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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  u-connect problems - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By patrick - April 13 - 4:46 pm

  I love this model-this is my third sebring convertible, 96, 99 and now the 08. However,the u-connect phone continues to dump the stored phone numbers-4 times so far. the dealer replaced the computer, but is still dumping. No one seams to know what is happening.

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  Gorgeous Car - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By katie1nel - March 26 - 4:55 am

  I love my Sebring! Ive had her for over 2 years now and have never had any trouble with her. The interior is roomy, Im 510" tall and have no problems hitting my head. It came with Eagle LS tires and I switched to Michelin Destiny. It reduced the road noise dramatically! Truck is nice and big, the back seat is roomy and I like having the option to put the seat down in the back. I get compliments on my car all the time! Glad I got the 2006 model, the 2007 and later model isnt all that attractive to me. Thrilled with it!!

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  Dream Car for my son - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Matt - March 12 - 2:37 pm

  We bought this car for my 16 year old son and he loves the car. It had style, a safe rating, and seemed very dependable. Ive read the mixed reviews and was a little nervous, however reviews can be deceiving. All his friends are now bugging their parents for a convertible and our son is very grateful. We would do it again - in a heartbeat - if another Chrysler Convertible was available.

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  cute - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By anita_9410333 - February 26 - 3:54 am

  I bought this car back in the late summer of 2009. It had 32,000 miles on it. So far no trouble with it. Rides very good. Being in my early 20s its an attractive car, with plenty of room for friends and family. Enjoyable car.

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  Nice Car! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By adam07 - February 22 - 4:47 pm

  Bought it new 8 years ago and still love this thing! Its so stylish and luxurious for $22,000. After 7 years the battery died once, the struts rattle on bumps and could use a replacement, and I need to replace the wiper blades because squeak really loud when you use them, so it has its typical wear and tear but the interior still has a newish smell amazing because I have 3 kids riding in it all the time! There is a lot of road noise but overall it is my favorite car Ive had. I love the way it drives, it has sporty suspension which turns really well and has really good pick-up for a small V6 which means good gas mileage, I would say it gets about 23mph. Good job Chrysler!

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  New Owner - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By robert - January 27 - 7:09 pm

  Just bought this about 3 weeks ago and my wife and I love it. Looking at all the reviews made me hesitant at first but once I drove it, WOW!. So far so good. Super quiet ride, great sound system, love the interior lighting! My only complaint is that I havent owned this sooner.

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  Love My Sebring!!! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By CindiT - January 24 - 1:06 pm

  This is my second Sebring Convertible. I had a 06 Touring Cloth top and upgraded to 08 Hard-top Sebring Limited. My husband and I love to lower the top and head out on pretty days. Our kids are grown and this is Moms car. I have the I-connect system for hands-free talking. Great economy on fuel and retractable hard-top is so easy to use. Great looking car inside and out. Trunk is spacious, but there is still room to pack dufflebags/carry- ons to travel. I get lots of compliments on the look of the car with and without the top down. I love the fact I can download my CDs to the music system 20g hardrive and not worry about storing them in the car. Just pull up the Jukebox and pick your music.

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  Keeps me happy and with a smile! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By George - January 23 - 6:47 pm

  Theres no better convertible for the price anywhere. Anyone who complains about this car is nuts, unless they have had mechanical troubles Convertbles are not for those who want to live inside a bubble, and if one wants all the comforts of home, they should remain in their living room! When the top is down who cares about the dashboard or the plastic trim? And, if the car were to get wet inside somehow, as all do in time, isnt it better to have things the way this car does? In the winter it holds the road, and its trunk is huge when the top is up. Nowadays everyone is spoiled. Be real,I remember when convertibles were bare bones w/ the metal frame exposed under the top.

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  Great car - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By G Barbo - January 17 - 1:21 pm

  Purchased this car brand new. Car has not been repair free but is any car with 255000 plus miles. This car had two transmission replacements but I believe that was the fault of the first driver. I drove the car from 63000 miles to the present 255000 plus on the same transmission. I also had the rear main seal replaced once. It is in need of it again. There were some recall notices on the front ball joints. Other than those major items I had no complaints with this car. At 255000 miles I still get 27 miles to the gallon and as high as 32 on the original engine. This car is very well built, I loved the solidness that you could feel when driving this car.

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  happy BUT..... - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sara - January 14 - 6:58 pm

  I bought this car used from Car Maxx and it started out pretty good. Had to replace the brakes, etc. and then the gear shift mechanism just snapped leaving me stranded. Now I seem to have a wiring issue so I have no power outlets and they cant find the problem. Now I have to replace the pulleys for the serpentine belt. I really like the car, its fun, great looking, great air, good stereo system and is comfortable to drive anywhere. Just unusual things go wrong and I didnt purchase an extended warranty due to financial issues at the time. Next time I will and I would buy this car again. My mom owns a 2008 Sebring.