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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Excellent!!! - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By DarlingXO - October 21 - 2:00 amPerfect Car for anyone!
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I LOVE THIS CAR - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
By JAREL8466 - October 20 - 2:00 amIVE HAD 1 OF THESE CARS SINCE THE 96 MODELS & I CANT POSSIBLY THINK OF A BETTER DESIGN 4 A CAR.
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Looks Good, Fun at First, but just wait - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By Jahm - October 19 - 2:00 amAt first I was very please with the car (got the lx with 6cyl not lxi). It was stylish and very peppy for a sedan, also handled great, even in rain or snow. But at around 25,000 miles, I found that you could take the key out while it was still in drive. Before I could take it in, I was driving and the engine locked up. Had it towed to a dealer, who asked me if I had my recipts for oil changes before they ever looked at it. Long story short, I only had a couple, and had to have engine rebuilt at 30K miles ($5k)not warrantied. Front end squeaks when you turn, and my timing belt just broke, opened engine to find completely sludged again. Found out that this engine has an oiling problem!
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my convertible - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By Vicki H - October 7 - 2:00 amI love the look and the styling and the room. do NOT like the way seats have to move in order to let a passenger sit in the back seat. Terrible feul economy-- 15.4 mpg. I totaled my 2004 Sebring conv. in an accident several weeks ago and I still plan on buying another one, just like it
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No more Chryslers - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By Chrysler Never Again - October 6 - 2:00 amNew trnsmission at 80,000 miles. The top began falling apart after 2 1/2 years. The rear defrost died after 4 years. The car is taking on water in the drivers side whenever the rains are heavy. Just a poorly built car.
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beautiful - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
By lindsay marie - October 5 - 2:00 ami love these cars
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Love it !!! - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
By Hootey - October 2 - 2:00 amLove my 1999 JXI. Had problems in 2 weeks after purchase when steering went up, fixed in 2 days and no mechanical problem since. Stitching on top broke and was repaired under warrenty(after much fighting to get done). Would buy another in a heartbeat.
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You need a Sebring Convertible - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By 2ruth - October 1 - 2:00 amI love this car. It is reliable, has decent mileage, and is attractive. Plenty of power to move onto the expressway. Everyone always wants me to drive so they can experience the fun and luxury. Great sound system - just push buttons on the steering wheel to change radio stations, to CD, volume! The best thing is that the top comes up and down quickly. And the trunk - no one could access it without the key!
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Too Costly to Repair - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
By LRN2SWM - September 27 - 2:00 amI have owned my car for almost 2 years... I bought it from a guy who ordered it off the line. My experience with this car has been mostly a nightmare! I had to replace the engine at 97,000 and now the transmission is slipping at 115,000. The car is foreign built so getting aftermarket parts at shops such as AutoZone is IMPOSSIBLE! It is a very expesive auto to fix because of the engine style and the Mopar parts. I would recommend not purchasing the COUPE version, since the convertible is easier to find parts for. Although it is a sporty looking car, there are better options for the repair costs.
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fun - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By jabar439@msn.com - September 24 - 2:00 amat my age it is fun to drive such a nice car.there is plenty of room in the back seat. we took the car with the top down and went to canada. it was a blast,justto feel like a kid again.
