1995-2000 Chrysler Sebring: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2000 Chrysler Sebring
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1995-2000 Chrysler Sebring ▼
- Price Range: $900 - $3,800
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-2000 Chrysler Sebring and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (4-cylinder manual, V6)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Steering/handling
- Antilock brakes (optional on some)
Cons
- Rear visibility
- Acceleration (2.0-liter automatic)
- Noise
- Radio controls
Vehicle Highlights
Sebring was Chrysler's version of the Dodge Avenger, a front-drive sports coupe that went on sale in fall of 1994. Sebrings did not reach dealerships until early 1995. While the Avenger leaned toward the sporty side, Sebring aimed at more luxury-oriented buyers. Both cars had unusually roomy rear seats for sports coupes. Sebrings had different front and rear styling and, being more costly, a higher level of interior trim and standard equipment. LX Sebrings used a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated 140 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 4-speed automatic optional. The upscale LXi has a more potent 2.5-liter V6 and came only with automatic.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chrysler Sebring coupe 2.5-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-2000 Chrysler Sebring. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-2000 Chrysler Sebring.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Chrysler Sebring:
Sebring coupes saw only minor changes for '96. Early in 1996, Chrysler launched a Sebring convertible, built on a longer Cirrus sedan platform, to replace the departed LeBaron convertible. The JX edition used a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. The plusher JXi got a 168-horsepower, 2.5-liter V6. Both convertibles used a 4-speed automatic transmission. The convertible's standard power top included a glass rear window with a defroster. Antilock brakes were standard on the LXi and JXi, and optional on base models.
1997 Chrysler Sebring:
Coupes gained a new grille this year, plus new front and rear fascias. Convertibles could now be ordered with Chrysler's Autostick transmission. Autostick allows for operation as a regular automatic, or clutchless manual shifting.
1998 Chrysler Sebring:
Chrysler added a top-of-the-line Limited model to the convertible line. While the Sebring coupe saw little change.
1999 Chrysler Sebring:
Chrysler dropped the 4-cylinder model for the '99 model year. Also, LXi coupes gained body-color mirrors.
2000 Chrysler Sebring:
Base-model (LX) coupes gained standard equipment this year, including cruise control, power windows. 4-wheel disc brakes, and 16-inch wheels. Convertibles added body insulation to reduce noise and vibration, and could now get an optional emergency escape release inside the trunk.
Our road test for the 1995-2000 Chrysler Sebring includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-2000 Chrysler Sebring and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-2000 Chrysler Sebring is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Coupes have plenty of performance when equipped with the 4-cylinder and 5-speed manual transmission, but things slow down considerably with the automatic. Acceleration is decent with the V6, but it lacks low-speed torque and the automatic transmission is slow to downshift for passing. All told, though, it's a better choice than the 4-cylinder. Both engines promise excellent gas mileage, especially on the highway. Handling limits are good, and the coupe's ride is firm but not harsh, apart from some lumpiness over coarse pavement. While wind noise is hushed, road and engine noise are high on the highway, which tends to make long drives more tiring. The coupe's interior is just as roomy as Chrysler claims, with ample room for four adults to stretch out, in front and rear. The trunk is quite large, too. Coupe controls are easy to reach while driving, but the stereo is too low in the center of the dashboard to adjust without a long look away from the road. Coupes also have poor rear visibility, because of wide rear pillars and a high parcel shelf. Convertible acceleration is more than adequate with the V6 engine, though it can run low on vigor during a corner. Like the coupe, its ride is controlled and devoid of coarseness, if a tad jittery over washboard surfaces. Interiors are roomy, with impressive space for two adults in the backseat. Side windows drop as the power top is actuated, which happens without a hitch. With the top down, occupants can talk in normal tones at highway speeds. Unfortunately, the convertible does not feel as solid as some rivals. In addition, despite large rear-quarter glass, the fabric top has wide rear "pillars" and a narrow back window, causing an over-the-shoulder blind spot that's big enough to hide another car. Convertibles have a different dashboard than coupes, with more convenient controls. Their front seats have integrated seatbelts, so you don't have to grope for a buckle.
Value for the Money
All told, this stylish open car is also practical for all seasons, offering the expected virtues of the ragtop breed and only a few of the familiar vices. For an appealing combination of sport and practicality, these well-designed automobiles deserve a close look--despite a few drawbacks.
All told, this stylish open car is also practical for all seasons, offering the expected virtues of the ragtop breed and only a few of the familiar vices. For an appealing combination of sport and practicality, these well-designed automobiles deserve a close look--despite a few drawbacks.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chrysler Sebring coupe 2.5-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chrysler Sebring includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chrysler Sebring .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Alarm system:
The theft alarm may go off randomly, most often in high winds, and is often due to a misaligned hood. (1995-96)
Automatic transmission:
Transmission tends to default to second gear only for no apparent reason requiring the transmission control computer to be reprogrammed. (1996)
Engine misfire:
Rough idle, hesitation, and hard restarts during cold weather are due to a defective engine control computer. (1995)
Hard starting:
A corroded connector behind the left headlight may cause hard starting, intermittently flashing "Check Engine" light, and radiator/condenser fan that will not run. (1995)
Hard starting:
Intermittent no-starts may be due to a damaged wire near the transaxle shift lever. (1995)
Oil leak:
Oil leak from gallery plug(s) on the 2.7-liter V6 can be fixed by adding an additional plug. (2001-02)
Steering noise:
A bad pinch bolt on the coupling between the steering intermediate and gear shafts may cause clunking or rattling noise in the steering column. (1995-00)
Sunroof/moonroof:
The pivot pin in the power sunroof may come out, or the plastic tabs on the control unit may cause interference, preventing the sunroof from closing completely. (1995) The sunroof may open by itself if water shorts the control unit. (1995-96)
Vehicle noise:
Noise from rear of vehicle on rough roads might require replacement of spring seats and bushings. (1997-99)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $730 |
| Alternator | $230 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $905 |
| Brakes | $255 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $575 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $375 |
| Exhaust System | $285 |
| Radiator | $570 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $490 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $220 |
Our price chart for this generation Chrysler Sebring details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2000 | |||
| Convertible | $3,600-4,700 | $2,900-3,800 | $1,000-1,300 |
| Sebring coupe | $2,900-3,600 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| 1999 | |||
| Convertible | $3,200-4,000 | $2,500-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| Sebring coupe | $2,500-3,200 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| 1998 | |||
| Convertible | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| Sebring coupe | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1997 | |||
| Convertible | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| Sebring coupe | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1996 | |||
| Convertible | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Sebring coupe | $1,600-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Sebring coupe | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chrysler Sebring include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.0 | 103.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.0 | 187.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.2 | 69.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.2 | 53.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3350 | 2908 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.3 | 13.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | 43.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.0 | 36.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.2 | 35.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only two engine choices greeted buyers of the first Sebrings, in 1995: a dual-overhead-cam 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that developed 140 horsepower in the LX model, and a Mitsubishi-built 2.5 liter V6 that made 155 horsepower for the LXi. When the convertible debuted for 1996, it brought a larger (2.4-liter) 4-cylinder engine, rated at 150 horsepower. Later V6 engines produce 163 horsepower in the coupe, or 168 in convertibles. Chrysler's Autostick transmission became available in '97 convertibles. A 5-speed manual gearbox was available only with 4-cylinder coupes.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 140 | 130 | 5-speed manual: 22/31 4-speed automatic: 21/30 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 148 | 150 | 167 | 4-speed automatic: 20/29 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 2.5 / 152 | 155-168 | 170 | 4-speed automatic: 20/27 | 4-speed automatic: 25.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Mexico, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chrysler Sebring include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Sebring |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1995-2000 Chrysler Sebring directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995-97:
Lower ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication; could cause loss of control.
1996 JX w/2.5-liter engine:
Disconnected vacuum hose may cause increase in engine idle speed and loss of braking power assist.
1996 convertible:
Electrical contacts of power mirror switch can accumulate road salt, which may result in fire.
1996-98 w/automatic transmission:
If operator presses button to shift out of Park with key in locked position, pin can break; "ignition-park" interlock would then be nonfunctional.
1997 coupe:
On small number of cars, improperly welded head restraint support bracket on passenger side can break.
1998:
Dash panel pad can shift, interfering with throttle cable control.
1999-2000:
Lower lateral ball joints may have been damaged during assembly, leaking moisture that could corrode the ball stud.
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