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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  Its better than you would think - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By thebigbm - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving a saphire silver blue one for a week. I was able to get one for $2K under sticker so dont fall for the dealers who are still trying to get $2K OVER sticker. The overall driving experience is very good. The Crossfires interior and exterior design and finish is superior to the 350Z the Infiniti. The engine is fine but it doesnt have anywhere near an M3s or a 350Z "push you back into your seat" power. The rear view visibility is limited and Im still raising the spoiler wing while I parallel park in order to get some perspective. Still, for 33-35K youll be the coolest kid on your block for at least a model year or two.

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  Love my Crossfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Brent - September 15 - 2:30 pm

  I love the car. Acceleration is off the chart. Its an attractive, eye catching sports car that is great fun to drive. If you buy, be prepared to be stared at. People will break their neck for a look. I purchased in Houston at $15,000 off the sticker for a new car with 90 miles on the odometer and full factory warranty. My wife and I broke it in on a 600 mile roadtrip from Houston to Amarillo. The car handled beautifully and was actually much more comfortable than expected. On cruise control, the car easily handled the hills with no downshift ever. Passing capability is awesome. Negatives so far; very stiff suspension, limited rear view and the dang cupholder.

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  Excellent Sports Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Gojira - August 19 - 5:43 pm

  I bought this car used a few years after its debut. I loved it from the beginning but prices came down to the point I could grab one. Im glad I did. This is a very fun car with a passionate design and a character all its own. Ive had small mechanical issues (squeaky window, loose shift knob) but no major problems. Fast. Handles beautifully. Quiet for this type of car. Standard traction and stability control made winter driving much easier than I expected. No problems.

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By donna - July 25 - 5:03 pm

  My husband and I purchased a new 2005 Crossfire roadster in Oct 2005. I love the car but its had a vibration that the dealer has been unable to resolve. At 20,000 miles we again took it in and were told that the front two tires (continental brand) had to be replaced due to one cupping on the inside of each tire. The service manager told my husband that it looked like someone driving had been "drifting" and driving it hard. Well, my husband is 70 years old and Im 50 so we dont exactly race the car unless someone is sneaking out at night. We also live on a street which is highly patrolled by the police depart. Speed limit is 35 mph.

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  Satified Customer - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By awp869713 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  eye catching good proforming auto.

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  Gretchen - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By tyler2 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I am a car fanatic, I love them, all shapes and sizes. But this car I couldnt really rely on excet for show. It is a great sports car, I love it. But I want to be able to take a car out whenever I want to, not have to worry about weather. So, I would reccomend it to the warmer environment, and to the car lover of course.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Bryan - April 1 - 8:09 pm

  After reading the reviews posted here, I started to consider the purchase of this car. I already had money down on a Porsche Boxster, but figured it wouldnt hurt to peruse the Chrysler dealership. To see the car in person was impressive, to test drive the car was awesome. Granted, its no track ready, street legal sports car, but that is not what I was looking for. Its fun to drive, handles like a dream, and corners on rails. Needless to say, I cancelled my Porsche order, bought a Crossfire and have been loving every minute of it. This is not a daily driver, but could manage the task just fine.

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  The truth - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Matt - March 3 - 1:23 am

  Since I have had this car it has been a lot of fun. I have only had to problems with this car. One was the door had rust building up due to the weather striping not being properly put on. The warranty took care of this. The other was the car has no spare tire. I had a blow out and no way to fix it. Since Chrysler does not offer a good road side assistance program on flat tires for a car that they make with no spare tire, I had to leave it on the side of the road and wait for help at 3:30 am . At the end total bill was $995.00 including the tire. Dont get me wrong I love the car, however I will never buy a Chrysler again due to the warranty leaving me stuck out. Glad it was me not my wife.

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  Great Car Unit I get my Porsch 911 - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Dreberg - February 3 - 8:46 pm

  Love the looks, love the attention, love the american tags, love the great sounding stereo. Like the seats, like the driving posture, like the trunk space. Disappointed with visibility, throttle response time, heavy feeling to steering, Hate the wet and snowy weather handling (better to leave it in the garage then any way). Good that wife can drive it. My kids think it is too flashy and would have rather me have the SLK.

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  Couldnt wait to get rid of my Crossfire! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Drew - January 13 - 6:43 pm

  My lease on this vehicle ended in June 07 but I traded it in earlier because its such a nightmare to drive. While this car handles and accelerates very well on the highway its a nightmare to ride in the city. Potholes will make you bounce all over the road and getting the tires to stick around turns can be quite a gamble. If you are tall just forget buying this car unless you dont mind your knees touching the dash!