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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  A fun loving beauty! - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Cincinnati Slim - April 20 - 9:38 pm

  This is such a cool little car! Beautiful, impractical, cramped and hard to see out and Im just crazy about it. Like a super hot girlfriend, you overlook her bad habits because youre having so much fun! Some car reviewers have said the cars chassis and brakes are so good that It could use more power. Im sure not complaining. I think its a blast to drive yet, unlike most performance cars Ive had, it is very forgiving. The ESP/Traction Control/ABS systems work very well especially in bad weather. It really makes you feel like a hero.

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  2005 Crossfire Review (Ltd. Roadster) - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By thtouch - April 17 - 9:03 am

  This is a truly awesome machine.It drives and feels like a true Sports Car. I get lots of looks and it is truly amazing how the car feels to drive, even With (Auto-Stick).

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  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.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Bryan - April 1 - 8:09 pm

  After reading the reviews posted here, I started to consider the purchase of this car. I already had money down on a Porsche Boxster, but figured it wouldnt hurt to peruse the Chrysler dealership. To see the car in person was impressive, to test drive the car was awesome. Granted, its no track ready, street legal sports car, but that is not what I was looking for. Its fun to drive, handles like a dream, and corners on rails. Needless to say, I cancelled my Porsche order, bought a Crossfire and have been loving every minute of it. This is not a daily driver, but could manage the task just fine.

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  A Great Car for the $$$ - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By JMLASKER - March 28 - 12:04 pm

  This vehicle is a replacement for my 2004 Crossfire Coupe, which was a fine car but underpowered. That is not a problem with the SRT-6 with silky- smooth 330 BHP supercharged V6 - Daimler/Chrysler should have kept the AMG nameplate on the engine. The car is really quick and, because of the suspension and braking upgrades, handles much better than the conventional Crossfire. I was worried about the "rough ride" described by numerous reviewers, but have not found that to be the case. Overall, a great car for the price ($29k - brand new).

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  I still love it 3 yrs later - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Deb - March 26 - 12:26 pm

  My 3 year lease is coming due and I STILL LOVE THIS CAR. Ive been looking at reviews on other sites and this car is getting a bad rap for lack of power. I dont know where you drive, but high speed and power arent the values needed on main roads. Its is comfort and performance and most of all, THIS CAR STILL TURNS THE HEADS OF EVERYONE 3 YEARS LATER! Corvettes and Zs are normal cars, the Crossfire Roadster is still an eye opener. Just a note, it definitely isnt made for people over 6 ft.

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  Exotic European GT, Hyundai price... - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Crossbow - March 14 - 4:45 pm

  My Sapphire Blue coupe had just come off its 1-year lease when I purchased it. It had 9,500 miles and cost $20,650. I drove it home to Texas from Miami, averaging about 27 MPG and 80 MPH. On the deserted Everglades Tollway I ran it up to 148 before shutting down. If I had another mile of road it would have broken 150. Stable as an arrow, and the delightfully furious muted exhaust tone was music in my ears. I have enjoyed every moment Ive spent in the car. It is the closest I will ever come to a 62 Ferrari 250 SWB Berlinetta in this life. Maybe this is close enough...

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  smiles per dollar - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Gary - March 12 - 4:45 am

  for two passengers its the most fun you can have for your buck . Bystanders think its an Italian exotic ,sure its german technology ok and build but only AMERICA designs bodies that we dream about pretty soon the Japanese will start copying it the big / long nose short back classic sports coupe reminds me of another classic , oh yeah the ford mustang the crossfire has got more mustang heart than the latest mustang (re modeled 1967 ) hey and im a ford fanatic. you can say its really a SLK merc, using bits that were for the scrap pile, or just a product of a necessary marriage, between a European brand and a American giant (we would like to forget chryslers 70,s and 80,s efforts) its right.

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  2005 Crossfire STD - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Ken Klug - March 9 - 10:52 pm

  Comfortable/quite ride, Good handling, Well designed & built, More than adequate performance, Interior well laid-out with ample storage and plenty of room for two. Fuel consumption is good considering displacement & HP. Lots of features for a base model. Attractive unique styling. A lot of vehicle for the purchase price. Well satisfied thus far with all aspects.

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  Crossfire Roadster - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By roland - March 7 - 2:28 pm

  The roof has not been up in 7 months. It is a ball to drive and handles like a cat. I got a Mercedes Roadster for 2/3 the price. No problems at all so far. Routine maintenance only. Dont plan on packing a complete wardrobe of cloths though...