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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  mbepic review - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By mbepic - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I find this vehicle to be a very solid, good handling car. The six speed manual transmission is great and the clutch is smooth. I am confident that the vehicle is well built and after putting 7000 miles and owning for 6mths, driving everyday, the car has had virtually know problems.

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  I Aint never had Too Much Fun ! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By dobro - January 9 - 11:16 pm

  Roadsters are for FUN, period. Ive owned MGs, a Miata, and have driven a dozen other ragtops,and the Crossfire is the most FUN of them all. As Crossfire demand slackened, I got a screaming deal on a barely used 6 speed Limited Roadster, and I still have to pinch myself to see if Im dreaming. Its as if a Cadillac had a drunken fling with a Boxter, and the result is this precision German machine wearing a rodeo belt buckle. Great handling, great top mechanism, great stereo, great aesthetics. A keeper.

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  fun ride - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By markiewiczc@aol.com - January 6 - 2:00 am

  use car on weekends and trips of 3 hours or more. you have to keep looking at the speedometer - you find yourself driving at speeds well over the posted speed limt and dont know it. i would recomend this car to anyone looking for a fun ride. ive only had the car since july 4,of this year but the car has just been exceptional. the mercedes influence on this car makes it a great buy.

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  2005 Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Jim Fisk - January 4 - 4:25 pm

  Just bought this car a week ago.. And it is GREAT. Very fun to drive, great handling. Looks inside and out are GREAT

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  Dr. Rocket - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Dr Bob - December 31 - 4:19 pm

  I have never owned a real sports car, although I have driven Jags, Porches, Z Cars et al. I did own a Merkur XR4TI for 7 nightmare years. Given that I paid $23,464 for my new Crossfire, I could not be more pleased. It is crisp in response, throaty in exhaust note, and cornors on rails (enough canned cliches?). Entrance and exit take getting used to - unless you are a professional jockey or swimsuit model, in which case size and body stiffness are not a problem. It makes an "old" guy feel young by recalling long coastal drives on winding roads or traversing mountain roads with wine, picnic basket, and an attractive partner. It does not get any better.

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  Fun Commuter or weekend car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By V Salinas - December 29 - 4:21 pm

  I love my Crossfire. I am really happy with my purchase. Stick is the way to go with this car. It has real zip around town and turns heads. I was looking for something reasonable (approx. $25,000) that was fun to drive. Sports cars today tend to amplify engine and exhaust noise but thats not the case on the Crossfire.

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  Luv my Baby - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Dorothy - December 25 - 3:26 pm

  Great Manueverability, fun and sporty, this is a great car to drive. I get questions and receive comments from other people all the time. There is only one thing I would change and that is the cup holder, it is not driver friendly and has broken once already. Otherwise it is a great investment.

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  I love my crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By GARY CROOK - December 20 - 8:04 pm

  I love the overall apperance of my crossfire, and so does everyone else.I get the feel of driving a race car.everyone looks at my crossfire with envy.I feel like a million bucks every time i drive it. If i had a million dollars i would buy another crossfire for my wife. Cant find anything wrong with my crossfire yet.Just wish the sun would shine every day because i dont like to take it out in bad weather.

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  Tomb riding - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By budoinst - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I was initially attracted by the looks, but should have been attentive overall. The car runs OK, but for the money it would seem there are better buys out there. I think it is mainly a novelty to be honest. It is almost tomblike inside as the door panels end high up and are a very uncomfortable presence. There is little or no headroom when all the way back.

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  strong - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Fire lover - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Crossfire for about 3 month now and still love it. I would like a few more horses under the hood but it drives and handles great. Its also a big attention getter. Everyone wants to know what it is and always says how nice a car it is and I still havent seen another one on the road.