Overview & Reviews
When the Chrysler Crossfire concept was first introduced at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, there was genuine interest and excitement from both the motoring press and the public. Here was the first tantalizing fruit of the DaimlerChrysler merger that would combine German engineering and American style. A production model was announced, and the first Crossfires started to appear a few years later.
Available as a two-seat coupe or roadster, the Chrysler Crossfire was largely based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. Its exterior design always turned heads, but the aged platform and unimpressive driving dynamics were major drawbacks. The Crossfire's steering response in particular was lackluster due to the use of the previous SLK's old-school recirculating-ball steering. Additionally, the vehicle's ride quality often seemed harsh, particularly on the high-performance SRT-6 version.
The Crossfire's slow sales could also be attributed to an interior that didn't look as rich as the car's exterior styling would suggest. There was also the cramped Crossfire's utter lack of utility. It's still an attractive vehicle to behold, but the Crossfire was simply outclassed by other vehicles in terms of luxury, brand cachet and performance.
Most Recent Chrysler Crossfire
The Chrysler Crossfire was available only in coupe form when it debuted in 2004, with a convertible model arriving the next year. The standard engine throughout the model cycle was a Mercedes-sourced 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 215 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The transmission choice was between a standard six-speed manual and an optional five-speed automatic. The short-lived 2005-'06 Crossfire SRT-6 model boasted a sport-tuned suspension and a fire-breathing, supercharged 330-hp engine that came only with a five-speed automatic.
Leather upholstery was standard in 2004, when only one well-equipped trim level was offered, but starting in 2005 the Crossfire was offered in base and Limited trims, and the base car came with cloth upholstery and a limited roster of standard equipment. The Limited livened things up with power leather seats, an Infinity stereo and more sound insulation. In addition to its engine and suspension upgrades, the SRT-6 models added 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inchers out back and Napa Pearl leather seats with Alcantara suede inserts with enhanced bolstering. Unique to the base Roadster was an optional Special Edition package (2006 and '07 model years) that included Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat exterior paint, Dark Slate Gray cloth seats, SRT-6–style cast-aluminum wheels, a black windshield surround and satin silver door handles and side louvers. Otherwise, nothing much changed until 2008, when the base trim was dropped.
In reviews, our editors praised the Chrysler Crossfire's daringly distinctive looks, and the SRT-6 was loved for its blistering straight-line performance. However, the outdated steering system was unpleasant and the ride was stiff — unacceptably so in the SRT-6. Acceleration from the base 215-hp V6 was adequate but uninspiring. Overall, the Crossfire was an interesting styling exercise, but its driving character left much to be desired.
User Reviews:
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My New Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
By 6bobb9 - October 4 - 2:00 amIm a 60 year old who feels young again. This car is a dream. Comfortable, sharp looking, and fast enough for my needs. My big concern was if my Golf Clubs would fit in the trunk. They do.
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A fun car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By H.Rahlke - September 17 - 12:16 pmExcellent ride, impressive accelaration, well worth the price !
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Best car ever owned - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By Dennis - September 15 - 2:06 pmthe best handling car I ever had. I had it up to 150 mph and it was as smooth as going 40 mph
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Lots of Looks - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By Bridge - September 8 - 12:06 amMy Crossifre Roadster is an amazing car. It is my "mid life ENTITLEMENT" car! People actually go out of their way to tell me how beautiful the car is. I is fun to drive, and very comfortable. The seats are great for my back. I just wish the cup holder was larger and the navigation system was a little easier to use. My wife thinks the luggage is an amazing feature.
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A Fun to Drive Car - 2008 Chrysler Crossfire
By Richard - August 24 - 7:59 pmIve always wanted a 2-seat convertible and my wife and I chose the Crossfire. We bought this car new in March 2008. Sticker was 41,500, we got it for 32,000 total (tax, title, etc.) and are very happy with the car. The best feature of the car is the styling - very unique. I get positive comments most everywhere I go. Have a bad day at work? Do as my wife and I - drop the top, go for a ride in the country and youll be smiling. This car is comfy for a short wheelbase, 2-seater, the seats too. I plan to keep this car for a long time, as is my custom. If you own a Crossfire, join the Crossfire International Car Club Inc. (Google CICCI) - you wont regret it.
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Better late for a Roadster than never - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By CoronaCATom - August 23 - 9:48 pmWhen I was about 20 I wanted a Triumph TR6 baaad, but couldnt swing it-and thank god since they were so unreliable. 30+ years later I finally have my roadster, and what a fun piece of machinery! About a week ago I found a clean 2005 example with 26K miles for $16K. It is smooth, well-balanced, fast enough, and purrs like the old Triumphs-as least from my memory! I share it with my wife (have to decide between it and a MB CLK500...a tough choice let me tell you!). The styling is so distinctive, and the chassis is solid enough for fast curves, yet the ride is actually quite smooth overall. If you are considering a Mercedes SLK, try out a used Crossfire. It is its fraternal twin for less $$$.
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US-German Relations - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By HDReeves - August 18 - 10:00 amThis car is definitely fun to drive, especially on winding roads. It has excellent lateral acceleration. It is a little slow in its straight aheas acceleration; there is a brief lag sudden acceleration while in motion. I have had the car since October, 2003, with no mechanical problems. There is not much storage, but plenty of cockpit room for sitting. If you are not planning on a lot of luggage, then this is a great way to get where you are going...or no where in particular, if you just want to have some fun.
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Low, fast and sharp - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By DEB - August 13 - 8:26 pmI have a srt-6 roadster in graphite and never get tired of the look of this car. The lines are amazing and its fast. The interior is comfortable and user friendly. It never fails to turn heads including mb owners on a regular basis. When the top is down ive had people shout great car and give a thumbs up, people crossing streets have stopped and commented thats a beautiful car. I looked at the mb slk and amg but went for the crossfire, the engine is mb assembled in the same german plant and i preferred the body lines to an emblem.
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A feel good roadster! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By autobuyinghelp - August 12 - 10:00 amBefore purchasing my Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Limited, I owned a 1995 Corvette Roadster for the past five years. Id grown very attached to the power and handling of Corvette. After test driving both the Honda S2000 and Audi TT Roadster, I was convinced that I would not be satisfied with anything less then a Corvette, but that was only until I drove the Crossfire. Its styling and "high tech" look first attracted me, but it only took a short drive to convince me that there was a lot more then just its good looks. It certainly is one of the most comfortable, fun to drive vehicles that Ive ever owned. The V6 Mercedes motor is powerful and smooth.
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we L:OVE this car! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By LLoyd Merryman - August 11 - 12:56 pmWe have had this car for only three months but absolutely LOVE it!. It handles like a dream and its very easy to operate the power roof. Recommend it to anyone!
