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! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Happy in Dallas - November 29 - 7:10 pm

  This is the most fun I have had since I drove an SL in the mid 80s. The performance is great, but what do you expect from a car built in Germany. The style is so much better than the SLK, and its basically the same car. I get compliments and questions about it almost daily. It handles well on the road and gets reasonable gas mileage.

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  Love my Roadster! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By sharon - November 26 - 9:53 pm

  Ive loved this car ever since it was introduced during the 2001 Superbowl! This car is the best little convertible Ive ever driven! I traded in a Sebring Ltd. for this car and there is no comparison! And the looks I get when driving it just solidify what an awesome car it is!

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  AWESOME.... - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By 1st Sportscar - November 14 - 6:20 pm

  Ive wanted this car for the longest time since I saw it and test drove it. It turns on a dime and stops on a dime. The way people gawk and stare at the car makes me feel like im driving a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. This is my first sportscar and it was a great choice in my book!

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  Always A Conversation to be Had. - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By jbjtkbw00 - October 28 - 3:40 pm

  What can I say? I LOVE this car. Quick, nimble, and looks that evoke countless "Nice Car" responses from people of all ages. Not the fastest nor the cheapest of the pack, but its the one that stands out from the pack in terms of styling alone. Sound system is great. Sounds even better with an aftermarket stereo system and NO distortion at all. Engine is smooth and seats are very comfortable. Im 5 3" and have no issues with seating other than the occasional knee room issue if too close. All controls are within reach. Dash is uncluttered and all knobs are simple to use. WARNING...if you dont like conversation, this is NOT the car for you. I would buy this car again (this time a roadster)!

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  Crossfire Bliss - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By iamagambit - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This car handles like a dream. With so much rubber meeting the pavement, it is more fun to drive than my BMW 3 series. Leather, heated seats, heated mirrors, excellent sound system, alarm, keyless remote, are all included. There are no options to add. Interior/exterior color and stick/manual are the only options.

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  MerChrysler! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Yuri - September 25 - 8:43 pm

  I bought this car after looking at many others such as Mustang GT, G35, 350Z, Audi TT and M-B SLK. The Crossfire is a far more interesting vehicle and reminds me of nothing else out there is bland car land. Only the TT has as much chararcter. It may not be as fast as some of the others, but it has other amazing qualities. I love the look, the ride and the fact that it is not one of 160,000 sold. Quality is amazing since the "donor" was an excellent car to begin with. However, the main reason to buy a car such as the Crossfire is the way it looks. This car looks better than many exotics costing 4 times as much. I love this car and it was flawless in the 15 day Florida trip I took it on!

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  BEST CAR I EVER OWNED - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By REVILO - September 5 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS SO AWESOME ...WHAT MORE CAN I SAY ...HANDLES LIKE THE ROAD WAS MADE OF GLUE...AND YOU CAN FEEL THE MERCEDES FEEL OF THE CAR ...I PRICED SLKS AND ENDED UP SAVING $7K ... THIS CAR IS A MUST HAVE CAR ...

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  Only the tires - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Erica - September 2 - 8:00 pm

  I have had my Crossfire for 5 months and I love it. It is a head turner,has much more spead than the SUV that I kept for the kids, and is a joy to drive. I have the Aero Blue and there arent many on the road. There are only 2 things that I dont like. 1-The tires that come with the car are prone to leaks and there is no spare and replacements cost about $1,200. 2-There is only 1 cup holder and it pops up when you rest your elbow on the center console. However--I would buy this car 10xs over if given the choice. Love it

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  head turner - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By earlthepearl - July 24 - 2:00 am

  What is there to say about this car after you have seen it? We endure the archaic German "appointments" because the car is so attractive. The ride is barely smoother than a skateboard, but who cares? We paid $1425 for all season tires, because the factory rubber is similar to racing slicks, & would promote off-roading in the winter. The Crossfire is way too much fun to drive.

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  Watch out - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By PortlandORCodyH - July 19 - 2:16 pm

  I love my CrossFire, but it has been in the shop four times now for the transmission. It pops out of first gear. Not all the time, about every 100-200 miles it will just pop out. Everytime I take it in, the dealership trys to tinker with something else. IT would be easier to just replace the transmission. Now im told "Star" has no more sugestions since there unable to duplicate the problem. So I paid $39k for a car that pops out of gear. All I can do now is take legal action for Chrysler to fix/replace/buy back the car. If you have a choice, buy the automatic. I know its not as much fun. I plan on buying an automatic once this gets resolved.