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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  What a deal - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By rampage - February 10 - 10:53 am

  I bought this on a whim when I was looking for a Mazda 3 wagon a year ago. The $19k price tag was a deal maker. Driving it is a treat and Im still impressed with its handling, braking and looks. The 6 speed manual taps the power in the engine efficiently and it feels great to be pressed back into the seat upon acceleration. The only drawback is that is does not go up icy hills well so its garaged when it snows. My 63" tall husband cannot strech his legs out straight, but he is very willing to make the sacrafice. Cargo area is plentiful for everyday and weekend jaunts. I swore I would never own a Chrysler product but this is the best car Ive ever had.

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  zoom ,zoom - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By schramm - February 8 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive,its amazing ability to hug the road.Its an attention getter especially being the only one in town. You want to put the top down and let the wind go thru your hair.Im proud to own one.Car is well engineered,you really feel protected on the road.

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  Awesome - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Jorge Aguirre - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I loved the car from the moment I saw it. I took it for a test drive and it was everything I thought. I bought it on the spot. Im constantly stopped and ask about it, people love it.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Senior Citizen - February 6 - 1:14 pm

  Ive had this blaze red baby for 8 months now, and I cant wait for the warm weather to come back so that I can drop the top again! This car is the most fun to drive vehicle Ive ever owned! It turns heads everywhere I go. Great craftsmanship and handling. I hate to see Chrysler stop building them.

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  A great AMG vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By srt6ragtop - January 31 - 9:28 am

  The SRT-6 Roadster is a great sports car from top to bottom. To aquire a AMG Mercedes built car like this for under $30,000 is a steal. You can just feel the quality. This SRT-6 will only be out on nice days and has never seen rain. This one is a keeper.

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  Traded in my Jaguar for Crossfire! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Keith - January 29 - 4:43 am

  I bought this car and traded in my leased Jaguar 4 months early! I was debating between a BWM z4 or the crossfire. I am sooo happy with my choice. The car is great from looks to driving. I get a lot of comments and looks. The top down makes this car look like a million dollars. In fact, most people who ask what kind of car it is ask "did you pay about $50k?" I plan on keeping this one a long time.

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  My fun car - 2007 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Will - January 28 - 3:25 pm

  This has always been a car that my wife and I have admired. Now that we own one we are not dissapointed. Great acceleration and road holding.Jjust an all round great vehicle and fun to drive

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  Norms joy - 2007 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Norm - January 19 - 10:55 am

  I replaced the wiper blades . The original were hard and did not clear in rain. The inside of the inside door pull had burs and was replaced.No other problems. These problems were corrected by Chysler without charge.This car hangs on curves and the road like glue. A great sport car. I have had 5 Corvettes and this Crossfire is as much fun to drive. It is all German except the skin. The crafsmanship is top of the line of most sports cars. I have had many complements on the looks of the car. You will have to drive it to appreciate it. Rumers are that the production will stop after 08 so this car will be a classic.

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  Thanks car magazines! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By randylcoffey - January 9 - 3:04 pm

  Car magazines hate my car. Thanks to them, the value of my vehicle was greatly lowered. (they drove down the value of the vehicle.) Because of that, I purchased a luxury sports car at the price of a Kia! The car is perfect for me, and I paid less than 1/2 its value when it was 1.5 years old, with only 4000 miles on it. It is better than any other sports car I tried: better than 350Z, Madza, TT, Honda, etc. Only the Porsche Boxster was better, and it would have cost me 2x as much. The car has speed, great handling, great looks (everybody stares when I drive by), and great gas mileage. It also has great trunk space no other sports car can match. Thanks motortrend, car&driver, etc

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  Underrated sports car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Fred Sanders - January 8 - 4:23 am

  My crossfire SRT is a wonderful vehicle, vastly underrated and seemingly unknown. The performance is awesome. The motor is immediately responsive and a thrill to feel the acceleration. The build quality is superb and not at all like an American car. I have compared against the Mercedes SLK and this is a far superior vehicle even though built on the same platform.