Chrysler Sebring Review

2009 Chrysler Sebring Limited Sedan Shown

A domestic mainstay in the midsize segment, the Chrysler Sebring is one of only a handful of reasonably priced vehicles to be offered as both a sedan and a convertible. There have been 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, while the Sebring may not cost as much as other midsize cars, it likely won't be as satisfying, either.

The current Chrysler Sebring is the result of a full redesign that was undertaken in hopes of making it more desirable and competitive. Alas, these hopes were quickly dashed. Mediocre performance and cut-rate interior materials drop the Chrysler Sebring to the basement among midsize family cars. The convertible is more appealing, as it's one of the few affordable drop tops with a legitimate backseat, and it also offers a retractable hardtop. Nonetheless, while Chrysler still makes some wholly competitive products, the Sebring lineup is, for the most part, not among them.

Current Chrysler Sebring

The Chrysler Sebring sedan is available as a sedan, soft-top convertible or hardtop convertible in LX, Touring and Limited trim levels. Base Sebrings start out reasonably well-equipped with full power accessories, front side-impact and full-length head curtain airbags, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a six-CD changer and, on the convertible, a power vinyl top. Touring models get 17-inch alloy wheels and a lengthier options list, while the top-of-the-line Limited features leather trim, automatic climate control and a premium audio system. Options include a 20-gigabyte hard-drive-based navigation/audio system, and in lieu of the aforementioned vinyl top, Sebring convertible buyers can opt for a power cloth top.

Standard on most Chrysler Sebrings is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 173 horsepower. Optional on the Sebring Touring sedan and standard on Sebring Touring and Limited convertibles, is a 2.7-liter V6 good for 189 hp. With either of these engines, a four-speed automatic transmission routes power to the front wheels. Available on Limited models only is a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 backed by a more sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is below average for all these engines, with the 3.5-liter being particularly poor -- when equipped with all-wheel drive, it delivers gas mileage worse than a 430-hp Corvette.

In reviews, we've found that ride quality is among the Sebring's strong points, as it proves both comfortable and composed at freeway speeds. Braking and handling are just average, though. The softly sprung Sebring exhibits plenty of body roll around corners -- not that most buyers will care. Cabin space is generally on par with the rest of the midsize car class, as the Sebring sedan offers respectable amounts of headroom and legroom. Front seat occupants in the Chrysler Sebring convertible will find the quarters similarly roomy, but the drop top's rear seat has considerably less legroom and can accommodate only two passengers. Cabin design is ergonomically sound, but the quality of the interior plastics is poor for this price range.

Used Chrysler Sebring Models

The current third-generation Chrysler Sebring sedan was redesigned for the 2007 model year. The convertible sat out '07, returning as a 2008 model with an optional retractable hardtop, and a six-CD changer became standard in 2008. Notably, antilock brakes weren't standard across the lineup until 2009.

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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC CHRYSLER SEBRING MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.