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 to drive, a bit rough - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By mrsour - December 19 - 4:46 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. Moves like a rocket, and handles corners like its on rails!!! Bought it with 3k miles for $29k. Have the SRT-6 version. Took the wing off (Im 50, and thought it looked silly with that large wing). It really is a blast to drive, but watch OUT for those potholes - it drives really rough. Wish it had "tunable" suspension like I hear the corvettes have, or SOME cushioning in the seats from the road. Gets LOTS of looks, like folks say! Only had it a few months, so dont know about reliability. Also wish it had more places to store "junk" stuff (those rope-style holders on the door are pretty useless).

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  montana let her run - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By gvarner - December 17 - 1:44 pm

  my crossfire has been a blast to drive and i get a lot of thumbs up. The only thing I dont like is winter driving--It doesnt go in snow.

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  Great car except fuel - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By SRT-6 - November 4 - 3:21 am

  I purchased my Crossfire in May. It is able to drive for everyday use but only for the riches, because the fuel consumption is less more than 17 L/100 km.

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  My first sports car!!! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Fort Laud SRT6 - October 8 - 8:15 pm

  Ive owned a black SRT6 for about 2.5 months now. I bought it as a weekend/fun car. Despite only coming in an auto tranny, this car will satisfy the power hungry... believe me. Friends that have ridden with me (and the few close friends who I trusted to give it a test drive) commented on the rapid acceleration, smooth shifting auto tranny & great handling/traction. It pulls hard & upshifts from 3rd to 4th around 105 or so at full throttle. Trust what the reviews say about it & ignore the very few negative reviews because its a superb performer. Also, consumers held off on buying these at an unfair 45K so they can be had for a reasonable 30-35K w/low milage!! I paid $30,600 w/3400 miles!!!

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  Bang for the Buck - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By YoungFellah - October 4 - 7:59 am

  One of the biggest complaints about this car has been a result of the competition which surrounds it in that mid $30,000 price bracket. You have BMW coupes, the 350Z, the G35 coupe, the S2000, to name a few. And those cars are phenomenal in their own rights. But I got my Crossfire for about $20,000, and it wasnt even a year old. And be fair, which of these cars looks the most exotic? I think that as good as the other cars look, the Crossfire is in a different class. And it is fast enough. The Mercedes 3.2L motor thats under the hood is low on BHP, but it has a fat torque curve that really starts stomping at 3000 rpms. 6.1 0-60 seems good. And the exhaust note!

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Zach - September 30 - 11:16 pm

  This car is a eye turner, and it performs just as good as it looks. The cup holder is a waste, needs a better location

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  Was Good While It Lasted - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By BCM - August 29 - 6:50 am

  Very nice car for the money. Ok, the negatives.. the top did not disengage easily. Once I found just the right way to turn the handle, it worked like a charm. Cruise control lever gets in the way of turn signals. Also when using cruise control it does not keep the same speed when going up hills. Needs premium fuel so make sure you have plenty of cash. Although a summer car, it was not bad in snow with the traction control and antilock breaks especially in the mountains of VA. Very nice pick up for the base V6. I am sure the SRT-6 would be radically faster. I also like the speed shift automatic. It gives more pickup faster when engaged... just make sure you remember to change gears!

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  best looker - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By george - August 11 - 8:51 pm

  it is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. It sure is a crowd pleaser. Everywhere you go people go out of their way to see what kind of car it is.Im very, very happy with the car.

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  SRT6 - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By sean - July 28 - 12:02 pm

  Wicked on the track Acceleration great at any speed. Lots of attention on the road

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  Eye Catching - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Dawn F - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Absolutly awesome car to drive. The exterior design is show stopper. Everywhere I go people and stopping by and looking at it. The inside design needed a little extra thought. The seat does not adjust to a comfortable setting for short people. and the low profile makes it a hard car to get in and out of. But other than that is a fun ride.