1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI 2.5L from North America

Summary:

Roomy, comfortable and fun to drive

Faults:

Tie rods replaced Jan04.

Wheel Bearings replaced Mar04.

General Comments:

This car is driven only in the summer and is garaged in the winter. It is very reliable and a lot of fun. People are always commenting on how beautiful it is. I will definitely buy another Sebring convertible 1997-2000 only. They are the best looking ones out there today. The one fault that the 97 has is the rear brakes squeal very badly when applied. I believe this was corrected when Chrysler put rear disc brakes on the later models.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th March, 2004

1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXi 2.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Quality...something it lacks

Faults:

Odometer and the Tachometer come on and function of their on free will while the car is running.

Unexplained popping noises coming from dash area.

Horrible wear on the drivers seat, even with leather treatment applied weekly since I came to own the car.

Driver's door is literally coming apart at the seems. The interior components are held to the door by this one way locking plastic pegs. Those pegs decided to stop function around the 4 birthday of the car. So when you shut your door the thing rattles and sound awful. Also on the door the molding around the window/lock controls is separating.

The car takes on water whenever it rains. Leaving you with a nice mildew smell for quite some time afterword.

Almost all the stitching on the top has came loose.

Headlight bulb replacement is amazingly difficult. You have to remove the entire headlight unit to actually be able to replace the bulb.

I have had to replace the rotors once.

The car also eats through tires like no other, these are nice tires by the way. I believe that is to be expected with a front wheel drive though.

Rear window defroster has never functioned.

The fabric lining the trunk is falling down.

The steering rods have failed once, and were subsequently replace by the dealership, under warranty.

Passenger window is 1.5 times slower than any other window to move up or down.

General Comments:

This car is most comfortable, but it is lacking in the power department. The creature comforts are plentiful, considering the year, although it seems that the grand majority of said comforts don't function anymore. I have owned this car for 4 years, putting a higher than average number of miles upon it each year. The mechanical reliability of the car has been satisfactory, considering my daily commute, but that is the best I can say for it. The car perform it's job. It was my main mode of transportation, and added a little top-down fun on the side. However upon final consideration of this vehicle, I must say that I will not be getting another Chrysler product. Well unless they learn a great deal from their new German parents. My next car will be German, a BMW to be exact--hopefully it will make up for where this car fell somewhat short.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd March, 2004

31st Mar 2004, 17:30

The odometer not working is a known defect. Lots of information on the Sebring Convertible at www.sebringclub.net. There is a procedure to repair the cluster assembly yourself.

2nd Apr 2004, 09:30

I have a 1997 jxi also and have had the same issue with the 20a fuse blowing. No mechanic could tell me that it was the starter, I read about it here and and had a new starter put in and have no trouble since. I have had 4 set of new brakes, need new rotors, replaced oxygen sensor due to check engine light, conver top is falling apart, drivers side leaks with rain, and now the oil pressure light is on when I stop a lights I am in park. 114,000 miles and I do love my car. Has anyone else had the oil pressure issue and if so what was the cause, I have not had this looked at yet.