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Midsize car; Built in USA
  • 2-door convertible
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $6,700 – $19,800*


2007 Chrysler Sebring


2007 Chrysler Sebring


2007 Chrysler Sebring


2008 Chrysler Sebring

Pros:
  • Quietness (3.5-liter V6)
  • Ride
  • Brake performance
Cons:
  • Acceleration (4-cylinder and conv.)
  • Automatic-transmission performance (with 3.5-liter V6)
  • Cargo room
  • Rear-seat comfort (especially conv.)

As redesigned for 2007, Sebring was a vast improvement over the 2001-06 generation. New-car prices were attractive, with well-equipped V6 models starting below $23,000. Unfortunately, the new Sebring lacked the powertrain refinement and interior roominess offered by leaders in this segment. Convertibles appeal with the choice of a sort top or the all-weather security of a power-retractable hardtop. They’re reasonable alternatives to competitive drop-top models.

Overview

Chrysler redesigned its midsize front-wheel-drive sedan for 2007. In addition to exhibiting fresh styling, the 2007 Sebring stood 4 inches taller than the 2001-06 models, but roughly the same size in every other dimension. Prior Sebrings had been available as a sedan and a convertible. The 2007 version came only as a sedan, with a revived convertible expected later. Sedan rivals included the Honda Accord, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.

Base, Touring, and Limited models were available. All came with a standard 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Two optional V6s were available: a 190-horsepower 2.7-liter for Tourings, and a 235-hp 3.5-liter for Limiteds. The 2.4- and 2.7-liter engines used a four-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.5-liter worked with a six-speed automatic.

Base sedans rolled on 16-inch tires, but upper models got 17-inch rubber on alloy wheels. Chrysler advised that increased suspension travel should improve ride/handling balance. Rear seats were split 40/40 and folded flat. A fold-flat front passenger seat was optional.

Front side airbags and curtain side airbags were standard, along with antilock braking (with drums rather than discs on the base model). Traction/antiskid control was optional. Also optional was a navigation system with digital audio connectivity, a wireless cell phone link, and a 20-gigabyte hard drive that could hold music or picture files. Additional options included a heated and cooled cupholder, remote engine start, heated leather or cloth seats, and backseat DVD entertainment.

Yearly Updates

2008 Sebring
Two new models joined the Sebring lineup for 2008: an all-wheel-drive sedan and a two-door convertible. Chrysler had a long history of producing Sebring convertibles, starting back in 1996 when that nameplate replaced the LeBaron. The 2008 convertible came with a powered soft top and heated glass rear window, but a power-retractable hardtop was optional. That gave Chrysler a competitor against the Pontiac G6 convertible, which was a retractable hardtop.
2009 Sebring
Sebring lost its all-wheel-drive models, and the sedan was now offered only in Limited trim; the entry- and mid-level LX and Touring trims were discontinued. The convertible remained available in LX, Touring, and Limited versions.
2010 Sebring
The 2010 Chrysler Sebring received slightly freshened exterior and interior styling.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

Three engines have been available in Sebring sedans and convertibles. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder was standard, except in the AWD Limited sedan and LX convertible. Optional for the Touring sedan, a 2.7-liter V6 was standard in the Touring convertible. Chrysler 3.5-liter V6 has been standard or optional in Limited models. A four-speed automatic transmission mates with the two smaller engines, but the 3.5-liter V6 matches a six-speed automatic.

dohc I41
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/144
Engine HP 172
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 165
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 21/30

 19.5
dohc V61
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.7/167
Engine HP 190
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 190
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 19/27

 21.0
ohc V61
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/215
Engine HP 235
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 232
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 16/26

 18.3

EPA Note: Most figures shown are for 2008 models with 4WD. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Road Test

Four-cylinder Sebring sedans struggle in passing and merging situations, though they cope adequately with around-town driving. The 2.7-liter V6 is stronger overall, though the transmission shifts harshly. Power is ample with the 3.5-liter V6, but the six-speed automatic’s rough, delayed downshifts frustrate passing efforts. Convertibles weigh up to 400 pounds more than sedans, and are notably slower from a stop and in highway passing/merging situations.

Fuel economy isn’t bad. A test four-cylinder Touring sedan averaged 19.5 mpg in city/highway driving. With the 2.7-liter V6, a Touring sedan averaged 21.0 mpg in similar driving conditions. In another mix of city/highway driving, a Limited convertible with the 3.5-liter V6 managed 18.3 mpg. The four-cylinder and 2.7 V6 use regular-grade fuel. Chrysler recommends 89-octane fuel for the 3.5 V6.

Sedans provide good isolation from bumps and rough surfaces, but highway-speed stability is compromised by excessive body float over dips and swells. Convertibles are reasonably well isolated, though some body shudder is noticeable over cracked pavement. Little difference in rigidity is evident between convertibles with the soft top and hard top.

Nimble at low speeds, Sebrings suffer from steering that has a less precise feel than that of most midsize competitors. Body lean is notable in aggressive cornering. Brakes have proven strong in simulated panic stops.

Road and wind noise are effectively muted, but the gruff four-cylinder engine roars loudly during even moderate acceleration. The 2.7 V6 is modestly more refined. Most hushed is the 3.5-liter V6, but even that one trails most rivals’ available V6s for overall polish.

Gauges are simple, though difficult to read at night. Climate controls are set too low for quick adjustment. Chrysler’s available navigation system absorbs some audio functions, but its controls are fairly intuitive. The convertible’s fabric top takes 27 seconds to raise or lower; the hardtop, 30 seconds. The retractable hardtop on one test Limited convertible sometimes stopped during the closing procedure; it would take several minutes for the system to reset, allowing the top to close fully. Cabin materials are more sturdy than rich, notably downmarket of class leaders.

Front riders can expect generous headroom, even beneath the sunroof’s housing. Chrysler said Sebring bodies were about as wide as other midsize sedans, but interior cabin width is more on par with the compact class. Shoulder room is limited for larger occupants. Narrow roof pillars contribute to good outward visibility.

Adult-adequate headroom is available in sedan backseats, with fine seat support, but there’s no excess of legroom. Relatively long sedan doors aid entry/exit, but the narrow cabin rules out three-abreast adult seating. Convertible rear seats are best for teenagers and youngsters, and access demands some twisting.

A short deck lid and high liftover limit utility of the small but usefully shaped sedan trunk. Rear sedan seats split 60/40 and fold nearly flat. Load possibilities are expanded if the available flat-folding front passenger seat is installed. The narrow center console and smallish glovebox compromise interior storage options. Convertibles have a trunk that’s nearly as large as that of the sedan. In fact, space is sufficient for two golf bags-even with the retractable hardtop down.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Sebring Ltd. sedan w/3.5 V6

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Rear - 4
40%
Cargo Room - 3
30%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 49

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
108.9 193.8 71.5 58.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
13.1 16.9 4.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.8 37.2 42.2 35.5
4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
108.9 190.6 72.2 59.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
13.6 16.9 5.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.1 38.4 42.4 36.2
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2007 Sebring (Note: 2008 Sebring sedan got a 4-star rating for rear occupants in side impact.) 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 3
60%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: The air conditioner may quit and blow only warm air due to failure of the infrared sensor. (2008)
Doors
Description: The front door glass may rattle when the door is closed because it hits the belt trim molding which must be replaced. (2007-08)
Ignition switch
Description: In dry conditions (winter) static discharge can damage the wireless control module causing intermittent no-crank or no-start. (2007-08)
Keyless entry
Description: The remote start feature may not work intermittently and commands from the remote keyless entry may work intermittently on vehicles fitted with a remote start kit at the dealership. (2007-08)
Keyless entry
Description: The engine may not crank (nor start) and the remote keyless entry may not work due to a damaged wireless control module in the vehicle caused by static electricity discharge when the key is inserted into the ignition. (2007-08)
Clock
Description: The clock may gain time requiring the computer to be flashed (reprogrammed). (2007-08)
Electrical problem
Description: The Hard Drive radio may lock up with only volume control function requiring reflash. (2007-10)
Transmission problems
Description: A shudder, which may feel like driving over rumble strips, may come from the transmission torque converter, which may need to be replaced. (2007)
Transmission problems
Description: Vibration that feels like driving over rumble strips while driving at a steady speed is caused by defective transmissi0n torque converter. (2007)
Fueling problems
Description: The vehicle may be hard to fill because the nozzle shuts off repeatedly unless an improved fuel vapor tube is installed. (2007-09)

Recall History

2007
Description: On certain vehicles, hood latch strike may break, allowing hood to open while driving.
2007 w/ABS
Description: ABS-control-module software may cause rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.
2007 w/automatic temperature control
Description: Software flaw on some cars may cause windshield defrosting/defogging functions to become inoperative.
2007-08
Description: Some front-seat track position sensors for airbag system may not function properly.
2007-08
Description: Some front-door latch cables may become partially unseated, possibly causing latch to stick in unlatched position, or lock function to become inoperative.
2007-08 w/2.4-liter engine
Description: Engine coolant on some cars may be drawn into left radiator cooling fan motor connector, causing short circuit that may result in engine-compartment fire.
2007-08
Description: Unused electrical connector for tire-pressure monitor may corrode and short-circuit, causing a variety of conditions.
2007-2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Description: The front door latch may stick in the unlatched position or the lock function may become inoperative. Dealers will add a secondary retention feature to both doors.
2007-2008
Description: Engine coolant may cause an electrical short in the left radiator cooling fan motor connector, and increases risk of fire. Dealers will inspect the connector for contamination or damage, install a wiring harness overlay, and replace the fan motor.
2007-2008 Sebring with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS
Description: Unused electrical connectors for the TPMS may become corroded and could short circuit, which can cause a variety of conditions including an engine no-start condition, dead battery, an inoperative cruise-control or remote-start system, and/or engine stalling. Dealers will seal the wires for the TPMS.
2009 w/2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine
Description: A compatibility issue between the instrument cluster software and fuel pump module can result in the fuel gauge overstating the actual fuel tank level. As a result, the vehicle may run out of fuel when the gauge indicates that there is still fuel remaining in the tank. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module free of charge.
2009
Description: A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break. This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning. Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge.
2010
Description: These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip. This could result in brake failure without warning, which could cause a crash. Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge.
2010 Sebring
Description: Some of these vehicles may experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly. Leaked power steering fluid onto hot engine components could cause a fire. Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on June 26, 2014.
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