In what must be one of the most ambitious model overhauls in Chrysler's long and rocky history, the company updated or completely remade its entire model line in the last year, including its Dodge and Jeep divisions. Such massive change in a short time is impressive, and none was more in need than the dowdy Chrysler Sebring.

• 2010 Chrysler Sebring Manual

2010 Chrysler Sebring Manual

Given a new look, a new interior and a new name, the is a far more competent competitor in the class, and no longer feels like a car one would only rent but not buy. Still, its greatest virtue might be its combination of a premium ambiance and respectable performance in a crowd of mainstream cars like the Accord, Camry and Sonata. Beyond all the visible improvements over the Sebring, the 2012 Chrysler 200 shines most brightly in the way it drives.

Equipped with Chrysler's latest 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, the 200 can rocket to highway speeds or pass slow traffic with confidence. Smooth, quiet and surprisingly fuel-efficient, the V6 is a far better choice than the buzzy 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Chrysler spent considerable cash revamping the 200's suspension, and it was money invested well. The 200 drives beautifully, corners with enthusiasm, and absorbs bumps without effort. Surprisingly, despite having its 283 horsepower directed through the front wheels, the 200 exhibited little sign of torque steer, even when launched hard from a dead stop. On long stretches of highway, the 200's steering required little input to keep the car on course, and uneven or grooved pavement did not upset its manners. The styling and finish of the 200 are no mere window dressings on the old Sebring.

This is a far better car. Goodbye, sow's ear; hello, silk purse.

The Sebring's hard plastic finishes and dowdy colors are replaced by deep blacks, rich browns and warm tans. Sweeping, richly textured, soft-touch surfaces display fewer seams but more chrome and metallic trim, elevating the 200's cabin to business class if not first. Layered trim replaces unsightly gaps, and instrumentation combines modern function with classic style. Both cloth and leather seats are well-tailored, but rear legroom is tight if the front seats are adjusted for six-footers. A driver's lumbar adjuster and split-folding rear seatbacks are standard on every model. Noise insulation is admirable; great for Bluetooth users. Forget the awkward Sebring and its grooved hood.

The 200, as its name implies, looks more like a junior, with LED-accented headlights flanking the new corporate grille. Around back, a thin chrome crossbar bridges slim wraparound taillights. Chrome details are generous but tasteful, and 17- and 18-inch wheels add to its premium presence. The 200 sits lower than the Sebring, for a more aggressive stance, and Chrysler even took pains to conceal the more unsightly underpinnings visible on the Sebring.

The overall effect is a car that went to finishing school rather than being rushed to market. The entry-level LX features a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 4-speed automatic transmission, power windows, mirrors and locks, keyless entry and remote trunk release, heated side mirrors, 17-inch wheel covers, manual air conditioning with filtration, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, driver's-seat manual lumbar support and height adjustment, and an AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatible CD player and an auxiliary audio input jack.

Instruments feature LED lighting, an outside temperature display and an analog clock. Standard safety features include 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control, front-seat side-impact airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Above the 200 LX, the three remaining trims are the Touring, Limited and S, all of which include a 6-speed automatic transmission, aluminum-alloy wheels, automatic on/off headlights, 8-way power driver's seat, SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The luxury-oriented Limited adds leather, heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, touch-screen audio system with a hard drive (though navigation is optional on all but the LX), foglights, remote start and Chrysler's UConnect hands-free phone setup. The 200 S upgrades the Limited features with the V6 standard, along with Boston Acoustics audio and sportier trim inside and out, including suede seating inserts. Chrysler's 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is not the most refined engine in its class, but with 173 horsepower on tap, it's not the weakest either. When paired with the 6-speed transmission, this engine can move the 200 briskly and promises fuel economy near the top of its class.

If you can pony up the extra $1,750, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is the engine to have. Smooth, potent and nearly as efficient, it turns the 200 from a sleeper to a keeper. 2.4-liter in-line 4 173 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm 166 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 (4-speed automatic), 20/31 (6-speed automatic) 3.6-liter V6 283 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm 260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29.

The 2012 Chrysler 200 LX carries a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just under $19,000, less than in 2011. The 200 Touring bumps the price to just over $21,370, while a fully loaded V6 Limited or 200 S can easily exceed $28,000. Compare the base at just over $17,500 or the roomier LX at about $22,000 (both with automatic transmission) and the 200 now seems in line. To make your best deal on a new 200, be sure to check the Kelley Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. As for resale, we think the new 200 will do a little better than its Sebring predecessor, meaning its 5-year resale values will likely remain on the lower end of the category, lower than the and, and much lower than the Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

Chrysler. Select Make.

One of the more well-known models under the Chrysler banner, the Sebring premiered for the 1995 model year as a midsize coupe before the convertible version of the car hit dealer lots a year later. The goal of the model was to present a sporty, roomy, and reliable coupe/convertible on the roster that could compete with the rest in its segment. The Sebring coupe was initially constructed on the Chrysler's FJ platform along with the Dodge Avenger, while the convertible variant of the vehicle was assembled on the same JA chassis as the Cirrus and Dodge Stratus. Upon the model's launch, it was outfitted with a 2.0L inline four-cylinder but a 2.5L V6 was also available.

Both were mated to a standard four-speed automatic transmission. Trim levels differed between body styles. The Chrysler Sebring coupe was available in LX and LXi trims.

Convertibles could be had in JX and JXi trims. 2001 marked the release of the second-generation Chrysler Sebring. The coupe now shared a platform with the Mitsubishi Eclipse, however the base engine was a 2.4L four-cylinder configuration. Trim levels were changed slightly in both body styles of the vehicle and the powertrains were appropriately adjusted with the proper parts, including the arrival of a 3.0L V6 engine good for 200 horsepower, which was offered in the coupe's LXi trim. Standard in LXi convertibles and sedans was a 2.7L V6. Engines were geared to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

In 2005, the trim levels were changed from LX and LXi to GTC, TSi, Touring, and Limited. Following the 2005 model year, coupe versions of the Sebring were dropped from the lineup, leaving only the sedan and convertible. The third generation of the Chrysler Sebring rolled off the line for the 2007 model year.

It was made available as a sedan and convertible, with the convertible being offered with either a soft or hard top. A 2.4L inline four-cylinder engine good for 173 horsepower was standard directed through a four-speed automatic transmission. On the Touring and Limited models was a 2.7L V6 engine capable of 189 horsepower.

A bolder 3.5L V6,which produced up to 235 horsepower directed through a six-speed automatic transmission, could also be had, but only with Limited versions of the Sebring. The base Sebring was equipped with full-length head curtain airbags, side-impact airbags, power accessories, a six-disc CD stereo, and a power-top for the convertible. Touring versions displayed 17” alloy wheels with a wider grouping of options. The Limited showed off leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and an upgraded stereo system in the list of standard parts. A quintessential Chrysler, the Sebring covers a lot of ground, as this midsize sedan calls several areas its specialty. Comfy enough to be considered luxurious, it is also efficient and strong enough to go 'touring'.

The Sebring is more than just a pretty face, as any owner of the vehicle will tell you. Whether it's the coupe, sedan, or convertible, this Chrysler heavyweight has the potential to deliver a knockout. A true automotive canvas, drivers of all types see the Sebring as a chance to spread their own identity even further. From the most innovative technology on the market to the newest styles that put a smile on your face, CARiD.com offers a full selection of Chrysler Sebring Accessories and Parts for drivers of all tastes. The most respected names in the business are here to guarantee that every one of our Chrysler Sebring accessories provides a lockdown OEM fit along with superior durability. Fashion, protection, and comfort - it's what makes your car healthy and happy. Chrysler Sebring accessories and parts that do it all are only at CARiD!

Whatever you expect from your Chrysler Sebring, a bold look, mind-boggling performance, greater ride comfort, or safer driving, CARiD goes the extra mile to meet all your needs. Our extensive range of premium accessories and parts covers all the bases, whether you want your vehicle to be more powerful, smarter, fun to drive, or just need to restore it to original condition. We know how to throw a classy appeal into your Chrysler Sebring and keep it providing the best performance, so trust us and get the greatest bang for the buck! I had these lights installed on my 2009 Chrysler Sebring sedan while it was being repainted.

I like the way they look. The smoky black look contrasts nicely against red. The aim seems to be a little off on low beam (the left light is a tad higher than the right) and one high beam lamp is a tad brighter than the other, but I think this is something my dealership can easily correct. They fit perfectly as if they were OEM/factory installed. Time will tell if they'll last.

They need to be shipped with all needed bulbs. My body shop guy had to use the casing from my original headlights with these, and I had him retrieve the little round orange bulbs from my original lights and put them in these. The quality of the materials used for these lights is decent enough for aftermarket headlights.