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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Crossfire On Target! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
By Bateleur - May 28 - 10:00 amChryslers done a marvelous job bringing its concept car to production; very few significant details were changed. Mercedes build-quality is evident throughout.
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great - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
By gary hoven - May 28 - 10:00 amI think that this car is great it will be one of the cars to buy this year. and for years on. great design and great mileage.
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Gretchen - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
By tyler2 - May 28 - 10:00 amI am a car fanatic, I love them, all shapes and sizes. But this car I couldnt really rely on excet for show. It is a great sports car, I love it. But I want to be able to take a car out whenever I want to, not have to worry about weather. So, I would reccomend it to the warmer environment, and to the car lover of course.
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great car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By ceasters - May 27 - 3:13 pmthis has been the best car ive owned. my wife and i have driven many cars over the years and this car has outperformed and outhandled all others
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Excellent Auto - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
By DBarden - May 22 - 2:00 amMy car is as close to perfect as anything built by human beings can be.
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weekend car of the century! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By Joel - May 21 - 3:00 pmI have had this vehicle since October of 2004. It is quick, responsive and reliable. A solid feel throughout the cabin-true Mercedes-Benz quality. Also, everyone wants to know what kind of car it is--For a day running errands, an average of four people comment on it somehow. But dont worry, theyre always good comments, of course.
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Just right for me and my family - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By Cindy - May 17 - 11:37 amWe purchased this Crossfire for the sheer love of the design. The classic yellow is a serious head turner. We truly appreciate the bold body style and hope the other manufacturers follow this designers love for beauty. It is incredibly fun to drive and is fast enough for us and anyone else on the road. Yes the trunk has plenty of room for a family of four grocery shopping trip or 2 medium size suitcases if you plan taking a trip to the hotel on the beach.
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Awesome ride - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By bhul - May 16 - 5:58 amMost fun a person can have on four wheels, legally.Wife plans on keeping forever. Wife doesnnt want to go to work she just wants to ride around with top down all the time. Says she will never be without a convertible. She loves her car, loves her house, and loves her man, I think in that order too. Will be hard to beat this Christmas present.
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A bargain basement Benz - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
By Dave - May 1 - 2:40 pmI have admired the styling of the Crossfire since its introduction. However, I found the $35K price a bit steep. However, the marketplace has spoken and this car is avaialable used at bargain prices. I picked up my 2004 Crossfire autostick with 5400 miles on it for under $18K. Immaculate condition. Considering that is the price of a boring old Civic, I grabbed one. Since this is a Benz SLK with pretty sheetmetal, it does inherit some of the old SLKs shortcomings. The interior is cozy, but I am 61" and 270# and am very comfortable in this car. The console is cheap and chintzy, and the cupholder is a joke, but the car drives superbly. 25MPG, and no problems, I love this car!
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WOW - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
By XGuy - April 21 - 10:00 amWhat a head turner car! Great style!
