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:

• 

  loads of fun - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By cleebu - December 22 - 10:00 am

  great looking car with a lot of power and plenty of comfort a lot of fun when the top is down and great road feel

• 

  FUN to drive, a bit rough - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By mrsour - December 19 - 4:46 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. Moves like a rocket, and handles corners like its on rails!!! Bought it with 3k miles for $29k. Have the SRT-6 version. Took the wing off (Im 50, and thought it looked silly with that large wing). It really is a blast to drive, but watch OUT for those potholes - it drives really rough. Wish it had "tunable" suspension like I hear the corvettes have, or SOME cushioning in the seats from the road. Gets LOTS of looks, like folks say! Only had it a few months, so dont know about reliability. Also wish it had more places to store "junk" stuff (those rope-style holders on the door are pretty useless).

• 

  montana let her run - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By gvarner - December 17 - 1:44 pm

  my crossfire has been a blast to drive and i get a lot of thumbs up. The only thing I dont like is winter driving--It doesnt go in snow.

• 

  Grandma On "Fire" - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Valerie - December 6 - 7:35 am

  I did not think I could be that excited about the opportunity to drive a sports car until I had an opportunity to purchase an extremely low mileage (6790 mi) 2005 RED Crossfire Ltd at a very good price for my 2nd car (Jeep 2004 Overland). Just the look of the car is awesome and it a "head turner". The ride is fairly smooth - except for those unexpected bumps in the road. It handles great. Truck space just enough and even more than I expected. Awesome!

• 

  Hottest car in America - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Frank Engel - December 4 - 8:50 am

  I have never driven a car that got so much positive attention whether on the road or just parked.This things got major league "EYES". Driving, this black beauty is quick, agile and extremely well mannered. Not 1 thing has gone wrong in the 10 months Iv been driving it As Im sure you know this car is a joint project between Chrysler and Mercedes Benz. In conclusion let me add it doesnt handle like a 911 or straight line like a Vette, but for pure fun its lines are superior to anything on the road today, other than an exotic.

• 

  my crossfire is sick - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Tish Forster - December 1 - 4:49 pm

  I purchased this car in May with 7500 miles on it. Started having shifting problems right away, seal in the transmission was replaced. It has 11,500 miles currently. Takes avg of 6 seconds to start on a cold (below 45 degree). They cannot fix it because it does not give them a "code". I will trade this vehicle in. I will not pay for a car 6 years with unfixable problems this early!!!!

• 

  2005 Crossfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By roland w - December 1 - 11:17 am

  This is what a roadster is all about. Peppy, handles well, just enough power, good fuel economy, dependable,pleasing to the eye, MB quality..

• 

  Crossfire Confessions - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Liinda M. - December 1 - 9:36 am

  I have to confess I was not expecting this car to handle so well and be so incredibly fun to drive! I have had many sports cars in my life and, to be honest, while I loved the look, I was not expecting all that much in terms of handling from this American/German hybrid - boy was I pleasantly surprised! This car, built on the SLK chassis handles as good or better than any other car I have owned! It sticks to the road thru tight turns and the ride is solid and extremely peppy! My biggest problem is going to be keeping to the speed limit as this car just wants to fly! Chrysler has done an excellent job of marrying many Mercedes features into this great little car! I HIGHLY recommend this car!!!

• 

  Nothing better looking than a CC - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By JRB - November 29 - 12:01 pm

  Sure footed on Highway or cornering...About 30 bhp away from being a GREAT car, but a VERY Good one nonetheless.........Not a day goes by without someone commenting on the beautiful looks of my Crossfire..I have had lots of pricey equipment in my day but NOTHING elicits the comments that this cool looking car does...

• 

  Sweet and Classy with power - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By oldknow - November 29 - 11:38 am

  I bought my Crossfire amongst a parking lot of trucks so I found a cherry. Red and almost brand new. Love the car. Still get looks and wandering eyes all the time. Just replaced the tires and getting an air intake for 10+ more horses and better mileage. Only thing I do not like is I am 62 and the seats could go back just a little more but I fit in ok. Quick, good cornering, quiet comfortable ride, aggressive rumble from the exhaust, sytlish and all around a good car thus far. As someone mentioned they could have put the cruise control in another place because when I got the car I used it instead of the blinkers for the 1st month...