The Chrysler Sebring ( ) is a mid-size automobile manufactured and marketed by Chrysler from 1995 to 2010 in convertible (three generations), sedan (two generations), and coupe (two generations) body styles. Both coupe generations were a Chrysler design with engineering input from Mitsubishi and were built at Mitsubishi’s Normal, Illinois facility (operated then by Diamond-Star Motors). The range was introduced in 1995, with the Coupe replacing the Chrysler LeBaron coupe. In 1996 Chrysler introduced the convertible, replacing its LeBaron counterpart.
In 2000, (then) DaimlerChrysler presented the redesigned Sebrings — Sedan, Coupe, and Convertible — at the New York Auto Show for model year 2001. The coupe was discontinued after 2005. All Sebring models were replaced by the Chrysler 200 for the 2011 model year.
First generation (FJ/JX; 1995)
The Chrysler Sebring was introduced as a coupe for 1995, and as a convertible in 1996, both models replacing the Chrysler LeBaron convertible and coupe. 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 Sebring was named after Sebring, Florida, site of the car endurance race the 12 Hours of Sebring. The name was first used by Chrysler's Plymouth division as a trim level of the Satellite mid-size coupe in the 1970s.
Coupe (1995–2000)
thumb|left|1997–2000 Chrysler Sebring coupe
Succeeding the Chrysler LeBaron coupe, the 1995-2000 Sebring Coupe was a significant departure from the sedan and convertible, alongside which it was marketed. Styled by Chrysler and manufactured at the Mitsubishi plant in Normal, Illinois — the Coupe was built on the same Mitsubishi platform as the Mitsubishi Eclipse (and its rebadge, the Eagle Talon), Mitsubishi Galant, and Dodge Avenger),.
The first generation Coupe was introduced in April 1995, several months after the related Dodge Avenger. Despite its similarities to the Avenger, Chrysler's suspension was more softly tuned. 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. The Coupe featured seating for five and a trunk volume comparable to contemporary mid-size coupes. 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, recalling the original Chrysler 300 letter series. The grille was non-functional, with the lower half under the bumper used for airflow intake in a "bottom breather" function.
thumb|left|1997–2000 Chrysler Sebring coupe
The Coupe received 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. 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 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 the ignition is turned off), and Homelink universal transmitter, among other options.
The Coupe received a 5-star frontal safety rating, the highest rating possible. First-generation body style coupes continued to be sold past the 2000 model year to select export markets.
Trim levels:
- LX — 1995–2000
- LXi — 1995–2000
Convertible (1996–2000)
The Chrysler Sebring convertible was launched in 1996, replacing the LeBaron convertible. The convertible was not based on the coupe, and was instead based on the Chrysler Cirrus sedan, reportedly due to the difficulty of transferring the production technology from Mitsubishi. Both the Cirrus and the Sebring convertible were marketed in Europe as the Stratus.
The first-generation convertible (marketed as the Chrysler Stratus in Mexico and Europe) was assembled in Mexico alongside the Cirrus sedan.
Trim levels:
- JX — 1996–2000
- JXi — 1996–2000
- JXi Limited — 1998–2000