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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  Tires - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Cool Dude - October 13 - 3:23 pm

  The car is fantastic. Its been a pleasure to drive and to be seen in. Not one day goes by that someone looks and smiles at the car. This is a whole new experience for me since my other car was a 318i and everybody and his brother has one of those. My only problem was finding out that 19 inch low profile back tires are hard to find replacements for in a hurry.

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  Stunner is Also Very Reliable - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By REDSC400 - October 9 - 2:40 am

  My 2004 Crossfire is both fun to drive and quite economical providing me with 26MPG and incredible performance. This two seater is also a head turner and I am constantly getting thumbs ups and questions about the car. The Crossfire is built at the Karman plan by Mercedes and sold in the USA by Chrysler. The six speed manual is crisp and short throw make it a joy to drive. The brakes are excellent.

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  Excellent car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Cary - September 17 - 5:43 pm

  My last car before this one was a Porsche 911 so I really didnt expect much when I got behind the wheel. But I was very pleasently surprised by the strong, predictable power band, incredible cornering, excellent braking, and styling that never seems to lose its appeal. For a small car, it isnt particularly fuel efficient but apart from that, no complaints.

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  Bobs Reveiw - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Herskowitz - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I found my Crossfire to be an exhillerateing ride; with a quick punch, luxurious cabin, and smooth ride.

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  Wow Wee! A Home Run! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By M-benz - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is truly the car of my dreams. I beleive this car is the most well designed and built out there today. I feel like I am in Heaven. It does every thing right! 35 grand, a steal!

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Liza - July 12 - 4:46 pm

  I love my crossfire!! It is so beautiful, I enjoy looking at it everytime I get in to drive it. The steering is ultra precise, the interior surfaces are cutting-edge, and the controls are thoughtfully placed! Not to mention the excellent brakes which have reacted well when I needed them to! Good Job Chrysler!

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  Two Summers and still great - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Matt from Mass - July 3 - 8:13 am

  Purchased the crossfire in November and stored it for the winter. I have been enjoying the car for two summers now and wouldnt part with it. Milage is better than estimated with the automatic 24-26 city and 32-34 highway and thats at 70+ top up. Corners unbelievably tight. Complaints are the cup holder(why even bother)and the 2 way adjustable passenger seat. (why not make them the same?) The car is still an eye catcher.

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  Best 6cyl Sport car ever - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Chrysler makin moves - June 24 - 7:56 pm

  This car is just a great car! Plain and simple. I have driven a lot of cars and this one turns more heads than any other car I have drove in a long time. The car drives and handles as good as it looks. You can park this car in front of a 5 star restaurant or run it down the freeway at speeds over 140 mph and this car feels at home. I dont advise you to drive that fast but u get the idea.

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  My Crossfire is Awsome - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Scott Rabe - April 27 - 10:00 am

  The Crossfire looks expensive from the exterior and interior and drives like an expensive sports car. It is solid and effortless to drive on the highway and in the city and gets a " thumbs ups" and looks from people driving both very expensive and ordinary cars. The low profile tires, the 19 inche wheels in the back and 18 inche wheels in the front, add so much to the look of the car. The speed activated spoiler is a feature that makes me smile every time it operates. The 215 hp engine propels the car very fast for this 62 year old male and solid handling on curves is again a cause for smiles.

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  2005 Crossfire Ltd Roadster - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By bsblair - April 25 - 6:26 pm

  Sure is nice to have a car with torque, 2 A4s, turbo 4 w/ quattro, great cars, but no acceleration 0-30. Bought a roadster, cant wait for warm weather to drop the top. Room for more ammenities, but that would just drive up the cost. My wifes RX-8 has it beat for handling, but this car is more for cruising, with the top down.