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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  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Terry - May 10 - 9:34 pm

  The cupholder is of poor design, otherwise the car is really nice and fun to drive.

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  MY TOY - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By RON - May 7 - 3:37 pm

  I bought this just for a summer toy. Its a blast to drvie and I get (nice car) everytime Im out. People always stop to stare. I have got over 30mpg at times. It has only has 16000 miles on it and not one problem. It rides a little rough but we dont have the best roads in Ohio. The 19" wheels and low pro tires makes cornering fantastic. The interior is a little tight but Im 6ft and 215 lbs. Probably a little large for any two seater. But it was affordable and with the top down,its just as desirable as any other 2-seat sports car out there.

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  Love my Roadster! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Sharon - April 29 - 6:43 pm

  After dreaming of this car for 5 years when they only had the coupe version, my dream came true when I traded in my no-comparison Sebring LTD. It handles like a dream and you know its a good convertible when you can actually hold a conversation without yelling! I love the looks I get when I drive my car, as well as the compliments my little yellow convertible gets. And when that spoiler comes up, what a knock out of a car!! It hugs corners like a dream and I find myself taking the long way home and everywhere else I have to go just to drive my car for as long as possible. Chrysler has a winner here!

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  Get Ready for Attention! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By BlkXfire - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Drove it home last weekend--what a thrill. People will do anything to get a look and or in it. If you do not like any attention--stay away from this car. Best looking thing on the road, and drives beautifully.

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  After almost 2 years still excited - 2007 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Old Dude - April 26 - 4:32 pm

  I love: 1. That I can smoke those little Mitsubishis and VWs at redlights, 2. that I can consistantly get 26-27MPG when driving 80-90 on the highway, 3. that I can put the top down without getting out of the car, 4. that I can take corners at 80 that my Jeep can only take at 50-60, 5. that my wife cant pack 400lbs of clothes when we go on a trip & she is OK with that. Most Importantly, I love that after almost 2 years, I still get excited just looking at it. I my wife and I had to choose between each other or the car, wed both take the car and I love my wife of 28 years.

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  Toy - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By AstoriaLarry - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Great 2-seater. This car gathers a crowd whenever I park it.

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  No Comparison Anywhere... - 2008 Chrysler Crossfire
  By M.Heiden - April 6 - 10:57 am

  This car is "proof" positive of how over rated Toyota and Lexus are. This car looks great, drives great and was more than reasonable to purchase. I refuse to drink the Kool Aid and believe that everything from Japan is great... This is my second one, a 2005 coupe and now a convertible. My last Corvette almost rattled my teeth out of my head, and my kidneys still dont work properly. I think Ill buy one more and leave it in garage for when these wear out at 200k...

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  Its a great car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Lorelei - April 5 - 10:00 am

  this is our third Chrysler convertible..had 2 Sebrings in the past. the Crossfire handles great, turns on a dime, begs to fly.

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  Vehicular Prozac - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By KimPossible - March 24 - 9:27 pm

  This is the perfect second car for anyone unless you have knee problems (in which case you shouldnt be getting into ANY sports car). I know a lot of people who also use them as a daily driver, but I dont trust the other people on the roads enough. This is a head turner .... I get so many stares that it is almost embarrassing. Right after I got it, I walked out of a take out place to see a group of people gathered around my car. My heart plummeted - I was sure it had been hit. As it turns out, a crowd of people just wanted to stand around a look at it. That will make you smile every day.

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  Used Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By 2004 Chrysler Crossf - March 24 - 5:07 pm

  The car looks great except for the plastic headlight covers that fog over from the sun and look awful. They cant be replaced unless you buy the entire light assembly at $400+ each. The back hatch door rattles real bad and mine has etched through the paint where the hard rubber has worn through it. I wish it had an off switch for the back fin. Its distracting, embarrassing and blocks your view in the rear view mirror. Other than that its been a fun driver!