2008 Chrysler Sebring Sedan LX (Base) from North America - Comments

Nothing has gone wrong so far, but the car is new.

The car has a 3 year, 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and a lifetime powertrain warranty with a $100 deductible. You have to take the car in for a dealer inspection every 5 years for free, but in exchange, you're covered for life. If your transmission dies in 30 years, Chrysler will replace it for $100.

This car is a great value. For under $18,000 I got a car loaded with auto, air, Sirius satellite radio, keyless entry with alarm, and a very comfortable ride.

I like the looks, but others don't. It's a matter of opinion both inside and out. I like the aggressive nose, character line on the side above the door handle, and the funky art-deco styling inside.

The seats are comfortable, though a bit narrower than in other cars. There's tons of headroom and legroom. For a tall guy like me, that's a plus.

Acceleration is adequate from the base 4 cylinder, and I've averaged 30 MPG from this engine/transmission combo. The engine is a but noisy, but gets good mileage. It goes right up to 80 MPH without a problem and has plenty of merging and passing power both on the highway and in town.

Handling is good for a mid-sized car, with a nice balance of control and comfort. Bumps are soaked up well by the suspension, but the car comfortably handles rural road curves and high speed handling on the interstate is effortless.

The body is VERY stiff and doesn't bend, twist or rattle. This car really feels like its hewn out of solid steel -- very reassuring in handling and also when it comes to safety. Chrysler says the Sebring earned a 5-star front and 5-star side crash rating. It has 6 standard airbags -- 2 front, 2 front side seat, and 2 curtain airbags.

Front disk/rear drum antilock brakes are standard. They are good at stopping from speed, have minimal fade, and good pedal feel.

The thing that really blows me away about this car is how much standard equipment Chrysler has put in it for the price. Power everything, great radio (with a free year of Sirius satellite service), keyless entry, premium dash, etc. for a very competitive price. Competitors from Ford, GM, Toyota and Honda cost thousands more and didn't have as many features.

Some reviewers panned this car as "not enough." If Chrysler was charging $30K or so for this vehicle, as competitors are, they'd be right. But for under $18K for the base model (which is still loaded), it's a screaming deal that the competition cannot match.

If you're looking at a smaller car, you can get a Sebring for about the same money -- and get more space, more options and the same mileage. If you're looking at a car from the Koreans, Chrysler has come up with a similarly priced car that feels, drives and looks more upscale. If you're looking at another midsized car, it's difficult to beat the value this car offers -- which is why I bought it!

Chrysler, and this car, don't get enough respect. That's actually good news for those of us in the market, as Chrysler has produced a good car with great incentives and a reassuring warranty. This is a lot of comfortable, good looking car for not much money.

I don't think that I could agree with you more. This car is WAY under-appreciated.

As of now, I own an Intrepid. Its been a wonderful car, but it's a 2001 with 180K on it, so I've been shopping around.

I did drive an 07 Sebring Base with the Four cylinder after reading some reviews saying that there are better cars out there. I couldn't believe it. It was built well, had TONS of standard features, had surprising power for the 2.4, and was priced around $19 including taxes and such.

I did drive a new Camry and was hardly impressed. I think that Toyota has just stopped trying because they know that people think just because it's a Toyota, it's the best car out there, when in reality, American vehicles have gotten so much better.

So all in all, why spend 25-30K on an Accord or Camry when you can get so much more, for so much less. I hope people start rethinking when it comes to car buying time, as I believe that the Sebring is, and always has been a great car.

To 18th Apr 2008, 00:55 -

I'm not a huge fan of Chrysler, however I'd take 10 new Sebrings if I can buy them for $19 each.

Under twenty bucks and you didn't buy it on the spot?

Quite obviously they meant $19K. Agree with review though. The Sebring is a great car, I own an 06 with the 2.4 engine and couldn't be happier. I plan on upgrading shortly to the new model. Enjoy your car!

I just bought the basic 2008,,,,,just to pick it up... loved the price... the ride, inside and out looks... good to see so many good reviews.

I just drove the 2008 Sebring. I believe that it was the LX, or whatever the basic model is.

I was helping my mother car shop because it's her first time buying a car since my dad passed away. I myself have always driven Fords, so naturally, I tried to get her in a Fusion/Milan. Her criteria was something safe, fuel efficient and of course, reliable. We actually ran across this one on accident.

We tried Toyotas, Fords, Chevys, Hondas and Hyundais. When we left the Toyota dealer and being very unsatisfied with a new Camry, we stopped in at the Chrysler dealer that was just down the block. And that's how we came across this car. It was the last 2008 Sebring they had on their lot dressed in white. The looks of this car took some time to grow on me, but I now find the car to be somewhat classy, yet fun.

My mother loved it. Once we drove this car, she was ready to purchase. I just feel I need to give this car some major credit. I did some research to find that naturally, the imports are better cars. Of all the imports we drove, I honestly cannot say that.

This is the base car she purchased. It has the 2.4 engine, which despite what "experts" say, is pretty powerful. Keep in mind it is a four cylinder, but it moves well, and is not as loud as people seem to say. When you push it hard, it makes noise, what car doesn't? Drive a four cylinder Camry/Corolla, same thing, and they aren't as quick.

Plus, for the 20K she paid, no other car offers this many options, and certainly no one else offers a lifetime warranty. I feel good about this car. I think that it will be reliable for her, and with a reassuring warranty, you can't argue. It's very smooth and efficient, and overall a very good value.

If you are in the market for a sedan, definitely look at this one before you run out and buy a Camry/Accord/Fusion/Altima. I think that you'll be surprised.

I just drove the twin model, the Avenger base model and was very impressed! Loaded with no options... including satellite radio. The instrument cluster is beautiful at night. It drove nice and I liked the way the steering wheel felt. It shifted smoothly, rode well and was quiet at lower RPMs. The warranty is great too.

Big problem... or benefit... resale value. I can pick up a used one a 2007 same style... for $9000 with around 35K miles. I just know it will be worth very little in a few years and even at that price I would lose money if I did not like it. Tough call... but I agree, it is a VERY nice car!