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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  Attention! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Crossfire - May 13 - 1:40 am

  I love my Crossfire. It is one awesome car. I am so happy with it. I had a BMW Z3 while I bought the Crossfire. I have had three back surgeries. I think it is very comfortable. I am actually glad I bought it. I like the attention too. It is good to be different. I think it looks better than the SLK. Everyone has the SLK. Not a lot of people have the Crossfire.

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  MY fun car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By willie gadson - April 8 - 3:46 am

  My wife and I wanted the crossfire because we were in the market for a second sport car. We have cars designed for comfort, this car does what it was designed to do, Its fun to drive. It does it job.

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  What a car!! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By ARG - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing, incredible style inside and out. Fun to drive, great performance. Ive owned many chrysler products over the last 10 years (LHS, Sebring Conv., 300M, Pacifica), this car puts Chrysler on a whole new playing field. AWESOME!

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  GREAT FOR THE MONEY - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By phenix76822 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  GREAT SPORTY CAR..A POOR MANS EXOTIC

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  First Roadster in Dallas! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By thomasrayw - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I got my dealers first Roadster and I love it! The exterior styling is awesome, and is fun all around. The look with the top down is classic and clean. The convertible top is done much better than the Viper which is twice the price. Nice gauges and quality sound system. I would like more horsepower though. At 215hp, its less than Im accustomed to in my Cadillac CTS (also a fabulous car!). Speed lines on the hood are a great touch, as well as the 18" front and 19" rear wheels. Better rear visibility with the top up than the coupe version of this car. Great trunk space with the top up, and plenty of room for groceries with the top down.

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  SRT-6 Coupe - A Real Sleeper!! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Ken C - February 20 - 3:10 am

  I purchased my Graphite Metallic SRT-6 7 mos ago. The plan was to buy the SRT- 6, drive it for a couple of years until the price of a used Cayman S got within my range, then sell it and move into the Porsche. I really underestimated this car! Suspension, handling, acceleration, and build quality have all been tremendous. The more I drive it, the more impressed I am. Im not clear why the SRT-6 hasnt gotten more positive press. I guess attention has been more focused on the new Vette and Cayman S. With the incentives available on the SRT-6, the price is below $40K, making the SRT-6 a bargain compared to similar performing 2 seat sports cars. Like the title says: A Real Sleeper!!

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  SEAT42 - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By HUGHTON KELSEY - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR "SHORT HISTORY" I HAD 99 HONDA SHADOW MC 00 ZX7 " 01 CBR929 " 02 CBR954 " 02 FZR R1 " NOW I HAVE A CROSSFIRE YES I LOVE MOTORCYCLES,THEY ARE FAST AND FUN BUT THIS CAR IS ALL THE FUN I WILL EVER NEED. EVERY ONE LOVES THIS MACHINE EVEN THE STATE POLICE...I KNOW. IF YOU KNOW MOTORCYCLES THEN YOU KNOW I HAD SOME OF THE BEST... THIS CAR IS A DREAN COME TRUE. SO LONG FROM SEAT 4 2"

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  when youre in it you feel sexy - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By mittie lester - January 11 - 11:16 am

  the driving of this vehicle is amazing, not only that its a looker. people often stare and try to figure out what it is. its just a great looking automobile. it rides great and it gets up there very fast. Im not a very fast driver, but somehow you feel like youre floating. it doesnt hesitate at all. Ive owned a few cars and this one is the most fun Ive had in a long time.

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  Simply Magnificant! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Rambler358 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Im 61" and manage to fit in this car nicely. I had headroom problems with the 350Z and RX-8, which were the other cars I was considering. I thought Id have even more of a headroom problem with this car, but not so. This car turns heads where ever it goes, and performance is great for a V6. Only 215hp but the 229 torque really gets it moving quickly. Couldnt find a red model, but the graphite metallic I got is stunning. I havent seen this car on the road yet, only at dealerships. I paid MSRP but thats to be expected for a 04 model right now with the car is still in limited quantity.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Baba LaMuch - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Well done German-American car