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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  Fun car !! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Mike - November 9 - 12:43 pm

  Great design. Just about every time its on the road it get looks, thumbs up and even stopped by people who want to see it. It even appeals to the 60 and over people including women who say "My husband has to buy me one of those." After driving this for 4 months we sold the Porsche. Have a Roadster on order.

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  Excellent car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By typool - November 7 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I waited since last yr for this convertible. Absolutely love it!! Very fun to drive, great handling. We have had people follow us to take a closer look. The kids think its cool because we have had lots of honks and whistles. This is a great "us" car...no french fries, happy meals, softball equipment, etc. Others with convertibles have remarked about the hideaway top when it goes down. Trunk space is minimal when the top is down but hey..who cares!! Less clothes to take for those fun weekend getaways!!

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  Beautiful sport car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Joxes - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my crossfire 2 weeks ago. Drove back from Colorado to California. Everything works great, nice speed (140 MPH in Utah), nice acceleration, perfect body, great gas mileage. Everything is working great, nothing to worry about. I tested both 350Z and G35 and decided to go for the Mercedes engine. Im glad I made this decision.

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  My dream car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By CodyPortlandORegon - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I traded in my 03 Durango, and have NEVER looked back. This car is fun to drive, and looks great just parked in the garage. I find myself just opening the garage door to take a look at it. I test drove ALL the other "sport cars" I purchased the CrossFire for the looks, and that I have only seen ONE other one on the road. I find other drivers starring at the car. I LOVE THAT. I have a car that not everyone else has, or their neighbor. This car has plenty of power from the 3.2V6 This is the same V6 in the Mercedes SLK320 and the E320.

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  Fun! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By j Fisher - October 20 - 9:13 am

  I really enjoy the car.It has all the power necessary, makes great noises,and has very comfortable seats. I am amazed by the gas mileage. I get 26mph in a mix of city and highway on 87 octane. I think a little more money spent on shocks would be well spent.They are a little more harsh than they need to be. The steering is also not up to normal German standards but all in all a great car for not a lot of money.

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  lotsa fun - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By svdv1972 - October 18 - 5:50 am

  Just came back from 2200 mi road trip and just loved the performance. Seating was very comfortable with wind blowing thru hair.

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  Hot Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Hotat40 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Getting this car as a suprise 40th Birthday present was the BEST. I got the graphite color, and it stops traffic and turns heads. I never knew I would be loving all the attention this hot little sportscar gets. It handles like a dream and has plenty of get up and go for city driving. Little worried about winter driving living in WI, but I will use the winter driving switch, and cross my fingers for the best. I love this car and shopping is not a problem, just get more creative stacking your grocery bags in the hatchback opening! This is the perfect car for anyone under 58". The seat hugs you and lets you feel in total control of a perfect ride.

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  WHITE CROSSFIRE - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By TRJACKSON - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I FEEL THIS VEHICLE IS THE MOST VALUED PRICED SPORTS CAR ON THE MARKET. WE COMPAERED IT TO MANY OTHER CONVERTIBLES AND COUPES. THIS CAR HAS ALL THE FEATURES OF THE HIGHER PRICED JAGS, CADILLACS,MERCEDES AND SUCH.BUT WITH A MUCH MORE REASONABLE COST AND THE OUTSTANDING QUALITY OF MEREDES ENGINEERING. WE LOVE IT.

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  Beautiful, Unique, FUN! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Farben - September 28 - 7:56 am

  Ever since it first came out I loved the styling. I feel its one of the most beautiful new cars (less than $60k)out there. The styling is a dash of retro without being a clone of some previous design. Its not configured as a strict performance car, but that makes the ride very smooth. Though the horsepower isnt that impressive compared to simlarly priced cars, when you want it to go it does! Its all the power I need living in crowded MD.

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  Going to lemon law It - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Topgun - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Love the car if it worked. The car has a vibration in the steering wheel they can not get fixed. The factory knows about the problem but is doing nothing. I have only driven it 200 miles in 2 months I have owned it. It has been in the shop the rest of the time! The level of concern from Chrysler is awful. They just do not care. The service manager at the dealer asked Chrysler to buy it back because it can not be fixed and they refused. It is now going to FL Lemon Law. I bought a 04 Pacifica at the same time for my wife.Never again will I buy from Chrysler! The factory just does not care at all about quality control or customer satisfaction.