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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  great car for the value - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By rds - March 4 - 10:00 am

  great gas mileage good performance

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  Bob Seger Rocks in the CD - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By golf_artist - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Hey, just bought my new car! Cool saying that huh... Drove it first day and had a minor TSB issue and the dealer dealt with it correctly. Car is beautiful, stylish, affordable and will take care of my needs. First Chrysler product I have owned, Will Not be the Last!!!

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  Bad transmissions but otherwise great - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Barbara - February 28 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car used 3 yrs old with 30,000 miles. I have put in two new transmissions, one at 36,000 miles and the other at 105,000 miles. Not the greatest on fuel economy, otherwise I love this car.

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  Still a Great Little Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Hiram in L.A. - February 24 - 8:23 pm

  Ive had my car for two years now. Bought it new in April 2004. It has been a really great little car. I have not had a single problem...no squeaks, no rattles, no vibrations. Not a single mechanical problem or flaw in two years and 20,000 miles. The graphite metallic paint is still beautiful after 2 years and the 2.7 V-6 has all the power & acceleration I need. This is a quality midsize sedan that can compete with any comparable Japanese or European car. Go Daimler Chrysler!

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  Transmission - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By basebalcch - February 23 - 9:56 pm

  Transmissions are known to go after 80,000 miles. Of course they dont volunteer this information until it goes out. Unfortunately the extended warranty that was supposedly good until 2009 or 80,000 miles which ever came first wasnt good for anything. I was faced with a 3000 to 5000 dollar repair or leave the car sitting while I continue to make payments. Dont ever buy a pre-owned or used Chrysler SeBring. I am VERY Disapointed!

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  Transportation - We love this car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By tlrar - February 19 - 1:14 am

  Needing a reliable vehicle during the winter months was VERY important,able to handle upstate NY winters before the snowplows. With good tires, this car exceeded our expectations. Comfort and reliability is a plus. The downfalls of our expectations is it does shift hard and awkward in extreme temperatures. The vehicle is hard to start in extreme temperatures. Very nice running and very smooth car. Acceleration is great yet the tranny is quite noisey when accelerating fast. The car lacks anti lock brakes, but we are able to stop the vehicle wherever and whenever. Anyone looking for a good, stylish and reliable should consider the sebring. We do not regret ours.

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  More than I bargained for - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Don - February 18 - 9:58 am

  It is relatively quiet for a convertible, has plenty of power and is comfortable and well built. It has had one recall that was taken care of by the dealer very promptly. This is my 3rd Sebring convertible having had a 97 and a 99. This one surpasses the others in all categories. The gas mileage is excellent for the amount of power the engine produces. The fact that it seats 4 full sized adults in reasonable comfort is another plus.

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  expensive to fix - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By iloveramey - February 14 - 11:28 am

  Every single part on this car is ridiculously expensive to replace. It has all of the drawbacks of a foreign car but none of the perks. The parts are expensive and it is difficult to work on, but it has the same lifespan as your typical domestic car. The good things about it are the handling and the appearance, its a beautiful car. The gas mileage is okay, nothing impressive. The Sebring is fun to drive but upkeep is very costly I have owned mine for less than 3 months but Ive already had to make over $600 in repairs and that does not include labor.

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  the new chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By kg - February 4 - 6:28 am

  Since the buy out the cars coming out seem very well put together. I LOVE MY CAR. Drives very well, Handles very well on the open road or in town. I had shopped around for other cars and was not even looking at the sebring, i sat in the ar and then test drove it and fell in love. Bought it on site that day.

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  Smelly Windows - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Janine - January 29 - 2:00 am

  If you live where it doesnt rain & you dont want to wash your car yould love this car. The window stripping does not dry out, the whole vehicle smells musty. I would suggest carrying an oxygen tank with you so you can breathe. Loud inside cabin noise does not make for a pleasant ride. The passenger seat does not lock into place, & cant be fixed. Its been into two different Chrysler dealerships to be repaired, after 10 times, still nothing has changed. If Chrysler thinks they can produce cars with such little care & quality they should think again. If you complain too much they might not service your car, they did it to me.