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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  The truth - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Matt - March 3 - 1:23 am

  Since I have had this car it has been a lot of fun. I have only had to problems with this car. One was the door had rust building up due to the weather striping not being properly put on. The warranty took care of this. The other was the car has no spare tire. I had a blow out and no way to fix it. Since Chrysler does not offer a good road side assistance program on flat tires for a car that they make with no spare tire, I had to leave it on the side of the road and wait for help at 3:30 am . At the end total bill was $995.00 including the tire. Dont get me wrong I love the car, however I will never buy a Chrysler again due to the warranty leaving me stuck out. Glad it was me not my wife.

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  basic transportation - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By vittorio - March 1 - 10:07 pm

  If you have to drive why not do it with class.I think this is a better looking car. .....not to mention the ladies love it.... the car demands attention! It looks so nice in my driveway.

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  Second Childhood/ Age 65 - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Max - February 13 - 8:26 am

  I have 4,000 miles on the car, mostly in the neighborhood.. I feel like a "traveling" sales person for chrysler! Everyone wants to chat about the car!! The crossfire luggage was an unexpected bonus, although the roll- about wont fit the trunk!

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  Great Car Unit I get my Porsch 911 - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Dreberg - February 3 - 8:46 pm

  Love the looks, love the attention, love the american tags, love the great sounding stereo. Like the seats, like the driving posture, like the trunk space. Disappointed with visibility, throttle response time, heavy feeling to steering, Hate the wet and snowy weather handling (better to leave it in the garage then any way). Good that wife can drive it. My kids think it is too flashy and would have rather me have the SLK.

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  Great car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By regal - January 21 - 8:14 pm

  I purchase the automatic so my wife could drive it. I test drove a stick, and after i told the dealer if he could get it in yellow i would take it. I purchase it with 7 year 60,000 mile warranty 0 deductible. I am 72 years old and am enjoying this to no end. Even my wife enjoys riding and driving it. A little noisy on the highway but its a convertible, i just received a rear glass between the two seats but its to cold to run it with the top down to test it. I also had a electronic dimming mirror installed with a compass.

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  Couldnt wait to get rid of my Crossfire! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Drew - January 13 - 6:43 pm

  My lease on this vehicle ended in June 07 but I traded it in earlier because its such a nightmare to drive. While this car handles and accelerates very well on the highway its a nightmare to ride in the city. Potholes will make you bounce all over the road and getting the tires to stick around turns can be quite a gamble. If you are tall just forget buying this car unless you dont mind your knees touching the dash!

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  No Blah Blah Here - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Neal - January 10 - 5:16 am

  The Crossfire is one beautiful car. I think the design is one of the best ever. I had narrowed by search down to a Crossfire, Thunderbird, or Corvette, but after driving the Thunderbird and pricing the Corvette, the Crossfire was the best choice for driving experience and price. I am happy with my decision. The Crossfire is well built, comfortable, and has a Mercedes feel. No Blah Blah here!

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  Very happy love Crossfire.. - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By edwardt - January 4 - 8:20 pm

  I sure have loved owning this car. There are not very many on the road and when you do see them I cant help but check out how they look on the road . I love the way it grips the road and all the control while on the road. I have owned the car for a yr and a half and usually am ready to find something new by now but this one I am nowhere near ready to give up. I look forward to driving it for at least another year or so. Thanks Chrysler for such a great looking car.

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  Got my droptop - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By motormouth - January 3 - 10:39 pm

  This is the finest made auto I have ever owned (67 Vette/78 Trans Am/87 Vette/88 Camaro etc./ Eyes turn at the red lights/ thumbs up on the road/ Thanks Dr.Z!!!

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  Crossfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By bwiren - December 29 - 9:34 am

  Dont know why I dont see lots of these on the road. They are so fun to drive and great to look at also.