2002 Chrysler Sebring Review
2002 Chrysler Sebring Review
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Used Sebring for sale
Appraise This CarChrysler Sebring model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Good looks and performance, wide range of body styles, exceptional value.
Cons
- No manual transmission in the sedan, build quality and resale value not up to Japanese standards.
What’s new
Even though it was revamped last year, the Sebring line receives a number of changes. An Enthusiast package for the sedan debuts, as will a sporty GTC convertible later in the model year. And to put the Sebring ragtop in reach of more buyers, a lower-priced LX version with the 2.4-liter inline four becomes available.
Edmunds says
Whether you want a stylish sedan, sporty coupe or carefree convertible, Chrysler offers some appealing alternatives to the status quo.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A) 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
$194/mo for Sebring LX
Sebring LX
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Redesigned last year, Chrysler's Sebring line benefited from upgrades over the "old" Sebring in many important areas such as structural integrity, performance, and noise and vibration control. As before, the Sebring coupe uses Mitsubishi components, while the sedan and convertible are Mopar down to the core. There's something for everyone here, with sedan, coupe and convertible body styles to choose from that are available in various trim levels and with either inline four or V6 motivation.
Looking for a stylish midsize sedan with performance to match its looks? That would be the Sebring sedan, offered in LX and upscale LXi trim levels. LX models are powered by Chrysler's 2.4-liter inline four that develops a respectable 150 horsepower and is matched to a four-speed automatic gearbox. Plenty of standard features such as air conditioning, cruise control, and power windows, locks and mirrors mean a "base" LX should be more than adequate for most folks. Step up to the LXi and a 2.7-liter 200-horse V6 is fitted, as are leather seats, a power driver seat, alloy wheels and a CD player.
The AutoStick automanual gearbox is available for the LXi sedan in a package that also includes a sport suspension and electroluminescent gauges. While we never would have said "Cirrus" (the Sebring sedan's predecessor) and "sport sedan" in the same breath, we certainly see how the taut and peppy Sebring LXi could be placed in that category.
We can count on one hand how many affordable convertibles there are that seat four adults. And the Sebring is one of the better choices. Sure, it may be a staple of Floridian rental car agencies, but now that it has some beans under the hood and a more rigid structure, we wouldn't mind tooling around in one. New for '02 is a GTC version, which pairs the V6 with a five-speed manual gearbox (automatic optional) and sweetens the deal with a sport suspension, 16-inch alloys, two-tone interior scheme and white-faced gauges. As before, LX, LXi and Limited convertibles are offered. A more affordable LX debuts, equipped with the same 2.4-liter inline four found in the LX sedan. LXi upgrades mirror that of the LXi sedan. And the Limited adds AutoStick, chrome wheels, antilock brakes and an in-dash four-CD changer.
If you like the Mitsubishi Eclipse but need more passenger room, take a look at the Sebring coupe. Built at the same plant that produces the Eclipse and the Galant, this Sebring shares many mechanical and interior components with those Mitsus. This means a choice of either a 2.4-liter inline four (142 horsepower) or a 3.0-liter V6 (200 horses) and a sporty cockpit similar to that of the Eclipse. The Sebring coupe also benefits from a stiffened chassis that contributes to the car's solid, sporty feel when attacking the twisties.
Chrysler is serious about improving its standing in the ultra-competitive midsize segment, and the fruits of their labors are obvious in this trio of attractive and well-built Sebrings.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Chrysler Sebring.
5 star(62%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
181 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
2002 Chrysler Sebring LXI Sedan
natelxi, 09/12/2014
2002 Chrysler Sebring LXi 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
This car is worth more than the $3,000 I paid for it, especially if you consider the negative experiences that are reported. My Sebring was purchased with 140,000 miles on it, and from what I noticed, the previous owner took GOOD CARE OF IT. Obviously if you neglect your car, run it to the ground, and forget to change the oil on time, sludge will become a harsh reality. Timing belt or … chain? No issues here. This car is very underrated, and I think more people need to report the positives on this car, such as, the sharp style of the body, the actual quality of the 2.7 liter engine, and the interior build quality. I use Mobile 1 extended performance synthetic motor oil. I love my Sebring.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Preventive Maintenance when buying used.
Dale, 08/15/2010
2002 Chrysler Sebring LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this car with 58,315 miles on the 2.7 V-6 engine. Knowing the issues associated with this engine, I performed a motor flush, switched to full synthetic motor oil, and replaced the PCV valve. Also, I had the transmission flushed, cooling system flushed, and tune up performed. This is a good, reliable car and solid for being 8 years old. Not knowing how the previous owner cared … for the vehicle, I had all that preventive maintenance done. I average about 27 mpg with my Sebring and for the most part, I'm satisfied.
5 out of 5 stars
Best Convertible I have ever owned
Convertible Lady, 05/24/2010
2002 Chrysler Sebring GTC 2dr Convertible (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
I have been the only owner of my Sebring 2002 Convertible. I have changed the oil religiously about every 3000 miles, changed the tranny fluid, and done other preventative maintenance as suggested. The only problem I have had with my vehicle is with the seat belt light staying on. I changed out a fuse and had the box reset and that helped for about two weeks. The light came back on. … It doesn't bother me to have the light on so I leave it alone. The only other problem I had was with some small piece in the system that cost about $100 (it caused the car to shut down at stop lights). I got that fixed and everything is ok again. It has been a great car..no lemon. I am over 100k mi. now.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Follow-up
dale330, 06/10/2013
2002 Chrysler Sebring LXi 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
It's been a couple years since I posted, so I wanted to do a follow up. My car now has 93,000 miles on it and has lost considerable fuel mileage. I'll have it tuned up this year, but stay away from Bosch Platinum+4 plugs. I used those in my last tune up and lost 3-4 mpg's. Other than that I'm still happy with my car. The engine is clean, no sign of sludge and I still run full synthetic … oil through it. I've been doing a lot more driving with it over the last year and have no qualms with the reliability of my car. My car, by the way, is actually an LX, but with the V-6 engine. Edmunds doesn't include the V-6 option with the LX.
2002 Sebring Highlights
Convertible
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,580 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $194/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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 RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- 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 – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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