The Sebring came in three generations. The first, from 1995 to 2000, was available first only as a coupe and starting in 1996 as a convertible. The two body designs did not share many components nor any sheet metal. The second generation, from 2001 to 2006, also used the Sebring name on three different cars that added a four-door sedan model, but the coupe was discontinued after 2005. The third generation was introduced for 2007. Available as a sedan with the convertible version added in 2008, the cars now shared the same platform.
The Chrysler Sebring was introduced as a coupe for 1995, and later a convertible was released for 1996. Both models replaced the Chrysler LeBaron. The convertible was built off the Chrysler JA platform also used for the Cirrus sedan, while the coupe was based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Chrysler Sebring was named after Sebring, Florida, the site of the renowned endurance car race called the 12 Hours of Sebring. The name was first used by Chrysler Corporation's Plymouth division trim line of the Satellite mid-size coupe of the 1970s.
Despite being similar to the Dodge Avenger, the Chrysler's suspension was tuned slightly on the softer side, compared to Avenger's stiff suspension. Although the Sebring did not really offer true "off-the-line" muscle, it did handle well over long, curvy roads, offering minimal body roll. LXi models further benefited from rear sway bars, a slightly different tuned fully independent suspension, along with 17-inch wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle performance tires. Recorded slalom speeds proved to be impressive for a car of its class, and were a result of Sebring's 4-wheel double wishbone suspension and variable speed rack and pinion steering; both of which were key contributors to the car's road manners.
The Coupe version of the Sebring had seating for five and was considered to be one of the larger, more roomy coupes on the market. Trunk capacity was similar to that of many mid-size cars, capable of handling more than one set of golf clubs.
Although said to be built on a stretched Eagle Talon platform (which is not entirely untrue), it is more accurate to say that their platform was based on the four-door Mitsubishi Galant platform.[citation needed] However, these cars do share a great deal with their Talon sibling, including much of their dash and instrument panel along with select suspension and steering components.
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