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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  So/So - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Godot2520 - November 28 - 7:19 am

  Its a great car if all you want to do is look at it. Yipes is it expensive to drive. Before buying check on price of oil-change and tire replacement. The 19 inchers in the rear are not only hard to find, but will require you to get a second job to pay for replacements. Its an ego booster to have the kid at the drive-thru say "cool car," but you pay for the opportunity. Make sure your local dealer knows how fix them. When I bought mine the salesman didnt even know how to get it in reverse!

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  Lots of power for a compact sport car. - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Rancho - November 21 - 11:23 pm

  I bought this car in Nov 2006 and droved for couple of days. Had a lot of fun with my Crossfire Convertible Limited 6MT. Its the second convertible that I own and, I have the most fun out of this Crossfire. Lots of power under the hood with 320 SLK engine, light weight body and wide tires. I could easily cruise from 50 to 100 mile an hours in 3 seconds and yet the engine still has plenty of horse power underneath the hood. I try 130 mph already and feel like I am cruising at 75 mph. I ready feel that this car can out perform the 350z in acceleration. For those of you that may be interested in the sport cars, should go out and test drive the 350Z, BMW Z4, and the 2003 Corvette.

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  Cutest Car Ever - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Glenna20 - November 14 - 8:56 pm

  This is the greatest and cutest car ever. When I decide to purchase another vehicle, I will just move this one to the side of the garage and keep it forever. It will become a real classic. The color is great, the style is great, the fun is great. I love it.

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  SRT6 a Blast to Drive - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Brent - November 8 - 10:58 am

  Purchased in June of 2006 as a new vehicle with only 90 miles on odometer.The SRT6 version is a rocket with 330 hp and supposed 0 t0 60 in 5.9 seconds. (Havent tried that yet!) Ive been very pleased with the car as a sports car. The only real complaint I have is the overall ride of the car. The suspension is very stiff and gives a bumpy ride. I will say the same suspension makes the car hug the road on curves at high speed without a glitch. Im 61 and have sufficient room. Friends that are 64 dont have enough room. I love the car but its probably not great for long trips or everyday driving.

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  Great car except fuel - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By SRT-6 - November 4 - 3:21 am

  I purchased my Crossfire in May. It is able to drive for everyday use but only for the riches, because the fuel consumption is less more than 17 L/100 km.

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  Awesome Convertible - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Lori - November 3 - 5:36 pm

  I previously owned 2 other convertibles but have never had as much fun driving one as the Crossfire. Great road handling and smooth ride. If there is any complaint it is that the seats are not as comfortable as I believe they could be. I love driving this car.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By soraya rogozienski - October 31 - 8:16 pm

  Love the interior design and it handles very good, its fun to drive and never had any problem, I will buy a Crossfire for as long as they make it and it draws lots of attention

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  Great Engineering - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By wonderbear - October 31 - 12:13 pm

  A pleasure to drive. Reasonable comfort on trips for a car this size and my golf clubs fit (barely). A little tardy off the line versus cars like Z350 and RX8 but on the highway it sings. Dropping down using auto stick I can pop your head back at 60 mph. Good mileage too. Premium gas stings a bit but that wasnt the point of buying a car like this. Only minus is visibility backing out of parking.

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  Love my new Crossfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By randyvs - October 29 - 10:36 am

  The cruise control makes road trips a dream. I went down a 20 mile downgrade and never had to touch the brakes once--the cc just downshifted to keep the speed where set. The only thing required of the driver is steering, the car does the rest! Perfect integration of shape, engine, transmission, tires and braking for a real fun driving experience. Fun to leave everyone behind from a dead stop at a traffic light.

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  Love it - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Dean - October 20 - 3:10 am

  Purchased mine last week and what more can I say than its fast very fast build and comfort are excellent - did I mention it it was fast - This is a very nice car and as I have not seen an SRT on the roads in England I feel like Im in an exclusive club