1998 Chrysler Sebring Review
1998 Chrysler Sebring Review

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
Pros
- We like the Sebring's fresh exterior shape, and usable interior. The optional V-6 engine is worth the price of admission.
Cons
- It would be nice to find the 5-speed manual transmission with the V-6 engine. After all, this is supposed to be a sporty car.
What’s new
Evolutionary, mostly aesthetic changes enhance the Sebrings this year. The Sebring Coupe LX and LXi now offer a black and gray interior, and a new exterior color, Caffe Latte.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$173/mo for Sebring JX
Sebring JX
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
After three years of production, Chrysler wisely decides not to tamper with its attractive Chrysler Sebring. This sports coupe carries four occupants in comfort, with reasonable performance abilities and suave good looks.
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 163-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. Although the four-banger, when equipped with a five-speed, is the quicker car, we prefer the smoothness of the Mitsubishi powerplant. Option packages let you trim the LX out to base LXi standards.
At just over $21,000 for a well-equipped LXi, the Sebring competes very well against the Pontiac Grand Prix, and midsize coupes from Japan. However, we would be hard-pressed to give up the Grand Prix's 3.8-liter V6 for this pretty face from Chrysler. Nonetheless, style is the name of the game in the personal coupe segment, and the Sebring is nothing if not stylish.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Chrysler Sebring.
5 star(47%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
56 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
1998 Chrysler Sebring (Limited)
chrysler777, 09/29/2011
1998 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
This Sebring is the first generation sebring and in my opinion the best! It is an affordable convertible that is not boring to look at or drive by any means. It has a refined transmission with plenty of power but pretty good mpg. If you are in the market for a convertible consider this one.
5 out of 5 stars
25 years of highly reliable service
Dave, 11/17/2015
1998 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
We bought this car new in June of 1998, as an anniversary present to my wife. It has been a totally reliable, trouble free vehicle in 165,000miles. Aside from regular normal maintenance, the car has never been in the shop for repairs. Garage kept all its life, the original top lasted 16 years - top material was still good, but the threads in the seams began to fail. No rust. Leather … seats, carpet, etc. still appear near new. No complaints-it was driven daily for the first 10 years. She's become a garage queen for several years. Probably never sell it at this point. Our granddaughter is currently driving it. Other than normal maintenance there have been no issues.
3.63 out of 5 stars
After 80000 miles
Robert W. Porter, 11/07/2004
1998 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
After 80000 miles and 7 years later, the body is still in excellent shape and the paint still shines. But the tie-rod ends go bad and then break, yes I said break, so you cannot steer when they break and could cause an accident. So have them replaced as soon as you buy one of these cars, or have the owner do it before you buy. The cross over tube in your cooling system … deteriorates and needs to be replaced, kind of pricey. The rear defogger hasn't worked since I bought the car. The tranny is geared high so you don't get the full effect of the 168hp V6. And the computer puts the engine at idle once you hit 105mph. Doesn't go any faster unless you can get the rev limiter shut off.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Just bought and LOVING it!!!
takes2tutango, 03/18/2011
1998 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
So, I have only owned my Sebring for 3 days now and I really don't have a lot to base reliability on as of yet but, I can say I am thrilled with this car more every time I open the door, start the engine and head out on the open road. I looked at numerous BMW's prior but, none came close to the comfort and features for the money. I needed something that my two kids could fit in as well … and they thought every BMW we test drove felt too cramped. Now, I am not in any way saying that BMW isn't a great car but, for the money I am LOVING this Sebring. I will keep you informed as to whether I still love it in six months and then a year too. Right now she's got 123,000 miles and looks brand new.
1998 Sebring Highlights
Convertible
JX
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $173/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 RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 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 – OriginalPoor
- 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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