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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Good Car For The Price - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
By Patrick - January 12 - 7:04 pmAll I can say is, "So far, so good!" I purchased my Sebring used with about 69,000 miles on it and I can say that I have had no problems with it. Shifts well, great gas mileage (I have actually calculated it consistently at 32 mpg on the highway), and very sporty styling. The 4 cylinder does feel a little underpowered... I wish I had the six after driving for awhile. I would sacrifice some fuel economy for a little more horsepower. Not a lot of fluff. If you need a large passenger compartment, but want some fuel economy this is a good car to consider. Im happy with it overall.
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Best car Ive ever owned (had many). - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By Meyetch - January 9 - 10:24 amI bought this Sebring from a dealer as a "Program Car" with 18K miles on it and used it to cover a 9-State sales territory as a consultant until I retired from that a few years ago hence the high miles. It is currently garaged and seldom driven. Ive had zero problems from this car and intend to keep it forever.
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Extremely Satisfied - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By Mike - January 4 - 11:57 amGot a very good deal on it. Love the drive. Very fuel effficient. No problems with it
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Classy and Sporty! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By cvtgreek - December 24 - 10:00 amA very comfortable riding car, easy to put the top up or down. Good legroom in the backseat, nice large trunk.
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Love Sebrings bought 2 - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
By gypsy4u - December 19 - 1:16 pmI had a 2007 Sebring and got carjacked. I loved my sebring so much, it never had a problem. I drove it to Reno, going 90 miles per hour the whole way. Those Hills are steep! The car has power! It drives like a cadillac! Only one problem, cant drive with windows down, sounds like helicopter. Something to do with the wind and aerodynamics. Its in the owners manual. Drive with the windows up. I loved my sebring soo much I bought a 2008 sebring, its maroon. I have finally found a car that I will continue to buy. Its a nice sporty family car. I feel very safe in it.
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who needs a prestiege/ import car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By hoofbeats - December 18 - 10:00 amprice,fuel economy,handling,get up,comfort,braking all excellent , no problems at 35,ooo miles, 30mpg, belies its simple roots and surprizes me with the response it gets. I origenally thought it would be a comedown from my previous 320hp Z-28 convertable, but it exceeds in all categories except straight line acceleration and hard all out cornering( as one might expect) The front wheel drive torque steer takes a little getting use to, but to most drivers won,t be noticed or maybe even appreciated in everyday driving
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Why all the bad press? - 2010 Chrysler Sebring
By BuyAmerican - December 17 - 5:32 pmDespite the negative reviews I read on several automobile enthusiast websites, I find the styling of the Sebring to be very attractive. The 2010 model year eliminated the grooves on the hood, which results in a much cleaner look. The interior is very stylish with a two-tone beige/cream. The ride is very smooth and quiet and all controls are easy-to-use and where they should be. Apparently the base price has been reduced for 2010 even the dealer did a double-take when they saw the sticker considering the equipment included: heated leather, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, satellite/6-CD changer radio, power windows with auto down AND up, automatic locks, etc. Overall a very nice car.
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Totally hot!!! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
By vamprexy - December 13 - 12:45 amTotally love this car,acceleration,great brakes- especially in the wet weather we have here during the winter. ice cold air and the heater is amazing. bring as i call her gets great gas mileage around town she is bringing it home with 22mpg. she gets 28/29 on the highway!!! Everyone stops to look at the car like what kind of car is that!! yeah keep looking...surprises the heck out of them when they all find out it is a chrysler....wont get anything else now. next time a drop top.
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overlooked little gem - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
By ken brill - November 21 - 1:24 pmI bought my Sebring slightly used at a Chrysler dealer. It was a great buy. The little car gets no publicity, but in my opinion it is an overlooked gem. Great looks, terrific handling, and good gas mileage. Have only had a crank sensor go out in the 6 years I have had it.
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very happy - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
By Jim Ech - November 9 - 8:31 pmVery happy with car after two years. I purchased the 4cyl w/Touring pkg. 34 hwy and 24 city. Plenty of pick up for 4 cyl and would buy another without hesitation. Only problem brake rotors are to small for the car, and warp quickly. Had to be replaced under warranty after 12,000 miles.
