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:
Showing 971 through 980 of 1,334.00-
Disposable Parts - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By JilSC - May 14 - 2:00 amThe interior is so-so. Both door hinges POP, and the 27.00 parts will cost 350.00 to have installed. The air bag sensor, rear defogger, and visor laches need to be repaired for the second time this year.
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Great Summer Car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By LMDJRX4 - May 11 - 2:00 amOriginally problem with leaky roof...corrected. Rear defogger contnues to be a problem. Great trunk space. Great convertible for family. Fun to drive. No problems in the snow.
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Topless Nut - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By highlandgolfnut - May 1 - 2:00 amI love this car! Sure, there are some things that I wish were better designed, and I would like to get a little more performance out of a car that looks so good, but for the price I paid for a four year old convertible that was in perfect condition inside and out, you have to give up a little. I get comments everywhere I go about what a great car I have(especially in supermarket parking lots). An added bonus is that I can fit my weekly foursome AND four sets of clubs in the car, something I couldnt do in a Mustang, Camaro/Firebird, BMW, or Solare!
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too big to be a paper weight - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
By Sean Wolleydt - April 29 - 2:00 amHave spent in excess orf 3,000 dollars in repair and it only has 41000
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pikerh in Homestead - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
By pikerh - April 27 - 2:00 amExcellent open air car...if you dont mind the 18-19 mpg range economy. Very dependable only a few electrical problems. Cloth top very nice.
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Pretty good car. - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
By Jstransam - April 25 - 10:00 amMy girlfriend just bought this car in Aug. and Ive drove it often and its a nice car. I took it to the coast and I had a great ride I would recommend this car to anyone who likes convertibles.
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Fun to Drive - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
By muellme60614 - April 24 - 2:00 amA solid good car that is fun to drive. A 2-door, but with the room of a 4- door and plenty of trunk space.
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Mopar Fan - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By wplets - April 20 - 2:00 amRide is a little hard, as well as road noise in this LX version. Transmission began slipping in first 6 months, dealer replaced some pump, now doing same again. Had a 98 Cirrus with similar problem, but not until 85k.
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Very fullfilling...extremely satisfied - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
By Veronica NJ - April 17 - 2:00 amMy Sebring definetely filled my expectations. It is a beautiful, stylish, elegant, and not too sporty vehicle that is very fun to drive. The gas mileage is great. There is enough room to fit 3 people in the back with comfortable leg room. The seatbelts are extremely comfortable, you hardly notice them. The top comes down smoothly. The sound system is powerful, this can be especially noticed when the top is down and the car is being driven in the highway. I give this car a 10.
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The Worst Car I Have Ever Driven - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
By Very Unsatisfied - April 16 - 2:00 amEver since I drove this car off the lot it nothing but a problem. The cars rear end sets too high over 17" inch wheels and it will simply not hold an alignment. I have had the car in seevral different dealers for service on 5 different occasions. It was given a four wheel alignement on 2 occasions, and the other three "couldnt duplicate" my concerns. The Chrysler dealers have been the worse. DONT BUY THIS CAR!!! MINES A LEMON!!!
