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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  Power plus beauty - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Richard - March 23 - 12:54 am

  Love it, very happy with the car. I move the passenger seat forward to give myself more visibility, and carefully tune the right hand outside mirror to give maximum view. The ride is "firm", but on the message boards, several have recommended Koni adjustable shocks as the solution.

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  Excellent - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Daisy - March 20 - 7:28 pm

  This is a great riding car, I have driven 280 miles since I purchased the car five day ago, and I still have 1/2 tank of gas.

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  AMG Punch with the Crossfire Charm - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By pcrs29 - March 17 - 9:47 pm

  Ive owned my Crossfire SRT-6 coupe for a little over a year and this is a great car. Its fast, its elegant, and its a head turner almost everywhere I go with it. My only gripe with the car is that it was only available as a 5-speed automatic with AutoStick. I feel that a manufacturer of a true sports car would give buyers the option of purchasing such a car with a manual transmission primarily, and possibly offering an automatic transmission. Unfortunately because this is an Mercedes-Benz AMG at heart, it is only offered as an automatic. Otherwise, the car is a blast to drive and definitely a conversion starter. I would recommend getting one!

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  Dont get one - 2008 Chrysler Crossfire
  By John, NY - March 17 - 12:57 am

  Everything was very poor. I wish I had ordered a different vehicle. I am stuck with it as the residual is so low, that it may still be negative when the loan is paid off

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  Outstanding Car.... - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Cobra953 - March 8 - 6:20 am

  This is an outstanding, but underrated car. Of course the positive side to this is the fact there are not many on the road, so you dont see yourself coming and going. 5800 miles, no squeaks, rattles or other problems. One trip to the dealer for an early oil change ($24.00 with my oil). Just bought the extended bumper to bumper warranty from Chrysler for 7/100,000 miles. This is a keeper!!

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  Great 3rd car! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By John - March 2 - 12:46 am

  I bought mine as my daily commuter and it works well for that -- fun to drive, reasonably efficient (for a luxury sport car) and, well, its damned fun to drive! People taller than 61" will probably not be comfortable in this car (Im that and the top of my head just barely rubs the headliner from time to time). Fit and finish are superb as you would expect from the germans and the drivetrain is smooth (Contrary to most reviews, I find the 6-speed manual easy to get along with). Manners at speed are excellent! Interior needs improvement -- chrome plated plastic has to go and the cup holder stinks. Overall a great, fun car and I wouldnt trade it for anything but the ragtop version!

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  Still Lovin - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Texan - February 28 - 2:20 pm

  I was concerned after a while if I would become tired of the design but after two years, I think this is such a cool car. I have owned Jaguars, Lexus, but nothing htis fun to drive. I really enjoy it. People love to look at it and if they only knew how much fun it was to drive.

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  Love my crossfire roadster limited - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By D. Davis - February 26 - 3:46 am

  She drives like a dream. Hugs the curves and has lots of pick up. I enjoy the sound of the exhaust system. The top raises or lowers in about 22 seconds. Anyone wishing a fun car for nice days would love the roadster.

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  A supercar for most folks - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Johnnie Mack - February 23 - 9:03 pm

  Coming up on a year with this car, and have had nothing but good experiences. No glitches, just a nice commuter vehicle for my wife and I. Very nimble, and fast enough to suit me-the numbers suggest it will accelerate as fast as my old 89 Trans Am, but Im out of the "rat race". Tires are still in very good shape, and just 2 oil changes for maintenance. A few negs-the seat is probably better in the Limited model, so maybe a retro fit is in order-this one generates complaints from my lovely wife of 31 years. And the radio is annoying. As we know now, the car has been killed by the new Chrysler. I guess a notchback version with a removeable window is out of the questions now, eh?

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  Amazing Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By hotactionskater - February 11 - 2:07 pm

  This car is absolutely amazing. Its a blast to drive. It has a super easy clutch and super smooth gear box with a very short throw. Great sound system. Never gets old!