2005 Chrysler Crossfire: Road Test
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2005 Chrysler Crossfire ▼
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- MSRP: $29,145 -$49,470
- Invoice: $27,131 -$45,858
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Our road test for the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire help you decide if a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Limited hatch, man. | Limited hatch w/all-season tires, auto. | Limited conv w/all-season tires, man. | SRT-6 hatch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8.1 |
Test automatic-transmission Limited coupe did 6.6 sec 0-60 mph. That's brisk, but quick passing response requires pronounced stab at throttle to coax a downshift from otherwise smooth-working transmission. Manual-transmission versions feel more responsive. Convertible weighs little more than coupe, has similar acceleration. SRT-6 delivers more abrupt takeoffs and more willing highway passing power.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Limited hatch, man. | Limited hatch w/all-season tires, auto. | Limited conv w/all-season tires, man. | SRT-6 hatch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Test automatic-transmission coupe averaged 20.9 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Test manual-transmission convertible averaged 19.2 mpg. Supercharged SRT-6 averaged 22.3 mpg in mostly Interstate-highway driving. Premium-grade fuel required for all.
RIDE QUALITY
| Limited hatch, man. | Limited hatch w/all-season tires, auto. | Limited conv w/all-season tires, man. | SRT-6 hatch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
Controlled and stable at speed, but coupe very firm; some testers consider it harsh on all but smooth surfaces. All-season tires have discernible comfort edge over "summer" treads. Convertible far more absorbent than comparable coupe, is among most-comfortable-riding 2-seat sports cars. Stiffer suspension in SRT-6 makes for a jolting ride over highway cracks and wavy pavement at most any speed.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Limited hatch, man. | Limited hatch w/all-season tires, auto. | Limited conv w/all-season tires, man. | SRT-6 hatch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8.6 |
Assured, 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, especially in SRT-6.
QUIETNESS
| Limited hatch, man. | Limited hatch w/all-season tires, auto. | Limited conv w/all-season tires, man. | SRT-6 hatch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Marked tire thrum intrudes except on glassy asphalt. Fairly high wind noise above 65 mph; more so in convertible. V6 makes classy, muted growl at full throttle. SRT-6 has booming exhaust note that is fairly loud under acceleration.
CONTROLS
| Limited hatch, man. | Limited hatch w/all-season tires, auto. | Limited conv w/all-season tires, man. | SRT-6 hatch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
Dashboard uses some Mercedes switches and stalks, but Crossfire has its own retro-style gauges; some testers say they look too busy for best legibility. Switchgear has tiny markings, many look-alike shapes. Digital readouts nearly invisible through polarized sunglasses. Manual-transmission gear knob is slippery polished metal; offers poor grip in quick shifting. Leather upholstery is handsome, but interior has hard surfaces most everywhere else, and mere silvery paint instead of classier metal trim. Suede seat inserts in SRT-6 help keep occupants in place during quick maneuvers.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Limited hatch, man. | Limited hatch w/all-season tires, auto. | Limited conv w/all-season tires, man. | SRT-6 hatch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
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. Spoiler also blocks rear view. Hatchback has no rear wiper available.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Limited hatch, man. | Limited hatch w/all-season tires, auto. | Limited conv w/all-season tires, man. | SRT-6 hatch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .4 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Limited hatch, man. | Limited hatch w/all-season tires, auto. | Limited conv w/all-season tires, man. | SRT-6 hatch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Coupe has 7.6 cu ft of cargo room beneath its hatch; good for a 2-seater of this size. But hatch opening is narrow, and oddly shaped cargo bay has tall liftover for potential back-straining loading, unloading. Convertible trunk smaller: 6.5 cu ft with top up, only 3.5 with it down. Both models have limited in-cabin storage. Just one cupholder.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Limited hatch, man. | Limited hatch w/all-season tires, auto. | Limited conv w/all-season tires, man. | SRT-6 hatch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4.6 |
SRT-6 versions are narrowly focused high-performance machines with a steep price premium. Other Crossfires are best considered high-style sporty cruisers. Our pick here is a base or Limited model in convertible form, by far the more appealing of the two body styles. They deliver open-air fun with more refinement and comfort than most similarly priced two-seat ragtops, and are available at deep discounts.
Total Score
| Limited hatch, man. | Limited hatch w/all-season tires, auto. | Limited conv w/all-season tires, man. | SRT-6 hatch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | 44 | 45 | 43 | 47.8 |
Total Score: 44
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