2004-2008 Chrysler Crossfire: Road Test

Performance is generally a strong point, even with the base engine. A test automatic-transmission Crossfire coupe did 6.6-second acceleration to 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. Manual-shift models feel more responsive. As in the Mercedes CLK, balky manual-shift/clutch action makes smooth driving tricky. Convertibles weigh little more than coupes, so acceleration figures are similar. Fuel economy ranks as passable. A test automatic-transmission Crossfire coupe averaged 20.9 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. A manual-shift convertible averaged 19.2 mpg. Note that judging by EPA estimates, the automatic scores 4 mpg higher in city driving, versus the manual. Premium fuel is required. Controlled and stable at speed, Crossfire coupes ride very firmly. In fact, some testers have rated it almost harsh on all but smooth surfaces. All-season tires have a discernible comfort edge over the original "summer" treads. Convertible suspensions are more absorbent than those of comparable coupes, which places them among the most comfortable-riding two-passenger sports cars. Handling may not be BMW-nimble, but it's assured and composed, with minimal cornering lean, strong grip, and fine rear-wheel-drive balance. Well-weighted steering provides good feedback and crisp turn-in, though tires tend to tramp along pavement grooves. Braking is strong and stable. Crossfires aren't the quietest. Marked tire thrum intrudes except on glassy asphalt. Wind noise gets fairly prominent above 65 mph--more so in convertibles. On the other hand, the V6 emits a classy, muted growl at full throttle. Dashboards use some Mercedes SLK switches and stalks, but Crossfire has its own retro-style gauges that some testers insist are too "busy" for best legibility. Switchgear has tiny markings and numerous look-alike shapes. Audio readouts are nearly invisible through polarized sunglasses. Leather upholstery is handsome, but hard surfaces abound most everywhere else, and silvery paint instead of real metal trim looks like penny-pinching. The manual transmission's gearshift knob is slippery polished metal, which provides poor grip in quick shifting. Comfortably supportive front seats hug without binding, but rearward travel isn't generous and head room is just adequate for six-footers. Some testers wanted more lumbar support. Low-slung seating demands effort to enter/exit and combines with a high beltline, low roof, and short windows to inhibit outward vision--especially astern. Deployed spoilers also block the rear view, and hatchback coupes have no rear wiper. Cargo space is okay for a two-seater of this size, but most near-luxury rivals offer more utility. Coupes have 7.6 cubic feet of space beneath the hatch, which has a narrow opening. The oddly-shaped cargo bay has a tall liftover, which means potential back-straining when loading and unloading. Convertible trunks are smaller yet: 6.5 cubic feet with the top up, shrinking to 3.5 cubic feet when the roof is down. In-cabin storage is limited in both body styles, and occupants get only one cupholder.

Value for the Money
Positioned as a sporting coupe, the regular Crossfire isn't as fast or as agile as a hard-core sports car. Compact size and eye-catching styling mean it isn't as practical as typical near-luxury cars. Its main assets are a Mercedes-Benz powertrain, German-built cachet, and capable road manners. Consider it a stylish, sporty cruiser. SRT-6 versions come across as narrowly focused high-performance machines (with premium prices for the enhanced powertrain and improved brakes). Convertibles are by far the more appealing of the two body styles, delivering open-air fun with more refinement and comfort than most similarly-priced two-seat drop-tops.