1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXi review from North America

Rear window separating completely from top (lower seal).

"Massive" radiator leak.

Flooding on floorboards (caused the amp to blow, along with the front 4 speakers).

This might be the best looking car under $30,000 on the road. If kept clean, it rivals anything BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Jaguar produce. With the top down, it is beautiful. Long before I owned one, or even considered owning one, my head would always turn when one went by. I think sebring convertibles are a work of art (especially the 1st generation models).

I think they are as mechanically sound as other cars in their price range. Not perfect, but standard for American cars of their era. I've had no MAJOR problems with it. And as far as maintenance, if you Sebring owners think it is expensive, try on a '99 Maxima. You will pay double for the same job.

As a rule, the first thing to go in a car I buy is the factory stereo. So no comment on that. Everything else in the interior is better than average, as long as you do not abuse it.

The top can be a frustrating matter, but ALL convertible tops are a headache waiting to happen. The Sebring top actually held up better than my wife's Audi cabriolet of the same year, even though the Audi's base price is virtually double the Sebring's. It's the price you pay for owning a convertible.

Sure, you will not be winning many drag races with a Sebring, but it is peppy enough. With 168 horses, it isn't lacking power in my opinion. My Maxima (210+ horsepower) was not much better performance-wise. And maybe it's just mine, but my Sebring has a purr to it. Not loud or distracting, but a pleasant whirr that sounds like the car is enjoying itself. Maybe it's the Mitsubishi influence on the car's design. Or maybe I'm crazy.

To sum it up, STOP ABUSING YOUR CARS!! The Sebring will operate fine, and be pretty doing it, for many years if you treat it right. Even a million-dollar Rolls-Royce can only take so much punishment.