Chrysler Sebring

Chrysler Sebring at a glance

More Chrysler models are listed in our Chrysler catalogue, and the company's background is told in our history of the Chrysler Corporation.

Exterior of the third generation

This article focuses on the last generation. Its exterior still looks good today, and it is hard to call the Sebring unattractive. The front has slightly aggressive headlights and a massive grille with the Chrysler badge. The bonnet has many lines that are there for design only; they do not affect aerodynamics, whatever it may seem at first. The large front bumper protrudes noticeably and carries headlight washers, air intakes and fog lamps.

The side has deep creases on the doors and large wheel arches. Whatever the body style, every model of this generation shares characteristic features, and almost every line shows that it is a Chrysler. The car rides on 18-inch wheels, and chrome details make it look sportier and more elegant. The convertible is a few centimetres longer than the saloon, and its styling recalls another Chrysler convertible, the Crossfire.

At the rear, the petal-shaped tail lights are partly mounted on the boot lid, and the bumper protrudes like the front one. The boot lid has a small spoiler-style lip with a brake light and the Chrysler badge, and there is one exhaust pipe on each side.

Interior

The third-generation Sebring has a roomy cabin with plenty of space in the front and rear. The driver has a simple four-spoke steering wheel, with audio buttons on some versions, and an instrument panel in which every gauge sits in its own deep cowl.

The centre console is neat and attractive. At the top is Chrysler's signature analogue clock, flanked by rectangular air vents, followed by the infotainment display and the climate controls below. Attractive, quality materials are used throughout, and the cabin offers good comfort and ergonomics. The console flows into the tunnel: below the three climate knobs is a covered compartment, then a stylish automatic gear lever, the parking-brake lever with two cupholders to its right and a comfortable armrest between the front seats. A cupholder that can heat or cool drinks is available.

Upholstery ranges from leather to more affordable materials, all of decent quality, with some wood-look trim. The front seats offer plenty of electric adjustment, but their comfort and side support are not outstanding. The rear seat is comfortable for two; the middle passenger is bothered by the transmission tunnel, though there are three full head restraints and a fold-down armrest. The saloon's boot holds 441 litres, while the convertible's is a modest 193 litres.

Engines and transmissions

Chrysler offered different engines for different countries, running on petrol, E85 bioethanol or diesel.

The 2.7 V6 is not a performance engine — acceleration is unremarkable — but it is known for its durability. The 3.5 V6 saloon reaches 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, a good result, and the most powerful versions top out at 228 km/h; combined fuel consumption is about 10.7 l/100 km. The 3.5 was paired with Chrysler's first six-speed automatic. Other gearboxes included four-speed automatics, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic and five- and six-speed manuals, depending on engine and market. All versions are front-wheel drive except the 2008 saloon with the 3.5 V6, which could be ordered with all-wheel drive.

Chassis

The suspension is independent at all four wheels, with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear axle. Steering is hydraulically assisted, and all four wheels have disc brakes, ventilated at the front. European versions received a retuned chassis that made the suspension tighter and firmer, improving handling and stability and reducing body movement, although the steering still lacked precision and sharpness.

The convertible

The Sebring convertible joined the third generation for the 2008 model year. The LX had a vinyl soft top, the Touring and Limited a cloth top, and a retractable metal hardtop was optional. The convertible was not available with all-wheel drive. With the roof stowed, the boot shrinks to 193 litres.

What owners say

Owners praise the Sebring's comfort, smooth ride and decent performance. It is almost trouble-free, the cabin is roomy, and owners describe it as reliable and predictable, with good stability at motorway speeds. On the downside, they mention a low seating position and ground clearance, a fairly small boot and limited visibility. Body parts can be hard to find, the steering is not precise, noise insulation is mediocre and the car can be difficult to resell.

Rivals

The Sebring competed mainly as a saloon, against American and Japanese models above all: the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu.