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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  My Thoughs - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Crystal Hannak - December 13 - 2:19 pm

  I love the Sebring Conv. its a great car and drives very nice. i will only drive this car for the rest of my life i love it. the only problem is its a lot of money but totally worth it.

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  Very Disappointed - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Debbie - December 10 - 11:30 pm

  Ive owned my car for a little over 2 1/2 years. Last summer Chrysler had to put a new engine in it. 3 months later the bushings had to be replaced. Im lucky it was still under warranty. Now the car just wont start. I was stranded at the store, called AAA and had to leave it in the parking lot. Going to get rid of it asap. I have to get it running first. Bad thing is I still have another year to pay on it. I will not purchase another Chrysler.

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  sporty, fun ecconomical - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By tap - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Drove this car to Florida from Ohio in snow, ice rain and sun- No problems, great top action, easy,tight and better for heat than steel top, slightly more sroad noise than steel but no bad. Love the car, would buy another in a heartbeat- Great back seat compared to most four-seaters.

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  great vehicle - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By coach b - December 5 - 4:26 pm

  I bought this car new 3 and a half years ago. Have really enjoyed it. Love the style and drive. The only work Ive had done on the car has been brake replacement. I do a lot of stop and go driving. The car runs great. Smooth drive and outstanding pick-up. The infinity sound system is also a big plus. The rear seat room is tight, but to be expected in a coupe.

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  My frost white Sebring - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Heartsease - December 2 - 5:21 pm

  Purchased "Brina" (Sabrina Sebring) in 2000 when she had just hit the lot. She was and is beautiful. Five years later I still get compliments about her sleek look. Her sound system is without equal. Most important, she drives like a dream. She is not my first Chrysler-I thought the LeBaron I had was great. This is better. And she has required nothing but periodic maintenance. A great choice!

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  Why I rated this car so poorly - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Kristina - December 1 - 1:08 am

  I have had problems w/ my sebring from the beginning, and now it is 2005 and I am still paying for it and the same problems presist. Here is my laundry list ofd issuses: #1 Rear view defroster-It is in the shop as we speak being fixed-might I add this is the 10th time that it is being repaired. #2 Rear ball joints- The left rear failed on me while my mother was driving my car on a major highway. #3 Wheel bearings were replaced #4 tire rods #5 door straps both left and right side repaired 2 times on each door #6 air bag light fixed 3 times, turns out that my seat belt reciever on the passenger side sets it off. #7 factory installed radio system overheats and malfunctions has been replace

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  Is it really that good? - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By KgRomeo - November 26 - 1:52 am

  This is the almost perfect car. All it would need is all my personalizations. Its good the way it is. It has luxury with style. This is good for whomever the driver may be.

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  fun ragtop - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By censrdname - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the way it drives, it has ooomp. people look at it and like it. Very elegant looking

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  goodtimes with the top down - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By sean - November 19 - 3:27 am

  i bought this car used with 58,000 miles. i have the limited edition with the 2 tone leather. its been a blast to drive and it looks great ! had to put in a new ac unit last month for $1000.00 , but hey, its seven years old and sill looks brand new. i would buy another.

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  OK Car - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jordon - November 13 - 6:44 pm

  I bought the car with 140,000 miles on it at the end of 2004. Now it has 156,000 miles on it. It is hard to tell the mpg that it gets because the Odometer goes out for long periods of times (like 2 to 6 weeks at a time), though it does keep accurate mileage. My front passenger side wheels lug nuts came one day and the wheel came off when I pulled in my drive way. The Engine has begun to shake violently and consistently and I dont know why. The ride is OK, but could be better. The convertible top is tearing along the seams, and will be very costly to fix, approximately $1200.