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:

• 

  Beware - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By ronfor1 - September 3 - 2:38 pm

  Car is product of bad marriage and even worse divorce between Mercedes and Chrysler. Chrysler unable/unwilling to fix warranty item, tried to buy back for half value. Dealer claimed no responsibility, deferred to Chrysler. Both unwilling to do the right thing by consumer. Car same as Mercedes SLK under skin but Mercedes also unwilling to assist in repair. "Bastard child" to both manufacturers..dont get suckered.

• 

  Buyers Remorse!! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By ITMATRS - February 10 - 12:59 pm

  Looked great, and preformed ok on the small test drive but by the time we hit the freeway the truth became clear. 1st - Road noise> lots of road noise in the cabin, reminded me of a Dodge Caliber i rented and hated!! Feels cheap and plastic 2nd - Blind Spots - small rear window with blind spots from the rear body lines - again like the Caliber <:os 3rd - Door windows are so narrow you can barely see out 4th - Cramped. Im 54" and reach the brake and gas fine but have to have my knees in the dash to get the clutch all the way in <:o| 5th - Gear gates are small! Clunks into 2nd and hard to get to 3rd w/o hitting 1st or 5th..not 4 me..<:o(

• 

  Buyer Beware - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By triplefire - March 2 - 12:35 am

  Bought this car confidently after reading so many positive reviews. Purchased Certified used from Chrysler with 38400 miles. Love the styling and handling, especially the two tone interior. However, within 2 days, I noticed a VERY annoying rattling coming from the panel behind the seats/ tonneau cover. Within one week the GPS Navigation stopped functioning. Within a week and a half, I found oil leaking from the rear of the car and the lights are dimming and getting brighter while idling. I thought this was supposed to be a CERTIFIED vehicle! Dont be fooled by Chryslers so-called Certified Used program...

• 

  All Flash - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By catlady - April 4 - 7:29 am

  The Crossfire may be cute and look fun, but underneath the hood there is a significant lack of torque, and inside, the seats are just short of back breaking. I bought the car with 5,600 miles on it and was told the woman who traded it in had a bad back. Now I do too. I had a Nissan 350Z and there is absolutely no comparison between the two cars in performance or comfort. The trunk is useless too. Opening is so narrow its difficult to get anything larger than a shoebox in. Ive also had to have two new stereos put in because of the skipping CD player. Get a Z.

• 

  my crossfire is sick - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Tish Forster - December 1 - 4:49 pm

  I purchased this car in May with 7500 miles on it. Started having shifting problems right away, seal in the transmission was replaced. It has 11,500 miles currently. Takes avg of 6 seconds to start on a cold (below 45 degree). They cannot fix it because it does not give them a "code". I will trade this vehicle in. I will not pay for a car 6 years with unfixable problems this early!!!!

• 

  So/So - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Godot2520 - November 28 - 7:19 am

  Its a great car if all you want to do is look at it. Yipes is it expensive to drive. Before buying check on price of oil-change and tire replacement. The 19 inchers in the rear are not only hard to find, but will require you to get a second job to pay for replacements. Its an ego booster to have the kid at the drive-thru say "cool car," but you pay for the opportunity. Make sure your local dealer knows how fix them. When I bought mine the salesman didnt even know how to get it in reverse!

• 

  Looks good in the shop - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By tbaughman - September 2 - 12:37 pm

  I really liked the style and speed of the Crossfire, unfortunately it has been in the shop numerous times in the short time I have owned it. Parts are hard to come by and trained technicians are even harder. The REALLY irritating thing is the depreciating value... We paid $40,000.00 for this car and now it is only worth $18,000.00! The upkeep on this car is a little pricey too.

• 

  A Decent Sports Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Zach Westover - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Why didnt the people who designed this car put in dual overhead cams it would greatly improve the horse power and if possible turbocharged it to make it a truly fast ride.

• 

  TOO NEW TO RATE EVERYTHING - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By AUTOCRITIC - February 24 - 10:00 am

  SEXY HEAD-TURNER LEGROOM AND HEADROOM INADEQUATE FOR SIX FOOTERS ROAD NOISE ON ROUGH PAVEMENT IS A SERIOUS FAULT. APPEARS TO BE LITTLE INSULATION IN THE CAR! NOISE OVER RAILROAD TRACKS IS TERRIBLE!! ACCELERATION IS OK, BUT WILL HAVE YOU LONGING FOR A V8 OR BMW INLINE POWER. HANDLING WAS GOOD, BUT I DIDNT PUSH IT VERY HARD. STRENGTHS: STYLING WEAKNESS: LEGROOM, HEADROOM, ROAD NOISE, AVERAGE ACCELERATION BOTTOM LINE: A GOOD FIRST EFFORT, BUT WAIT FOR NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS. YOUD BE STUPID TO PAY STICKER PRICE FOR THIS CAR!

• 

  Going to lemon law It - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Topgun - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Love the car if it worked. The car has a vibration in the steering wheel they can not get fixed. The factory knows about the problem but is doing nothing. I have only driven it 200 miles in 2 months I have owned it. It has been in the shop the rest of the time! The level of concern from Chrysler is awful. They just do not care. The service manager at the dealer asked Chrysler to buy it back because it can not be fixed and they refused. It is now going to FL Lemon Law. I bought a 04 Pacifica at the same time for my wife.Never again will I buy from Chrysler! The factory just does not care at all about quality control or customer satisfaction.