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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  Must Have! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By ste7of1 - July 23 - 5:00 pm

  Everybody loves it. Great performance for average driving and road conditions. Straightens out all the roads around here. Awesome curb appeal. Gets many comments.

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  Major disappointment - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By DackarM3 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive rented this car on vacation in Vegas. Wanted one with stick, but got automatic, oh well. The interior made of cheap plastic, the silver central panel is too bright. Radio is too complicated and locks itself up while driving. The seats are a little small for 6’2”, but good. Turn signal switch is too close to cruise control. The side windows are tiny, the C-pillars are too wide. Both pedals and the wheel are heavy, as the whole car is. They feel numb, or maybe that was the transmission and suspension? The engine is OK, the breaks are horrible, I locked them up twice on a hot asphalt of Vegas, while the deceleration wasn’t even close to locking them up.

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  Crossfire is little known gem - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Ebody - July 20 - 8:23 am

  I just got a 2005 Limited Coupe after searching car dealers for 6 months for the "right car". I looked at BMW 3 Series Coupe, Mini Cooper S Conv, Caddy CTS, Corvette, G35 Coupe, 350Z and Boxster. With the rebates, the Crossfire had the right mix of price, comfort, sporty (always wanted a 2 seater), insurance cost, gas mileage, power and off course, handling. It gets almost as many looks and questions as my PT Cruiser did when it was new. The car rides great, my wife and I actually slept in the passengers side during our trip to Florida when we switched off driving. The crisp handling saved our life by avoiding a vehicle that cut in front of us on interstate road construction.

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  My Present - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Birthday Girl - July 20 - 2:00 am

  My husband bought me my 2004 crossfire for my 40th birthday. What a GREAT GIFT!! The car is a jem and makes all heads turn. If your looking for a hot car this one definitely draws eyes, and starts conversations with lots of people. I find it so funny when they ask,"what kind of car is that?" Then they ask the price, and then when I tell them, they are shocked it is so reasonably priced. Alot of praise to Chrysler for finally making a fun fast affordable sports car!!! I suprisingly can fit an enitire shopping cart of groceries neatly stacked in the trunk, and how funny it is when I leave it in the parking lots and watch all the gawkers!!!

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  WOW and DOUBLE WOW - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Retired - July 14 - 2:00 am

  After owning BMWs, Nissons Z cars, many US sports cars this one is the BEST!! It simply turns heads everwhere. The ice blue is a clasic color. The car handles like a dream on curvey country roads and very stable on the open highway. The sweep back design coupled with the auto spoiler is a plus for the over 75mph crowd. Inside the layout is great with easy to reach controls and comfy seats.

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  So much Fun! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Marius Zaugg - July 13 - 6:03 am

  My wife bought one, I negotiated the price. I cant tell you how much fun this car is. I get so many compliments, I think I am driving a $100k car. The roadhandling qualities are European of course and are very accurate. The overall design makes me think I am driving an Aston Martin. People stare at the car every where we go in awe. I havent had so much fun in a long time. The overall quality feels very good. No problems to report so far. Solid metal panels, smooth Mercedes engine and transmission. I test drove other two seaters and for the money I feel I got the most car.

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  Lotta Bang for the Buck - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By JackInMidtown - July 13 - 2:00 am

  It has been some time since I actually looked forward to having to drive somewhere. My 2004 Crossfire Coupe has put that feeling back into me. With its second-to-none looks and go-getter attitude, it puts pleasure back into the driving experience. Daimler- Chrysler has brought out a product that they should both be proud of. DC incentives make this car worth every penny.

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  1 year and still loving it! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Matt M TX - July 6 - 9:10 am

  The styling of these cars is what drew me to them. I always get compliments everywhere I go and you dont see too many of them around so they stand out. The engine is smooth with a nice broad torque band and decent power. The car begs to be driven fast so I do wish there was more on tap but still not bad. The interior is not for everyone. I find it cozy but some may find it cramped. The car sits low so plan on a bit of climbing to get in the door. The fit and finish is great and the materials look good. The convertible top is high quality and surprisingly quiet. My first year has been a joy. This car exudes fun with a nearly perfect balance of performance, comfort, and economy.

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  My New Crossfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Blueyes - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 9th convertible and I just love it. The automatice hide away top and the glass back window were big selling options to me. I am still getting use to the wide hood since my last car was a BMW Z3. The trunk is good size yet much larger than what I am use to. Handles easily. A person followed me to the local shopping mall so they could get a good look at it and was just in awe. Seems to appeal greatly to my age group 50+.

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  I love this Car, I love it, I love it! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Sandra Mayfield - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt looking to buy a new car. I went with a friend to South County Chrysler, she was getting her oil changed in her van(June 9th). I walked around the dealership, saw the Crossfire, fell in love, bought it the next day!