2010 Chrysler Sebring
- 2009 Chrysler Sebring
- Used Chrysler Sebring
Based on analysis of 70 Sebring reviews and test drives.
Chrysler Sebring - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Chrysler Sebring ranks 22 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 70 published reviews and test drives of the Chrysler Sebring, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Chrysler Sebring has languished near the bottom of the midsize car class for years. With parent company Chrysler cutting costs in recent years, it hasn't received significant improvements this year. Most cars in this price rang have more to offer.
Most of the Chrysler Sebring's sales are to rental companies, not to private buyers. Stacked up against more refined midsize cars from Ford, General Motors and a host of imports, the Sebring is rarely the best investment. Not all reviewers go as far as the London Times did in calling it "almost certainly the worst car in the entire world," but few can recommend the 2010 Chrysler Sebring against similarly priced rivals that seem to outclass the Sebring on the road and in the showroom.
Auto writers who spend time in a Sebring repeatedly cite unimpressive cabin materials and a level of fit and finish that falls below the midsize class standard. Few have anything positive to say about the Sebring's performance, either. Long-term cost-of-ownership is a concern as well. It's largest engine is among the least fuel-efficient offered at this price point.
Given the model's slow sales, it is often possible to negotiate a good price on the Sebring. See our Chrysler Deals page for current offers. Those interested in buying a Sebring might want to consider the 2009 model. Little has changed between 2010 and 2009, but Chrysler has dropped a lifetime powertrain warranty for the 2010 model year - so the 2009 model may represent a better value.
But the struggles of automakers in a recessed market mean that many midsize cars are available at significant discounts this year. Many cars with better reputations -- the more highly-regarded Ford Fusion or Chevy Malibu, for instance, are often available discounts that brings its price close to that of the Sebring.
The Sebring is available in LX, Touring and Limited trim. The Sebring is also sold as a convertible, available with a soft or hard top. We found very few reviews of the convertible, however - it seems to be a primarily aimed at rental car companies. For 2010, Chrysler has eliminated the distinctive hood strakes that many reviewers disliked, and added active front head restraints.
- "For the most part, our editors were impressed with early versions of the Sebring thanks to their style and value, but more recently the car has lost its edge to fresher competitors."-- Edmunds
- "Sebring's prices are attractive but all versions lack the powertrain refinement and interior roominess of the best in this class." -- Consumer Guide
- "I'm sorry to say that overall I am underwhelmed with the Sebring." -- Cars.com
- "Performance and quality levels are finally in line with those of the average Japanese mid-size four-door--albeit one from seven or eight years ago." -- Automobile Magazine
Sebring Performance - 6.5 (Mediocre)
The Sebring is available with three different engines, but reviewers don't like any of them. While nominally as powerful as what most rivals offer, in practice the Sebring's engines all seem sluggish and loud. The car offers a composed ride, but its steering feels loose and imprecise to most test drivers. Read More
Sebring Exterior - 7.2 (Good)
Chrysler made a single change in the exterior of the 2010 Sebring, but it was the one change critics wanted. They removed the long grooves running the length of the hood that have characterized the car since its 2007 design. Reviewers praise the decision, but otherwise still find the car boring. Read More
Sebring Interior - 7.3 (Good)
The 2010 Sebring's interior is long on front-seat space, but otherwise one of the least impressive cabins available at this price. Inconsistent build quality is a problem that repeatedly emerges in reviews - if you are considering the Sebring, it's important to spend time in the exact car you plan to buy to be sure you are confident of its construction. But reviewers say you'd find more comfortable materials in most competitors. AutoWeek reports, "The new Chevrolet Malibu, the Saturn Aura and even the Ford Fusion look richer inside. Even if you'd aimed at the Hyundai Sonata, you'd do better than this." Read More
Sebring Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2010 Chrysler Sebring receives solid crash test ratings from the federal government, and has been named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For this year, Chrysler has added active front seat headrests to the Sebring's standard equipment list. Read More
Sebring Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Chrysler Sebring reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Chrysler offers a standard warranty for the Sebring that protects owners for the first three years or 36,000 miles. For 2010, the company has dropped a lifetime powertrain warranty. Read More
