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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  Just great! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Hector_Lara - June 18 - 4:10 pm

  Excellent car, great performance, it looks really great and good reliability. Everybody think that it is more expensive tan really is. More eye-catching than most of the cars. I have had Eclipse and TT and surprisingly the crossfire looks better and i have more fun than the rest. I have 2 Crossfire limited, Coupe and Roadster.

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  Fun Car! - 2007 Chrysler Crossfire
  By DM - May 7 - 12:28 pm

  Sporty, looks great, overall economical, accelerates great, handles great, at less than $20K it is fantastic!

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  Buyers Remorse!! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By ITMATRS - February 10 - 12:59 pm

  Looked great, and preformed ok on the small test drive but by the time we hit the freeway the truth became clear. 1st - Road noise> lots of road noise in the cabin, reminded me of a Dodge Caliber i rented and hated!! Feels cheap and plastic 2nd - Blind Spots - small rear window with blind spots from the rear body lines - again like the Caliber <:os 3rd - Door windows are so narrow you can barely see out 4th - Cramped. Im 54" and reach the brake and gas fine but have to have my knees in the dash to get the clutch all the way in <:o| 5th - Gear gates are small! Clunks into 2nd and hard to get to 3rd w/o hitting 1st or 5th..not 4 me..<:o(

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  xfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By aNTIGONE - December 24 - 10:00 am

  nice

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  Great Bang for Buck - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By george bobella jr. - December 23 - 12:05 am

  This was wifes car became mine. Shes gone. Love being in this machine. A real headturner, gets a lot of attention. The cupholder does work once you get used to it. Yes, the Console isnt a high point, yet you can upgrade to almost any material ie wood. Legroom is short and Im maybe 510". Still its seats are good for a roadster. Put aftermarket Chip in and yes it was quicker but electric fan always stayed on. Took it out. Dont miss the little extra HP. Drove SLK 320 liked Crossfire better cause it looks better yet could not find extra price value with the MB. Ex wants car back. Would like to buy it. NO WAY MAN

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  poor service - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By bigdaddy0345 - December 22 - 1:29 pm

  I have had this car for awhile and have no problems till I brought it in for service. Had the oil changed and now I have a leak. Twice in about the leak and they said no leak, till I gave them the paper with oil on it. The car is great, but the service stinks. Dont trust corporate, they will avoid fault. I think I will stay with a Hyundai

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  Fun little guy - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Alex - December 1 - 10:37 pm

  Since my first time i saw i felt in love with it, shopped around and got it finally, once having it its been fun everytime i get on the wheel, it runs and looks great. I loved the stereo, dropping the top down and running it fast, it has some good handling and acceleration..eh, average. I think you shouldnt own it if youre taller than 59 though, because space is limited. Parts are hard to find and expencive.

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  Crossfire /dream - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Gayle - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I had seen the Crossfire as a concept car in a magazine several years ago and was hooked. When my local dealer called me to tell me they had one coming in I was there! The test drive sold me on the car and I purchased it - the dealer did not even have it on the lot for 24 hours! The car is a 6 speeed manual and drives like a dream. I love the acceleration! I am constantly being asked "Who makes that car?" I am always happy to say Chrysler!

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  Incredible car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Jaybird777 - November 11 - 1:48 pm

  This car has unbelievable power. Power off the line is tremendous, and faster than most other cars on the road. But on the highway, this car is a madman. At 80 mph on the highway, punch it and you better hold on, and thats no exaggeration. It is scary fast. Muscle car fast. Quality is also superb. As other reviewers have stated, the car leaves you with no doubt that it is a high end Mercedes. If you can find one, buy it now- they are silly cheap for what you get. These will be collectors items- there is no doubt in my mind. But, theyll have to wrestle it away from me! Some say the ride is bad- I disagree. Its a sports car. Ride is really pretty great. Worth every dime.

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  Loving it - 2007 Chrysler Crossfire
  By jblankenship9 - October 26 - 4:17 pm

  I just picked up the car the other day for 13,999. Couldnt have asked for a better deal with only 19,000 miles on it. Before I bought this I was test driving a 09 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, the crossfire could do circles around the Lancer with its great acceleration and handling. Love the six speed manual transmission paired with the 3.2 V6. Braking for the car is exceptional whether on dry or wet pavement.