortly after purchasing, and have had no other issues. I have the smaller engine - not a ton of power, but still enough for me. Im really happy with this purchase.

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  Great Value and Dependability - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Reno Rider - January 11 - 10:21 pm

  Good value! 2.4L Touring. Purchased new and 32K miles later it performs well. Routinely driven on mountain roads, it handles well. Millage ranges lowest 17-highest 38. Typ 19 - 26 Reasonable power. Mechanically, the 2.4l engine offers excellent accessibility in the engine compartment, better than my first car - a 1959 Chevy. Easy to change oil and spark plugs. All major engine components and accessories easy to inspect. Dealers addressed minor quality issues, defective door window regulator, leaking seal on transaxel, 3 instances of stalling corrected by dealer based on a service bulletin. The body style is not appealing but its good safe and efficient trans portion.