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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  hate it cant wait to get rid of it - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By cool man big car - May 16 - 2:00 am

  hate it the quality is bad im mean bad the part that holds up the trunk melted twice the paint used to be blue now it is black. hate it beware dont get it forget it was even made in fact all the chrysler are bad

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  Dont make this mistake! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By davis13 - May 3 - 8:42 pm

  I wish I had done more research before buying this car. From day one, I have always heard a whine especially during acceleration. These cars eat brakes. Its ridiculous. A couple of weeks ago, the car stranded me, transmission woes. I had to have the planetary gears replaced three times in the course of ten days. Finally they replaced the cas" I assume that houses the gears. The day after I get it home, the OBD light comes on. My plans this weekend? To find another car.

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  Not the best sporty car Ive owned - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By lcarrollccc - April 9 - 6:32 pm

  I loved the look of this car with the low profile and smaller windows, but the smaller windows caused too many blind spots which caused many close calls. It also sputters when starting to drive it after its been driven and has a hot motor (you can hear the gas in the lines). Last, it needed several things replaced that should not have needed replacing, such as a wheel bearing, sway bars, ignition cables, and upper and lower hoses at 30,155 miles.

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  Chrysler is miserable - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Matt Snyder - January 8 - 8:04 pm

  The worst car that Ive ever known. At 26,000 I had my THIRD transmission installed original, at 22,000 rebuilt tranny, 26,000 brand new one installed. Its been in the shop over 8 times for the transmission slipping especially in cold weather. Chrysler customer service does not stand behind their product. I will never buy a Chrysler product again. This all could have been fixed if they stood behind their product.

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  the car that almost could but didnt - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By nvwalt - December 12 - 1:43 am

  I researched this car on the internet. I compared it to the nissan, toyota and mustang. For the price and style it stood above the rest. It is a fun car. Since I have owned however, I have had it in the shop for various repairs in excess of 30 days. It has had oil light problems, overheat problem, alignment problems. God help you if you had to change the battery. I am on my 3rd roof motor. the fabric is tearing on the roof as well. I drive highway miles. I would recommend that you pass on this car until Chrysler gets its act together it is nice but no Substance.

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  Should have put better quality inside - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Cate - December 11 - 5:46 pm

  The engineers at Chrysler should have taken a little more time in over hauling this car. More thought could have made this car more elegant. The interior could have been made a little less retro disco era and they could have give us more leg room and more comfortable seats. The 2.7 engine has no get up and go. They could have easily had to options the 4 cylinder or the other 6 cylidar, the 2.7 is not necessary. Also the moon roof could have been a little bit bigger. Being that the 300 M & Concords were eliminated, they really could have done better with the quality.

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  Drip drip Drip - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Drip drip Drip - December 3 - 2:04 pm

  The car looks good, is fun to drive, and has a good heart (engine). However, it squeaks and creaks and loves to drip oil everywhere. Frankly, a car built in 2001 shouldnt have such poor suspension and oil retention. Overall, I cannot recommend this car because part of the driving experience is not hearing squeaks and creaks when traveling over the slightest of bumps and not continually staining your garage floor with engine oil. In the future I will be more leery of Chryslers products. Do your research before you buy.

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  My Last Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Oldengineer - December 1 - 11:47 pm

  After 14 Chryslers, this is my last. The only thing this car does well at is get decent fuel economy. In 2 years of ownership, its been in the shop for warranty work a full 3 months in total. Its myriad problems and poor reliability have convinced me to switch brands. Its a beautiful car, but, seems to have been engineered and built by blindfolded kindergarten kids. Tried to get rid of it, but, this model depreciates like a falling brick.

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  Chrysler 4 dr sebring std - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Greg Ploof - November 29 - 7:03 pm

  Ive had problems with this car, engine knock and right hand steering noise, it clicks when you steer to the right. This car had only 26,600 miles when I bought it and I have 35,567 now, this is my first Chrysler product and will be my last! A car with low mileage like this should not knock or make steering noises.

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  Nothing But Trouble - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By What a Lemon - November 27 - 8:12 pm

  I bought this car new in May 03. For a while it was a nice, fun to drive car. Around Oct. 2005 I started to have engine trouble. I took it to Chrysler and they told me I needed a new engine. Confirmed by my own independent mechanic. I spent $3,000 on a used engine, installed. This year 06 I had to spend another $1,200 on a new transmission. All said I will have over $20,000 in this car when its paid off. I have too much in it now not to drive it as long as I can. I will never EVER buy another 4 cylinder and might not buy another Chrysler.