2004 Chrysler Crossfire: Road Test
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2004 Chrysler Crossfire ▼
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- MSRP: $33,620
- Invoice: $31,158
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Our road test for the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire help you decide if a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base coupe, man. | Base coupe w/all-season tires, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.7 |
Test automatic-transmission Crossfire coupe did 6.6 sec 0-60 mph. That's brisk, but achieving quick passing response requires a pronounced stab at the throttle to coax a downshift from the otherwise smooth-working automatic transmission. No opportunity to time manual-transmission version.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base coupe, man. | Base coupe w/all-season tires, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Test automatic-transmission coupe averaged 20.9 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Note that automatic transmission rates 4 mpg higher city vs. manual. Premium fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base coupe, man. | Base coupe w/all-season tires, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 |
Very firm, with some testers rating it almost harsh on all but smooth surfaces. All-season tires have discernible comfort edge over the "summer" treads.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base coupe, man. | Base coupe w/all-season tires, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8.4 |
Not BMW-nimble, but assured and composed. Minimal cornering lean, strong grip, fine rear-wheel-drive balance. Well-weighted steering provides good feedback, crisp turn-in, though tires tend to tram along pavement grooves. Braking strong, stable.
QUIETNESS
| Base coupe, man. | Base coupe w/all-season tires, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
Marked tire thrum intrudes except on glassy asphalt. Fairly high wind noise above 65 mph. V6 makes classy, muted growl at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| Base coupe, man. | Base coupe w/all-season tires, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Dashboard uses some Mercedes SLK switches and stalks, but Crossfire has its own retro-style gauges that look too busy for best legibility. Switchgear has tiny markings, many look-alike shapes, and audio readouts nearly invisible through polarized sunglasses. Handsome leather upholstery, but hard surfaces most everywhere else, and mere silvery paint instead of metal trim looks like penny-pinching.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base coupe, man. | Base coupe w/all-season tires, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Comfortably supportive seats hug without binding, but rearward travel isn't generous, head room just adequate for 6-footers. Some testers want more lumbar support. Low-slung seating demands effort to enter/exit and combines with high beltline, low roof, short windows to inhibit outward vision, especially astern. Deployed spoiler also blocks rear view. No rear wiper available.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base coupe, man. | Base coupe w/all-season tires, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | .6 |
(No rear seating)
CARGO ROOM
| Base coupe, man. | Base coupe w/all-season tires, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
OK for a 2-seater, but most near-luxury rivals offer more utility. Narrow hatch opening. Oddly shaped cargo bay has tall liftover for potential back-straining loading, unloading. Limited in-cabin storage. Just one cupholder.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base coupe, man. | Base coupe w/all-season tires, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4.6 |
Positioned as a sporting coupe, Crossfire isn't as fast or agile as a hard-core sports car. And its compact size and eye-catching styling means it isn't as practical as the typical near-luxury car. Its main assets are a Mercedes-Benz powertrain, German-built cachet, and capable road manners.
Total Score
| Base coupe, man. | Base coupe w/all-season tires, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 42 | 44 | 47.4 |
Total Score: 43
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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