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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  Fun, roomy convertible - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By NewBuyer - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Attractive styling, good handling, roomy in front & back. Every car has compromises, and this one is great fun and a very good mix of decisions that yield a vehicle that is good at cruising, good at the twisty-turning type of drives, and has good comfort.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jay - February 4 - 9:42 pm

  This is really a fun car to drive. I have the navigation system which is a must have. Sound system (with 6 CD player) is cool. Convertible top works at the push of a button and have had no trouble with it at all... This is a real college/entering the work force type car for singles. The editor here must have had the one in a million lemon because this is a great little car!

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  GOING BACK TO GM - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By Disappointed - January 17 - 3:35 pm

  Had an Olds for 10 years w/NO problems. Im already looking to dump this Sebring. While so far its running fine, Ive had stupid little things to deal with. My odometer light has gone out, the cigarette lighter wouldnt charge my cell phone and now the cylinder has totally come out in one piece. To fix these little things requires a full dismantle of the front dash. Had an idiot light regarding fuel come on recently too and reset itself after 20 starts. What that was about - still dont know. And the horn on this car stinks. Can give it a good lean while the car is parked and not running but try to do that while driving and it gives off a staccato toot that hardly gets you heard.

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  great car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By kc - January 16 - 12:25 pm

  excellent car-- great ride -- fast enough for plenty of tickets! Ha! I commute in heavy traffic-- the car is very comfortable. Good stereo. Also a great cruiser. My only complaint is that the cup holders in the front are too low-- down under the dash and in the way of the CD player and lighter. This car needs very little maintainence and gets good mileage- 28 mpg in the city

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  bought it used and it is perfect - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By kev1049 - January 15 - 1:41 pm

  The wear of the car is great inside and out but I noticed some paint defect on the front bumper. This car make me feel like every one is looking at you.

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  GTC 5-Speed - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By David Sanders - January 14 - 6:37 pm

  I have had my GTC for a year and a half. Its a great car, fun to drive. It was a Chrysler Executive Vehicle that was never titled until I bought it. I have put 25,000 miles on it since I got it. It drives great and I love the 5-speed. The interior is a little plain though. It would be nice to have pockets on the backs of the seats for maps, etc. I have not had ANY trouble with the car at all. I have only had it into the dealership once and that was because the passenger window was sluggish when putting down the top. It wasnt all the way down when the top was!

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  Dont do it - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jim - January 14 - 5:28 pm

  I rolled the dice and hoped I wouldnt have trouble, I was persistent at dealer during warranty and got water pump, power steering pump, alternator replaced. Electrical problems cost $800 after warranty. Never again.

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  ARTUROS REVIEW - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By ARTURO - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED THIS CONVERTIBLE FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. IT IS FUN TO DRIVE AND VERY EASY TO CHANGE FROM SOFT TOP TO NO TOP. THE DESIGN IS GREAT AND EASILY HANDLES 4 ADULTS. THE TRUNK IS LARGE ENOUGH FOR 2 SETS OGF GOLF CLUBS

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  04 sebring ragtop - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By wanda - January 7 - 12:59 am

  2nd sebring convertible - had 1997 and just loved it. couldnt wait to get the new style - much sleeker design - has very large trunk space and enough leg room that the back seat is actually usable, unlike the mustang which looks good but in reality, only sits 2... will keep for 5-6 years and probably start looking for another new one.

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  Good Look but poor suspension - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By bison - January 3 - 11:15 pm

  I purchased my convertible new and enjoy driving it with the top down but it needs better suspension for bumpy roads. The engine is quiet but having a convertible makes it noisy. I have had some leaking from the top and rear defroster not working. I have 35000 miles and it has been reliable. But I am disappointed of the poor resale value of these vehicles. Chysler has a good visual look but in- town ride is rough.