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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  Helpful Tips - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Jerry - June 2 - 2:27 pm

  This if my first sports car and I love it. Ride: You do feel the road but it is not uncomfortable Tires: Expensive to replace aprox $1,200 for a full set Oil Change: Conflicting reports, dealer says 3,000 miles and $100 to change oil. Book says 7,000. I would go by the book and shop around for better deal on the cost Visability: Lots of blind spots, be sure to have your side mirrors set properly and you will be fine. Also, when parking if you can have the nose out it is much safer. To accomplish this you can either back in or pull through to the next space. Interior: I am short so the seating is not a problem. For those with longer legs it is much more difficult

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  our crossfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By bboop1956 - June 1 - 3:33 pm

  we just bought our crossfire. SO far so good,, we LUV it, its a fun car to drive and you get alot of looks in it,, its just a sharp looking little sports car, plenty of leg room. its great having the top down. the top is easy to put down also. the only thing i dont like is when the top is up u do have a bad blind spot so you do have to be careful. not sure if a person taller than 6-5 would like it,, my son is 6-4 and the top of the windsheild is at his eye level.its just an all around nice car

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  Beautiful Banana - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By gebauer - May 27 - 9:33 am

  Our little yellow Crossfire convertible is a joy, in every way. A couple of additional inches between the seat back and rear of drivers cockpit would help taller drivers with entry, and we wish they had improved the ratios a bit for first and second gears (it took a couple of months to learn best rpms to shift to next higher gear), but other than that, the we wouldnt change anything.

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  SRT-6 LOVER - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By dave - May 16 - 6:36 am

  this is the only car that kept me from buying a 05 Vette. love the power,styling,just a wonderful car. no regrets.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By joe faughnan - May 15 - 7:16 am

  This is a fun car to drive and it really turn the heads of people that are standing on the side of the road or in vehicle we pass. Every time I have to get gas, some other driver almost always asks for a "tour" of this vehicle. Very distinctive design that I still get positive comments on. Some folks in the trade magazines have complained that the motor is "too small", yet this car has been driven above 145 mph. I dont know how much bigger an engine is needed. There has never been a mechanical problem with this car. It was recalled once for a new radio with a better display screen, as the original one "washed out" in the sunlight. All this and a 70,000 mile/7 year warranty.

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  Crossfire review - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Barclay - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Excellent machine, cant wait to look at the convertible in the spring!!!

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  Sweeeet Ride - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By TJB - May 6 - 1:16 am

  Awesome car from a first impression standpoint, as well as from a quality ride. Great modern appointments on the interior, reasonable trunk space (under hatchback) and my Limited Edition even comes with luggage! Daimler really set the bar high for this collaboration. A real pleaser - through and through.

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  5 time Corvette owners point of view. - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Potter - April 29 - 12:53 pm

  The car is amazingly fun to drive on north Georgias mountain roads, and is a real head turner. It doesnt have the power of my new Vette, but makes up for it in the fun to drive/head-turner catagories...

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  Fast meets class - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Jimmy V - April 17 - 3:43 pm

  From concept to production,this car is a winner. In spite of some nitpicky "pro reviews", for the real world the Crossfire comes through. Great everyday driver with plenty of power to handle hills and highways, Have been from Monterey to San Diego and also to Vegas and back, and its perfect for long road trips for two. After 11/2 years, the car is still tight with no problems to reportjust rountine maintenance. Interior is quiet & comfortable with super sound system. Over 6 footers/250 lbs will feel squeezed, but seats have great support & travel if youre under those stats. You wont "see yourself" on the road often, but thats part of the pleasure of driving the Crossfire!

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  Crossfire excitment - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Steel Dragon - April 16 - 8:56 am

  I purchased the crossfire in mid july 2004 and have been having a blast with it ever since. Everything from the body styling to the interior to the suspension is hot on this model. The only thing that would be better about it is, they could stand to put some more horses in her. But current horsepower isnt any slouch though.