Chrysler Sebring

Chrysler Sebring
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler (DaimlerChrysler)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Chronology
Predecessor	Chrysler LeBaron (for coupe and convertible) Chrysler Cirrus (for sedan)
Successor	Chrysler 200 (for sedan and convertible)

The Chrysler Sebring is a line of mid-size automobiles that was sold from 1995 through 2010 by Chrysler. Three generations of convertibles, two generations of sedans, and two generations of coupes were produced. Although the coupe shared the same name and some styling cues, it was mechanically unrelated to the other Sebring models.

The Sebring line was introduced in 1995 with the Chrysler Sebring coupe. It was the replacement for the Chrysler LeBaron coupe. In 1996 the convertible was introduced, replacing its LeBaron counterpart as well. For 2001, both body styles were redesigned and a sedan version was now offered. The sedan replaced the Chrysler Cirrus. The coupe was discontinued after 2005 with no replacement model planned.

The redesigned sedan was introduced for 2007, but the convertible version was not introduced until 2008. This generation added a couple new options including all-wheel drive on sedan models and a hardtop option for the convertible. All Sebring models were replaced by the Chrysler 200 for the 2011 model year.

First generation (FJ/JX; 1995–2000)

First generation
1996-1998 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Overview
Production	December 1994–2000
Model years	1995-2000 (coupe) 1996-2000 (convertible)
Assembly	Mexico: Toluca, Mexico State (Toluca Car Assembly) (convertible) United States: Normal, Illinois (Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America) (coupe)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door Coupe 2-door Convertible
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Convertible: Chrysler JX platform Coupe Chrysler FJ platform
Related	Convertible: Chrysler Cirrus Dodge Stratus Plymouth Breeze Coupe: Dodge Avenger Eagle Talon Mitsubishi Eclipse
Powertrain
Engine	Coupe: 2.0 L 420A I4 (gasoline) 2.5 L 6G73 V6 (gasoline) Convertible: 2.4 L EDZ I4 (gasoline) 2.4 L EDV/EDT I4 (t/c gasoline) 2.5 L 6G73 V6 (gasoline)
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed 41TE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Convertible: 106.0 in (2,692 mm) Coupe: 103.7 in (2,634 mm)
Length	Convertible: 193.0 in (4,902 mm) (1995-1998) 192.6 in (4,892 mm) (1999-2000) Coupe: 187.4 in (4,760 mm) (1995-1996) 191.0 in (4,851 mm) (1997-1998) 190.9 in (4,849 mm) (1999-2000)
Width	Convertible: 70.1 in (1,781 mm) Coupe: 69.7 in (1,770 mm)
Height	Convertible: 54.8 in (1,392 mm) Coupe: 51.0 in (1,295 mm) (1995-1998) 53.0 in (1,346 mm) (1998-2000) Coupe V6: 51.4 in (1,306 mm) (1997-1998)

The Chrysler Sebring was introduced as a coupe for 1995, and as a convertible in 1996. Both models replaced the Chrysler LeBaron. The convertible was built off the Chrysler JA platform also used for the Cirrus sedan, while the coupe was based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Chrysler Sebring was named after Sebring, Florida, the site of the renowned endurance car race called the 12 Hours of Sebring. The name was first used by Chrysler Corporation's Plymouth division trim line of the Satellite mid-size coupe of the 1970s.

Coupe (1995–2000)

1995–1996 Chrysler Sebring coupe

The 1995 through 2000 Chrysler Sebring coupe was the successor to the Chrysler LeBaron coupe.

The first generation Sebring coupe was introduced in April 1995, several months after the related Dodge Avenger.^[1] Despite its similarities to the Avenger, the Chrysler's suspension was tuned slightly on the softer side, compared to Dodge's stiff suspension. Although the Sebring did not really offer true "off-the-line" muscle, it did handle well over long, curvy roads, offering minimal body roll. LXi models further benefited from rear sway bars, a slightly different tuned fully independent suspension, along with 17-inch wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle performance tires. Recorded slalom speeds proved to be impressive for a car of its class, and were a result of Sebring's 4-wheel double wishbone suspension and variable speed rack and pinion steering; both of which were key contributors to the car's road manners.

The coupe version of the Sebring had seating for five and was considered to be one of the larger, more roomy coupes on the market. Trunk capacity was similar to that of many mid-size cars, capable of handling more than one set of golf clubs. At the time of its introduction, the Sebring sported a crosshair grille, reminiscent of the original Chrysler 300 letter series.

Although said to be built on a stretched Eagle Talon platform (which is not entirely untrue), it is more accurate to say that their platform was based on the four-door Mitsubishi Galant platform. However, these cars do share a great deal with their Talon sibling, including much of their dash and instrument panel along with select suspension and steering components.

1997–2000 Chrysler Sebring coupe

The Sebring underwent a minor facelift for 1997. Its grille was replaced with a slightly larger black grid. The facelift also made the Sebring the first car to use Chrysler's "wings" logo since the 1930s that continued until the 2010 model year. The 1997 restyle also saw the addition of ribbed lower body cladding and new wheel styles.

Features offered on Sebring coupes included 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, adaptive automatic transmissions and fully independent suspensions, along with a host of power operated features. Sebring also offered features not commonly found in its class (or in other vehicles near its price point for that matter). This included variable speed rack and pinion steering, 17 inch aluminum wheels with GoodYear Eagle tires, 4-wheel double wishbone suspension, one-touch power windows, one-touch moonroof, electrochromic mirror with compass, power accessory delay ignition (which allowed occupants to operate power window switches when ignition is turned off), and Homelink universal transmitter, among other options.

Sebring coupe received a 5-star frontal safety rating, the highest rating possible.

First generation bodystyle coupes continued to be sold past the 2000 model year to select export models

Trim levels:

• LX — 1995–2000
• LXi — 1995–2000

Convertible (1996–2000)

1999–2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

The Sebring Convertible was launched in 1996 alongside the Chrysler Sebring Coupe. While using the "Sebring" nameplate, the convertible didn't share any sheetmetal with the coupe. The convertible was based on the Chrysler Cirrus sedan, and was a replacement for the LeBaron convertible.^[2] In Mexico, a rare turbocharged 2.4 L DOHC I4 engine was optional. The coefficient of drag on 1996 JX is 0.36.

Trim levels:

• JX — 1996–2000
• JXi — 1996–2000
• JXi Limited — 1998–2000

Second generation (ST-22/JR; 2001–2006)

Second generation
2001-2003 Chrysler Sebring sedan
Overview
Also called	Chrysler Cirrus (in Mexico)
Production	2000–2006 (Sedan & Convertible) 2000–2005 (Coupé)
Assembly	United States: Sterling Heights, Michigan (Sterling Heights Assembly) (Sedan & Convertible) Normal, Illinois (Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America) (Coupe)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door Coupe 2-door Convertible
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Sedan & Convertible: Chrysler JR platform Coupe: Chrysler ST-22 platform
Related	Sedan & Convertible: Dodge Stratus sedan Volga Siber Coupe: Dodge Stratus coupe Mitsubishi Eclipse
Powertrain
Engine	Sedan & Convertible: 2.4 L EDZ I4 (gasoline) 2.4 L EDV/EDT I4 (t/c gasoline) 2.7 L EER V6 (gasoline/E85) Coupe: 2.4 L 4G64 I4 (gasoline)[3] 3.0L 6G72 V6 (gasoline)[3]
Transmission	Sedan & Convertible: 5-speed manual 4-speed Ultradrive 41TE automatic Coupe: 5-speed manual 4-speed F4A42/F4A51 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Sedan:108.0 in (2,743 mm) Coupe: 103.7 in (2,634 mm) Convertible: 106.0 in (2,692 mm)
Length	Sedan: 190.7 in (4,844 mm) Coupe: 190.2 in (4,831 mm) (2001-2002) 191.9 in (4,874 mm) (2003-2005) Convertible: 193.7 in (4,920 mm)
Width	Sedan: 71.9 in (1,826 mm) (2001-2003) 70.6 in (1,793 mm) (2004-2006) Coupe: 70.3 in (1,786 mm) (2001-2002) 69.9 in (1,775 mm) (2003-2005) Convertible: 71.1 in (1,806 mm) (2001-2003) 69.4 in (1,763 mm) (2004-2006)
Height	Sedan: 54.9 in (1,394 mm) Coupe: 53.7 in (1,364 mm) (2001–2002) 53.9 in (1,369 mm) (2003–2005) Convertible: 55.0 in (1,397 mm) (2004–2006) 55.1 in (1,400 mm) (2001–2003)

2002 Chrysler Sebring LXi

2002 Chrysler Sebring LXi

The Sebring name was then used on three different cars for 2001: the coupe was based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse, while the sedan and convertible were Chrysler JR platform successors to the Chrysler Cirrus. The 2004 Chrysler Sebring had received minor tweaks to its front-end: a redesigned grille, re-worked headlights, and a Chrysler winged emblem placed in the center on the rear deck; furthermore, after the 2004 Chrysler Sebring sedan had seen a mild cycle refresh, the company discontinued the Chrysler Sebring coupe after model year 2005. And outside of America, over into Mexico, the Sebring was rebadged and sold as the Chrysler Cirrus. Exclusive for the Cirrus was the availability of Chrysler's turbocharged 2.4 L DOHC engine. Models with this engine are identified with a "High Output" badge on the back of the vehicle. Also unique to the Cirrus was the number of trim levels; the sedan was offered in two while the convertible was only offered in one. All were equipped with an automatic transmission.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2001–2006 Sebring an Acceptable overall rating in frontal crash tests.^[4] In the side impact test, a Poor overall rating was given to models without side airbags. The IIHS did not test the Sebring with side airbags since Chrysler declined another test.^[5]

Convertible

2004–2006 Chrysler Sebring convertible (US)

For 2001, the Sebring Convertible was redesigned. It now closely resembled the sedan, though it still differed greatly from it and the coupe. The front fascia and most of the interior were the only features that these cars had in common. Many interior and exterior components were carried over from the first-generation car, though the body shell underneath is significantly different. The Sebring received minor styling revisions (mostly the appearance of the nose) for the 2004 model year.

Coupe

2003–2005 Chrysler Sebring coupe

A redesigned Sebring Coupe was introduced for the 2001 model year, based on the third generation Mitsubishi Eclipse. Like the previous generation, the coupe shared very little in common with the sedan or the convertible, other than the name and a few exterior styling cues to help market all three vehicles together as one model.

The Sebring Coupe received a facelift for 2003 and was discontinued after 2005. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring hardtop convertible serves as a de facto replacement.

European versions

2003 Chrysler Sebring 2.7 LX sedan (European model)

Chrysler also manufactured export versions of the 2001-2006 Sebring sedan and convertible for the mainland European market. Front and rear lights are to European standards, different from the USA & Canada in that turn-signal indicators are orange, with additional side-turn repeaters on the front fenders. The rear bumper has a larger recess for the longer European-size license plates, and two rear fog-lamps are fitted; one on each side of the license plate. The LHD headlamps incorporate Euro-type H4 bulbs, together with three-way up and down beam-level adjustment via a dash-mounted switch to the left of the steering wheel. Emissions controls are to the EURO 3 standard; later versions are compliant with EURO 4. Engine ranges offered were the 2.0 L DOHC 16V inline 4-cylinder (later replaced by the 2.4L unit in some countries), and the 2.7 L DOHC 24V 6-cylinder unit. The 2.0 and 2.4L engines are available with the 5-speed manual or four-speed 41TE auto transmission (depending on country); the six-cylinder engine is automatic only.

The Canadian-market 240 km/h-160 mph speedometer (with km/h predominant) is fitted to the European models. Odometer and tripmeter are in kilometres. As the 2001-2006 Sebring sedan and convertible were made in left-hand drive only, they were not sold in the UK and Ireland. Chrysler UK did however, import 50 convertibles with the 2.7L engine in 2001/2002, and these were sold though selected dealers. Being non-standard in Chrysler's UK range at the time though, no more were imported.

Trim levels offered in Europe were LE (equivalent to North American market LX) and LX (equivalent to North American market LXi). From 2004, Touring and Limited versions started to replace the LE and LX designations respectively.

Lack of a diesel engine and right-hand drive availability prevented this Sebring from being a true pan-European model unlike other Chryslers such as the PT Cruiser and Voyager. In addition, the model was dropped from Chrysler's lineup in some countries, notably France, before production ended in 2006. In France, the three domestic car-makers PSA-Peugeot, Citroen and Renault dominate the new car market, which meant very low sales of the Sebring there. As a result, the sedan was only imported by Chrysler France in 2001 and 2002. The 2003 and face-lifted 2004–2006 year models were not. The convertible was only sold until 2004. The 2005 and 2006 models were likewise not imported.

Despite not being available in the UK and Ireland, some Sebring convertibles have been bought in from the U.S. as grey-imports. Some Euro-spec models have also been privately imported, mostly from Germany. The European versions are easier to re-register in the UK as they have EU-type approval. The dual km/h-mph speedo-display and twin rear foglights mean only headlamp beam-aim adjustment for left-hand traffic is necessary. The sedan is much rarer in the UK though; a few EU models have been imported, but most are likely to be North American 'grey-imports'.

Trim Levels

• Base (sedan and convertible 2004–2006) (coupe 2004–2005)
• GTC (Convertible 2002–2006)
• Limited (sedan 2004–2006) (convertible 2001–2006) (coupe 2004–2005)
• LX (sedan and convertible 2001–2004) (coupe 2001–2003)
• LXi (sedan and convertible 2001–2004) (coupe 2001–2003)
• Touring (sedan and convertible 2004–2006)
• TSi (sedan 2005–2006)

Note: Additional packages could be added to various standard trim levels.

Volga Siber

2008 Volga Siber

In 2006, the license, tooling and assembly line for the second-generation Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus sedan was sold to Russian firm GAZ for about US$151 million (€ 124 million). After some minor modifications the vehicle was renamed the Volga Siber. It went into production in March 2008 at the Gorky Automobile Plant in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.^[6] However, due to the Great Recession sales were not as expected and production ended in 2010 after 9,000 examples were built.

Third generation (JS; 2007–2010)

Third generation
2007-2008 Chrysler Sebring sedan
Overview
Production	2006–2010
Model years	2007–2010
Assembly	United States: Sterling Heights, Michigan (Sterling Heights Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door Convertible
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler JS platform
Related	Chrysler 200 Dodge Avenger Dodge Journey
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L World I4 (gasoline) 2.0 L VW I4 (turbocharged diesel) 2.4 L World I4 (gasoline) 2.7 L EER V6 (gasoline / E85) 3.5 L EGF V6 (gasoline)
Transmission	4-speed Ultradrive 40TES automatic 4-speed Ultradrive 41TES automatic 5-speed Magna T355 manual 6-speed Ultradrive 62TE automatic 6-speed Getrag Mps6 DCT automatic 6-speed Aisin BG6 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.9 in (2,766 mm)
Length	190.6 in (4,841 mm) (sedan) 193.8 in (4,923 mm) (convertible)
Width	71.2 in (1,808 mm) (sedan) 71.5 in (1,816 mm) (convertible)
Height	59.0 in (1,499 mm) (sedan) 58.5 in (1,486 mm) (convertible)

The Sebring was replaced with a new model based on the JS platform for the 2007 model year.

Because no 2007 convertible was offered, the 2006 Sebring convertible was left to fill the void, remaining in showrooms and on the company's website until the 2008 model's release.

2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan

The new Sebring borrows many styling cues from the 2003 Chrysler Airflite concept. It also has several Chrysler-signature styling cues, several of which come from the Chrysler Crossfire. Additionally, the new Sebring is the first Chrysler model to offer Chrysler's MyGIG Infotainment System. The Sebring sedan and convertible were also sold in right-hand drive through Chrysler's UK and Ireland dealer network.

The Chrysler Sebring is assembled in Sterling Heights, Michigan and contains over 82% of parts sourced in North America.

The convertible version was introduced in 2007 as a 2008 model, and for the first time featured an optional power hardtop in addition to the available cloth and vinyl tops.

2008 marks the first year that the Sebring is available with the optional MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System which allows you to store 20 GB of music, DVDs, and pictures.

Chrysler offers three engines for the 2007 Sebring; the 2,360 cc (2.36 L; 144 cu in) GEMA I4, the 2,736 cc (2.736 L; 167.0 cu in) EER V6, and the 3,518 cc (3.518 L; 214.7 cu in) EGF V6.^[7] The 3.5 L V6 is coupled to Chrysler's first ever six-speed automatic transmission, which employs Autostick technology, and the 2.7 L V6 is capable of running on cleaner-burning E85. Export vehicles will be offered with a 2.0 L turbocharged common-rail diesel made by Volkswagen and the 2.0 L GEMA engine.^[8] The 3.5 L V6 sedan is available with all-wheel drive as an extra cost option for 2008 only.

Trim levels:

• base — 2007
• LX — 2008 (replaced base)
• Touring — (2007–2010)
• Limited AWD — (2008)
• Limited — (2007–2010)

For the 2009 model year, the LX and Touring trims were dropped leaving only the Limited. In addition, the Limited got the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and was priced at the same level as the 2008 Touring model. Also for 2009, the Sebring got rear badge placements modified slightly.

The IIHS gave the 2010 Models a G for good in the frontal crash test, the side impact test, and the roof strength test, giving the 2010 Sebring a Top Safety Pick.

European Reviews

Chrysler introduced this generation Sebring to Europe (including right-hand drive markets) as their first competitor in the D-segment. It received a generally unfavorable reception from European motoring journalists.

• Auto Express ^[9][10]
• Honest John ^[11][12]
• MSN Cars ^[13]
• Parker's ^[14]
• Verdict On Cars ^[15]
• Wise Buyer's ^[16]

Convertible

2008-2010 Chrysler Sebring

For the 2008 model year, the Sebring convertible was redesigned with styling cues such as the hood's strake lines recalling the Chrysler Crossfire. The new convertible body style debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show as an early-2008 model.^[17] It was the bestselling four-place open-top cars in the United States, trailing only the Ford Mustang convertible.^[18]

The new convertible offered both a retractable hardtop and soft tops, with the Sebring's roofs manufactured by Karmann. A vinyl top came on the base LX model, a cloth roof on the Touring and Limited models with the option of a retractable metal hardtop. The convertible top retracts into the trunk with a power tonneau cover and a luggage protector for the top. The top can also be retracted with the remote keyless entry, meaning the top can be stowed without being inside the car or starting the engine.

The LX model included a new 2.4 L I4 engine, the Touring version came with a retuned version of the 2.7 L V6, while the Limited featured a new 3.5 L V6. Unlike the Sebring sedan, the convertible was not available in all-wheel drive.

Chinese versions

Production of the new Chrysler Sebring sedan for the China market began in 2007 at the Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co. (BBDC) in Beijing. BBDC is a joint venture between the Beijing Automotive Industry Holding and Chrysler.

Production of the Sebring leverages assembly capacity for the new BBDC plant which also builds the Chrysler 300C, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mitsubishi Outlander. Four-cylinder World Engines for the Sebring will be built at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Michigan for export to China. GEMA began as a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai. Since 2009, GEMA is wholly owned by Chrysler.

Total U.S. sales

Calendar Year	Sales
2007[19]	93,130
2008[19]	71,663
2009[20]	27,460
2010[21]	38,330
2011[22]	2,380

References

1. "The First Generation Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger coupes" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved on 2012–07–19.
2. Chrysler Sebring Convertible, 1996-2000. Allpar. Retrieved 2010-02-22.
3. 2005 Chrysler Sebring Coupe media.chrysler.com. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
4. "IIHS-HLDI: Dodge Stratus". Iihs.org. 2006-03-29. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
5. "IIHS-HLDI: Dodge Stratus". Iihs.org. 2006-03-03. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
6. В названии новой модели "ГАЗа" сохранится слово "Волга" (in Russian). auto.lenta.ru. 2008-05-15. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
7. 2007 Sebring Specifications. media.chrysler.com. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
8. 2007-2009 Chrysler Sebring cars - information. allpar.com. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
9. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/chrysler/sebring/16859/chrysler-sebring
10. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/chrysler/sebring/17128/chrysler-sebring
11. "Car-By-Car Reviews - Chrysler Sebring (2007 - 2010)". Honest John. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
12. "Car-By-Car Reviews - Chrysler Sebring Convertible (2007 - 2010)". Honest John. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
13. "Chrysler Sebring review (2007 onwards model)". MSN Cars. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
14. "Reviews - Chrysler Sebring Saloon (07-09) - Review". Parker's Car Guides. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
15. "Chrysler Sebring". Verdict On Cars. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
16. "Chrysler Sebring Review (2007-10)". Wise Buyer's Guides. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
17. "Threefold Drop-Top". AutoWeek. Retrieved November 29, 2006.
18. "2008 Chrysler Sebring / Sebring Convertible What’s new, trim levels, optional equipment, and safety info for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring". Car and Driver. May 2008. Retrieved December 21, 2015.
19. "December 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC". CheersandGears.com. 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
20. "Chrysler Group LLC December 2009 Sales". CheersandGears.com. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
21. Oldsmoboi  (2009-11-04). "December 2010 Sales: Chrysler - Cheers & Gears Forums". Cheersandgears.com. Retrieved 2011-01-04.
22. "Chrysler Group LLC December 2011 Sales" (PDF). ChryslerGroupLLC.com. 2012-01-04. Retrieved 2012-01-04.

External links

• Official Sedan Website
• Official Convertible Website