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:

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2008 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Len - November 26 - 9:39 am

  I bought this vehicle new some 10 months ago. I use this car exclusively for pleasure driving and consequently have less than 3,000 miles on it. The car handles well and is fun to drive on back roads. It lacks raw power and is not a head-jerker off the line. The auto transmission is slow to shift. I dont regret buying this car but would buy a Vette if I had it to do over again. But the price difference between the Crossfire and Vette is steep - I believe the Crossfire is a better value for the buck.

• 

  love the car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Jon M. Martin - November 22 - 10:00 am

  love the car, have issues with the service department with the company i bought it from. there was a puncture in the drivers seat when i bought it.they said they would fix it but have not heard from them. it runs a little ruff at stop lights while in idle. and still have not heard from the leasing dept. for any of my payments. which is coming up fast. i need to know where to send my payment!!!

• 

  Oh my... - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By jbjtkbw00 - June 17 - 5:20 am

  While not my first two seater (Ive had to very fun to drive Honda CRXs), this is definitely the most fun and quickest that Ive ever owned. Yes, Im a new owner, but Ive put a few hundred miles on it in just over 24 hours because I just had to drive it all over Orlando. This car turns heads and gets me the looks. The lines are so smooth on this car and anyone that appreciates the classics should love the trim on this baby. The engine has a low lions growl to it. Not as storng as a Viper, but its right there. Tight on corners and quick from the stoplight. I hope to return to update this review in a few months. Dont miss out on this car!!!

• 

  2006 Crossfire - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By shypoke - May 16 - 11:04 pm

  Excellent car for a two seater. Get a seat cushion for long trips if your back end is bony like mine. Use high-heel gel pads for your elbows (at the obvious places). I looked at lots of this type of car... wouldnt have anything else.

• 

  awesome but lacks power - 2007 Chrysler Crossfire
  By jacob - April 30 - 10:33 pm

  I bought the base model to get the 6 speed manual because I was told it wasnt available on the srt model so I bought this and priced adding a stock supercharger and its around $11,000 they definitely could have pushed more horsepower out of that six just look at Hondas S2000 4 cylinders no turbo or supercharger and pushes more power, less weight, cheaper price, and a quicker 0-60, and last it also handles better. Crossfire does have much nicer interior and convertible top is all automatic.

• 

  Love this eyecatcher - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Michele - April 24 - 3:37 pm

  This car is fun to drive and absolutely beautiful to look at. I feel like a million bucks behind the wheel.

• 

  SRT is a sleeper - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Garr - April 11 - 9:44 pm

  Crossfire SRT - Awesome. Just change the pulley right in front, increase the air flow a bit, hook it up to a laptop to change a few parameters and youll be pushing 390 horses and 200 mph in a flash. And the car will handle like its doing 50 mph. Thats 4.8, 0 -60. Low 13s in the quarter. So for around $1,500.00 for software mods, parts and labor youre running in a class with Porsche, Maserratti and Aston martins and youre looking better than the Porsche. Thats not a bad deal.

• 

  Love my Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Bob - January 1 - 2:28 pm

  I recently purchased my 2004 Crossfire as a used car with 25000 miles. As many reviews state, it is not a high performance sports car. It is, however, a fun sporty ride for an aging car enthuiast like me. I have had many sports cars throughout my life and this is by far my favorite. It is great looking and plenty quick enough for me.

• 

  Chrysler Canada Why Spoil It.... - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By X FIRE N - December 17 - 1:46 pm

  I have been in ownership of my Crossfire for several months now and still enjoy driving it as much now as when new. This car feels and rides very solid. By far the most pleasing to own car I have ever had... except dealings I have had with Chrysler Canada. Since the day I purchased my car I have been without a owners manual and after several phone calls to their customer care center I still to date dont have one. I have even asked to pay for courier charges for rush shipments. This is the second time I have had to deal with their care center with poor responses. This is my first Chrysler and last for this very reason. When will the north american car makers learn. Still Love The Car.

• 

  inspired design - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By blueliner - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Simply beautiful automobile, bold design statement...muscular stance yet leans towards a more touring engineering...Crisp handeling and taut, firm ride with intuitive interior controls...I take this instead of our Lexus anytime my wife lets me.