1996 Chrysler Sebring Review
1996 Chrysler Sebring Review
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Used Sebring for sale
Appraise This CarChrysler Sebring model years
Chrysler Sebring types
- Convertible
- Coupe
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Remote keyless-entry system gets a panic feature, and a HomeLink Universal Transmitter debuts on this suave sport coupe. Three new paint colors are also available. Chrysler dumps its final K-Car variant this year in favor of the Sebring Convertible. Based on the Cirrus platform and drivetrains, this drop top shares only the name of the Sebring Coupe.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$203/mo for Sebring JX
Sebring JX
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Another hit from Chrysler arrived in showrooms last year, and it is called Sebring. It's a sports coupe that carries four occupants in comfort, with reasonable performance abilities and suave good looks. The Sebring is a stylistic success, though we don't like the faux grille up front. What appear to be four large air intakes in a traditional grille are actually black, ribbed plastic inserts. We bet that will look nice once the Sebring has met with a few rocks.
Aside from the goofy grille, we can't fault Chrysler's stylists on the Sebring. Huge fog lights lend the sophisticated coupe an aggressive look, and tastefully restrained rear styling exudes class. Underneath the sheetmetal, you'll find the underpinnings of a Mitsubishi Galant, and the dashboard of the Mitsubishi Eclipse/Eagle Talon twins. The fact that the Sebring is built in the same Illinois assembly plant as these models bodes well for long-term reliability.
Two kinds of Sebring are available: LX or LXi. The LX is powered by a 140-horsepower version of the 2.0-liter four found in the Neon. A five-speed is standard in the LX. The LXi adds a 155-horse Mitsubishi V6 and a mandatory automatic transmission. Alloy wheels shod with bigger tires, and four-wheel disc brakes with antilock are also standard fare on the top-level Sebring. The four-banger, when equipped with a five-speed, is the quicker car. Option packages let you trim the LX out to base LXi standards.
Changes for 1996 are limited to the addition of a panic mode on the remote keyless entry system, three new colors, an improved CD/cassette player and a HomeLink Universal Transmitter. Hey, you don't need to fix what ain't broke.
At less than $20,000 for a well-equipped LXi, the Sebring competes very well against the Ford Thunderbird, Pontiac Grand Prix, and midsize coupes from Japan. If you'd prefer to save a few hundred dollars, try the mechanically identical Dodge Avenger on for size.
The oldest car in Chrysler's lineup, and the only one still based on a version of the K-Car chassis, is retired for 1996. The venerable Le Baron Convertible, and its worn out name, are now history. Replacing the car is the luscious Sebring Convertible, which really ought to set the sales charts on fire. Available in JX and JXi trim, the Sebring Convertible shares its name with the coupe in Chrysler's stable, but shares its platform, structure and drivetrains with the Cirrus sedan.
Just look at this rakish drop top. The mouth waters, doesn't it? Well, don't get too worked up. The most potent powerplant available is a 2.5-liter Mitsubishi V6. It puts 164 horsepower to the ground through the front axle. Base JX models get a 2.4-liter twin-cam four cylinder good for 150 horsepower. This sounds more than adequate, right? An automatic transmission is the only choice on the Sebring Convertible, and that certainly saps some potential fun from these engines.
The power top includes a glass rear window, and the trick seatbelt system is fully integrated into the front seats. Engineers chose this type of restraint to avoid the need to create a stubby, and aesthetically displeasing, B-pillar to attach a conventional three-point belt. CFC-free air conditioning is standard, and antilock brakes are optional on the front disc rear drum brake system.
Many interior fitments, including the dashboard and gauge layout, have been lifted from the Cirrus. The Sebring Convertible is in an entirely different league from the Le Baron Convertible. As such, expect prices to rise accordingly, but not out of competitive range with the Mustang ragtop. Performance will likely be a tick or two off the Cirrus and Sebring coupe due to the higher curb weight of the convertible. However, with stylish, classy looks like these, who cares?
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Chrysler Sebring.
5 star(50%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(0%)
73 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.25 out of 5 stars
expensive to fix
iloveramey, 02/14/2006
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
Every single part on this car is ridiculously expensive to replace. It has all of the drawbacks of a foreign car but none of the perks. The parts are expensive and it is difficult to work on, but it has the same lifespan as your typical domestic car. The good things about it are the handling and the appearance, its a beautiful car. The gas mileage is okay, nothing impressive. The Sebring … is fun to drive but upkeep is very costly I have owned mine for less than 3 months but I've already had to make over $600 in repairs and that does not include labor.
3.63 out of 5 stars
Original Owner
LegalEagle, 06/04/2004
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
I am the original owner and took care
of it since day 1. Problems with
brakes needing replaced every three
months or so after 36,000. Has over
105,000 and am now having problems ...
distributor needs replaced, tune up
cost $600, did not pass emissions
testin, engine idles rough, had to
replace electonic circuit board because
tach and odometer stopped working ($600 …
repair). Stereo shorts out. Parts are
expensive but the car is fun to drive.
I will be selling within the next 6
months and do not plan to buy another.
Too expensive to maintain.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Fun but not worth the trouble
Bob D, 07/30/2009
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
After reading other reviews it has become apparent to me that my experience with the Sebring is somewhat typical. In general, lots of things need tweaking and repairs are costly and frequent. 125k miles - replaced/repaired - panel cluster - many radio components - brakes through and through - fan assembly - soon to replace the rubbers that seat the spark plug tubes (rough idle - arcing) … gotta remove the engine cover... we all know what that can cost. Lots of rust spots on the way. When I buy a used car the next time I will consult Edmunds first. Sebring - not again, but the car still remains a head turner. Too much invested to sell but worried what will go next.
4.25 out of 5 stars
I don't see the problems everyone has???
money1973, 12/11/2002
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
I bought my JXi w/ 74K miles on
11/01 and thought I would have the
typical "Chrysler" problems. 13
months later has 89,300 and I couldn't
be happier. It ALWAYS starts and
never left me stranded. Temps can get
to -15 in winter and the 2.5 V6 always
starts instantly. The only repairs,
new wheel bearings and
tranny cooler lines. The valance on
the bottom of the rear … window has
separated from the glass, but the
it's only an appearance item so
no water leaks. I do dread the $1300
100,000 mile tune up and timing belt
change. I don't baby my cars and this
JXi just keeps running. Could I have
the only reliable Chrysler Sebring JXi
ever built??!! LOL!
1996 Sebring Highlights
Convertible
JX
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $203/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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