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Chrysler Sebring - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Chrysler Sebring ranks 22 out of 23 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 67 published reviews and test drives of the Chrysler Sebring, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Chrysler Sebring rides in the bottom tier of the midsize car class thanks to a low quality interior, wonky steering and meager gas mileage. 

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 2009 Chrysler Sebring against similarly priced rivals, including the Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion, that seem to outclass the Sebring on the road and in the showroom.

Reviewers testing the Sebring repeatedly cite unimpressive cabin materials and a level of fit and finish that falls below the midsize class standard. Few have much positive to say about the Sebring's performacne, either, and its largest engine is also among the least fuel-efficient offered in this class.

Chrysler struggled to sell Sebrings throughout 2008, and the 2009 model has been even slower to move off of dealer lots.  Now that Chrysler is in bankruptcy protection, this is one of the slowest-selling cars in the world.  It may be possible to negotiate quite a deal on a Sebring if you are interested. See our best car deals page for current offers.

But the struggles of U.S. automakers mean that many midsize cars are available at significant discounts this year.  Most GM and Ford products have better reputations -- you might be able to find a much more highly-regarded Ford Fusion or Chevy Malibu at a discount that brings its price close to that of the Sebring. 

For 2009, 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. Optional and standard equipment on various trims have been shuffled for 2009. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are now standard across the lineup, while traction and stability control are now available on Limited and Touring models. An all-wheel drive option on Limited sedans has been discontinued.

• "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
• "There's an unmistakable ordinariness to it." -- U.S. News
• "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 - 6.7 (Mediocre)

Reviewers consistently criticize the 2009 Chrysler Sebring as an underpowered, inconsistent performer. Cars.com writes, "It takes all my energy and effort to get the car to accelerate and then I have to muster more to get it to corner and even brake." continue

Sebring Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

Most reviewers say the styling of the 2009 Chrysler Sebring is distinctive, but while some say this is a good quality to set the car apart in a large class, other say the heavy use of character lines on its hood and doors is off-putting. continue

Sebring Interior - 7.5 (Good)

The 2009 Sebring offers a spacious interior, but has inconsistent materials and build quality. 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." Chrysler has launched an initiative to improve its interiors across the brand, and the evidence we've seen with other models in the Chrysler lineup suggests some build quality issues will probably be resolved early in 2009. continue

Sebring Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)

The 2009 Chrysler Sebring receives very good crash test ratings from the federal government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. But while many rivals offer traction and stability control as standard equipment, Chrysler offers them only as options on all but the highest trim level. continue

Sebring Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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, and a far more impressive powertrain warranty.  continue