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 bad for the price - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By cheyenne447 - April 25 - 11:33 am

  I had a few bugs that had to be worked out when I first bought the car. Thank goodness it was under warranty. I have had numerous problems with the rear defroster...the wire connectors keep coming undone. The top leaks, but the car is six years old now. I also had a problem with the transmission at 16,000 miles, but it was fixed quickly under warranty. All in all...you cant find a better convertible for the price.

• 

  Sebring fun - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By ramsbaugh - April 22 - 9:57 pm

  I originally purchased my Sebring as an extra vehicle. My primary vehicle was a 2003, 2500 Truck but it was stolen 8 months after I bought the convertible. I do a lot of traveling across the state of Texas so there are lots of miles, typically. I have found the car to be a delight to be in. I have the top down most all year long...even the winter. I really appreciate all of the leg room and comfort for 5 people to enjoy a ride. The body styling is simple and beautiful.

• 

  A car to love for - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Debra - April 22 - 7:05 pm

  I love my 2003 chrysler sebring its the best car I had so far. This is my second car at the age of 27 year old. It very comfort and different in a way. Like the drive have a electric seat and the passage side dont that is really creatie. I never saw a car like that.

• 

  Reasonable value - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Damisal - April 20 - 10:30 pm

  It is quite pleasant to drive for the sedate driver, but response with spirited driving leaves a lot to be desired. CD skips ocassionally with moderate road bumps. All in all a reasonable car for the price.

• 

  This car is FUN!! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By no1filmakr - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car so far. It is a whirl of fun, very classy looking. It floats on the road like a dream, yet drives really responsively. I would recommend it!!!!

• 

  sebring - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Russell S. - April 17 - 4:51 pm

  i have had my sebirng for bout 8 months and i live in alaska and the roads are bad during winter and this car man oh man it is the best car you can drive in alaska. i handles really well and abs breaks make it even better. the brakes i had to replace 1 time but its ok

• 

  chrysler quality - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By tony c - April 16 - 7:37 pm

  This car drives and looks great the quality of this car and design make this the sharpest convertible out there for the money.

• 

  love it, love it, love it! - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By lexi - April 15 - 8:55 pm

  this car drive like a dream and looks like one too. i would definitely get leather seats, i have cloth ones and i HATE them!

• 

  Good car for the price - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By JIM.C - April 15 - 10:59 am

  About the only thing lacking with this car is the to soft ride when encountering bumps. Good power. Fair gas mileage, biggest back set in its class. Overall very nice looking car.

• 

  If the ride is most fly u must buy! - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By ALLEN ANDERSON - April 8 - 8:40 pm

  Very smooth ride. And very roomy. This is my 2nd sebring and i was impressed with the first and i am very impressed with the interior from the 1997 model until now this model. This car definitly rocks!!!!