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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  Primary driver 3 days a week - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Rancho - July 20 - 3:03 am

  Love this convertible, my kids loved to ride in it and, I enjoy driving them around. Its my 1st convertible and I realy had fun driving it. I have tested other convertible like Ford Mustand, and Mercedes, no room in the back to stratch your legs. I find the Chrysler Sebring Limited to be the most comfortable for the family of four. The seat in the front and rear is excellent compare to other convertibles. Under the hood is a powerfull 2.7 liter, V6 engine, lots of horse power to get us where we need to go. So, just kick back and enjoy the drive.

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  Been great so far - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Adam - July 19 - 6:36 pm

  Only changed tires, battery and oil...starts every time and runs great....now aat 91K miles

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By namllits 2002 - July 19 - 12:55 am

  A very well built car that brings back all the best of convertible cruising. Reliable, great styling and so easy to pop the top. It seems solid and is relatively quiet with great road holding ability and smooth ride. Overall, Chrysler has been building convertibles for so long now, that the Sebring has all the best features you could including a great interior.

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  My first family car! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Staci A - July 17 - 10:38 am

  I bought this car used and I LOVE it. We have a 2 year old in a car seat and a baby on the way, so we needed a car with plenty of room. Its got enough room in the back seat for adults to be comfortable even if front seats are pushed all the way back. I looked into foreign make cars, but ones this price range were so tiny. I get lots of compliments because even though this is our family car, it looks really nice. My dad has this car too (and hes a tough sell). The less-than- great gas mileage doesnt bother me since I work, go to church and my daughters sitter are all within a 3 mile radius of my home.

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  Great car to drive with top down-or up - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By fanjan - July 12 - 4:23 pm

  Bought this car with 8000 miles already on it during cold weather. I couldnt wait until the weather warmed up so I could drive with the top down. I wasnt disappointed! Very smooth, comfortable ride-lots of extra features including radio controls on steering wheel, heated seats and CD/Cassette/radio. Good gas mileage of about 26mpg city/highway.

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  Buyers Beware!!!!! - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Halley - July 10 - 6:01 am

  I havent even had my Sebring LXI for 1 year and I have already had problems! My sunroof doesnt shut and to fix it will be over $500, my transmission is slipping, the side panel of the exterior passenger side door is coming off, my drivers side door is loose and does not close properly (bolts need to be tightened and to do that I have to take off the fender = big project,not fun), windows dont always like to close. I thought I was in love with the car when I first bought it but now I know it was just a huge waste of money!!!!

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  Happy to Drive - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By HappyOne - July 7 - 9:21 am

  We bought the car used 6/2005 and it is fast and fun to drive. The looks are great, the ride and handling are great. The rear seat is a joke, so buy the sedan if you need a real seat, but we do not.

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  Love it - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By coupe - July 5 - 12:27 am

  I traded my mustang in for this car and I have not regretted it. This car fits my driving needs. I am always in the car and with gas prices for high, I can get up to 350 miles from my tank! This car has to much pick up to it. Its almost like being in the fast and furious. And it looks great. Everyone is envious of my car because it just looks classy.

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  2004 sebring convertible - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By unicorn - July 3 - 11:09 am

  for a4-cylinder, it has a lot of get up and go. Very fun to drive, a lot of leg room also. Nice stereo system, and it drives like a dream.

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  Terrible Brake cost - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Randy - June 29 - 4:15 pm

  Every 25,000 I needed a font brake replacement, including rotors. This is an unacceptable cost. I was not hard on the brakes, I just drive the car to work and home, almost all highway. I called Chrysler after the second time to let them know what was going on and maybe they might want to see if it is something in the manufacturing of the rotors. I was treated very poorly by the customer representative. I will never own a Chrysler again after I sell this car!!