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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  My first sports car!!! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Fort Laud SRT6 - October 8 - 8:15 pm

  Ive owned a black SRT6 for about 2.5 months now. I bought it as a weekend/fun car. Despite only coming in an auto tranny, this car will satisfy the power hungry... believe me. Friends that have ridden with me (and the few close friends who I trusted to give it a test drive) commented on the rapid acceleration, smooth shifting auto tranny & great handling/traction. It pulls hard & upshifts from 3rd to 4th around 105 or so at full throttle. Trust what the reviews say about it & ignore the very few negative reviews because its a superb performer. Also, consumers held off on buying these at an unfair 45K so they can be had for a reasonable 30-35K w/low milage!! I paid $30,600 w/3400 miles!!!

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  One Hot Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Sandy - October 7 - 7:47 pm

  I love my Crossfire. Every where I go people ask about the car. I love to drive it, it really moves out when power is needed. The handling is great, and its very comfortable on long drives. I have had the car for 2 years and I havent even thought of dirving anything else. I love the interior and the exterior design. Overall the performance is great and I would highly recommend your readers to take one for a drive. But, be careful, as you may end up buying one!

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  Best Ride in Town - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By golfergal - October 7 - 9:02 am

  This car rocks. Ive owned it since June and the smile on my face as not ceased. I get so much attention and head turning on this car. The power and the quality of the car cannot be matched for the price. Its a fantastic car. I wish Chyrsler would market it better, but then I dont mind being one of a handful of people that have one. It makes my car very unique!

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  shes a beauty... - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Cyn4Sun - October 4 - 10:06 pm

  I am constantly being stopped in parking lots and people are commenting on my car..of course the muscle head mustangers all wanna race, the ride is fabulous...smooth, corners well quick off the line and terrific acceleration. Nav system has come in handy several times, some problems with the contrast on the radio, but thats not Chryslers problem...Have done full family grocery shopping (top up of course) and weekends away top down, once you learn to pack the car you do fine...if you can manage with a two seater and are looking for a fun car that looks great and doesnt feel like metal rollerskates....its a great value!!!! I love it!

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  Bang for the Buck - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By YoungFellah - October 4 - 7:59 am

  One of the biggest complaints about this car has been a result of the competition which surrounds it in that mid $30,000 price bracket. You have BMW coupes, the 350Z, the G35 coupe, the S2000, to name a few. And those cars are phenomenal in their own rights. But I got my Crossfire for about $20,000, and it wasnt even a year old. And be fair, which of these cars looks the most exotic? I think that as good as the other cars look, the Crossfire is in a different class. And it is fast enough. The Mercedes 3.2L motor thats under the hood is low on BHP, but it has a fat torque curve that really starts stomping at 3000 rpms. 6.1 0-60 seems good. And the exhaust note!

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  Crossfire Fun - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Don - October 2 - 7:43 am

  Bought the car as a week-end/fun car and it has exceeded my expectations. When I first drove it the car would get all kinds of "second/triple" looks. Now I have learned to ignore the lookers and pay attention to my driving.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Zach - September 30 - 11:16 pm

  This car is a eye turner, and it performs just as good as it looks. The cup holder is a waste, needs a better location

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  Top shelf Chrysler! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By SLK Fan - September 25 - 2:58 pm

  This is the best car in the Chrysler line-up. Get the best German engineers have to offer and the bold style lines only Chrysler can offer!

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  Too Much Fun! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By dahlink - September 19 - 12:26 pm

  After stumbling across this car online, I did some research and discovered its pedigree, so I needed to test it out -) ...and was able to test drive a coupe, locally (private owner, no new cars available from dealers in WNY) and I was sold. I scored a gorgeous black roadster with 2-toned retro inspired seats on ebay, and the dealer delivered it within 10 days right to my door. It is so much fun it feels illegal. The navigation system was a little tricky, at first, but once you get going on it, itll take you door to door flawlessly. Fast, tight, solid and awesomely designed. 215 HP performs like 280. Its a BLAST!! Better than my brothers Porshe, better than my friends vette. I LOVE IT!

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  Totally won over - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Casey - September 19 - 9:58 am

  I have owned 2 Zs and thought ok Ill try something different. All I can say is that I wish I had purchased a convertible. I truly love my Crossfire and yes heads do turn.