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2008 Chrysler Crossfire Full Review
Date Published: 5/28/08
Also in the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire Review:
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Chrysler Crossfire Full Review
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2008 Chrysler Crossfire Review
The 2008 Chrysler Crossfire returns with no major changes for what Chrysler says is this sporty car's final model year. This two-seater blends American styling with engineering from Chrysler's former parent company, Mercedes-Benz. Crossfire comes as a hatchback coupe and as a convertible with a power soft top and heated glass rear window. Both come in Limited trim. The lone engine is a 215-horsepower 3.2-liter Mercedes-sourced V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, a 5-speed automatic is optional. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. A plug-in air compressor and a can of tire sealant are provided instead of a spare tire.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
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2008 Chrysler Crossfire Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Road noise |
| Handling/roadholding | Rear visibility |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
In our testing, an automatic-transmission coupe did 6.6 seconds 0-60 mph. That's brisk, but quick passing response requires a pronounced stab at the throttle to coax a downshift from the otherwise smooth-working transmission. Manual-transmission versions feel more responsive. The convertible weighs little more than the coupe and has similar acceleration.
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8.1 |
In our testing, an automatic-transmission coupe did 6.6 seconds 0-60 mph. That's brisk, but quick passing response requires a pronounced stab at the throttle to coax a downshift from the otherwise smooth-working transmission. Manual-transmission versions feel more responsive. The convertible weighs little more than the coupe and has similar acceleration.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission coupe averaged 20.9 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Test manual-transmission convertible averaged 19.2 mpg. Crossfire requires premium-grade gas.
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission coupe averaged 20.9 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Test manual-transmission convertible averaged 19.2 mpg. Crossfire requires premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Coupes are very firm, with some of our testers thinking they are harsh on all but smooth surfaces. Available all-season tires have a discernible comfort edge over the standard "summer" treads. Convertibles are far more absorbent than comparable coupes and are among the most-comfortable two-seat sports cars.
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 6 | 4.4 |
Coupes are very firm, with some of our testers thinking they are harsh on all but smooth surfaces. Available all-season tires have a discernible comfort edge over the standard "summer" treads. Convertibles are far more absorbent than comparable coupes and are among the most-comfortable two-seat sports cars.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Assured and composed. Minimal cornering lean, strong grip, and fine balance highlight this sporty car's handling. Well-weighted steering provides good feedback and crisp turn-in, though the tires tend to tram along pavement grooves. Braking is strong and stable.
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.7 |
Assured and composed. Minimal cornering lean, strong grip, and fine balance highlight this sporty car's handling. Well-weighted steering provides good feedback and crisp turn-in, though the tires tend to tram along pavement grooves. Braking is strong and stable.
Quietness
Marked tire thrum intrudes except on glassy asphalt. Fairly high wind noise above 65 mph; more so in the convertible. The engine makes a classy, muted growl at full throttle.
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.2 |
Marked tire thrum intrudes except on glassy asphalt. Fairly high wind noise above 65 mph; more so in the convertible. The engine makes a classy, muted growl at full throttle.
Controls
The dashboard uses some Mercedes switches and stalks, but Crossfire has its own retro-style gauges. Some of our testers say they look too busy for best legibility. Switchgear has tiny markings and many look-alike shapes. Digital readouts are nearly invisible through polarized sunglasses. The manual-transmission gear knob is slippery polished metal and offers poor grip in quick shifting.
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 5.6 |
The dashboard uses some Mercedes switches and stalks, but Crossfire has its own retro-style gauges. Some of our testers say they look too busy for best legibility. Switchgear has tiny markings and many look-alike shapes. Digital readouts are nearly invisible through polarized sunglasses. The manual-transmission gear knob is slippery polished metal and offers poor grip in quick shifting.
Details
The leather upholstery is handsome, but that's about it. Crossfire's interior has hard surfaces most everywhere else. Silvery painted plastic instead of real metal trim really cheapens the cabin's appearance, an inexcusable move given this car's price.
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 6.9 |
The leather upholstery is handsome, but that's about it. Crossfire's interior has hard surfaces most everywhere else. Silvery painted plastic instead of real metal trim really cheapens the cabin's appearance, an inexcusable move given this car's price.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Supportive seats hug without binding, but rearward travel isn't generous. Headroom is just adequate for six-footers. Some testers want more lumbar support. Low-slung seating demands effort to enter and exit and combines with a high beltline, low roof, and short windows to inhibit outward vision, especially astern. The spoiler also blocks the rear view. Hatchbacks have no rear wiper available.
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Supportive seats hug without binding, but rearward travel isn't generous. Headroom is just adequate for six-footers. Some testers want more lumbar support. Low-slung seating demands effort to enter and exit and combines with a high beltline, low roof, and short windows to inhibit outward vision, especially astern. The spoiler also blocks the rear view. Hatchbacks have no rear wiper available.
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
The coupe has good cargo space for a 2-seater of this size. But the hatch opening is narrow, and the oddly shaped cargo bay has tall liftover for potential back-straining loading and unloading. The convertible's trunk is smaller: 6.5 cu ft with top up, only 3.6 with it down. Both body styles have limited in-cabin storage and just one cupholder.
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 2.6 |
The coupe has good cargo space for a 2-seater of this size. But the hatch opening is narrow, and the oddly shaped cargo bay has tall liftover for potential back-straining loading and unloading. The convertible's trunk is smaller: 6.5 cu ft with top up, only 3.6 with it down. Both body styles have limited in-cabin storage and just one cupholder.
Value within Class
Crossfire is not as well built as the higher-priced BMW Z4 or Mercedes-Benz SLK, and it doesn't offer the value of the less expensive Mazda MX-5. It is best considered a high-style sporty cruiser. Our favorite is the convertible. It delivers open-air fun with a comfortable ride.
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5 | 5.3 |
Crossfire is not as well built as the higher-priced BMW Z4 or Mercedes-Benz SLK, and it doesn't offer the value of the less expensive Mazda MX-5. It is best considered a high-style sporty cruiser. Our favorite is the convertible. It delivers open-air fun with a comfortable ride.
Total Score
| Limited coupe, manual | Limited coupe, automatic | Limited convertible, manual | Class Average |
| 43 | 45 | 46 | 56.5 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 39 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 65 |
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2008 Chrysler Crossfire Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/12/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Limited 2-door coupe | $34,735 | $32,162 | $925 |
|
|
|||
| Limited 2-door convertible | $39,130 | $36,117 | $925 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Limited
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, interior air filter, telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, intermittent wipers, Infinity AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, universal garage door opener, rear defogger, power convertible top (convertible), automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, fog lights, 225/40ZR18 front tires, 255/35ZR19 rear tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Powertrain |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
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||
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Limited
|
$1,075
|
$989
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Navigation system
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Limited
|
$1,200
|
$1,104
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2-tone interior
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Limited
|
$250
|
$230
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Special paint
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||
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Limited
|
$150
|
$138
|
|
All-season tires
|
||
|
Limited
|
$185
|
$170
|
|
225/40ZR18 front, 255/35ZR19 rear.
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||
|
|
||
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2008 Chrysler Crossfire Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chrysler Crossfire 2-door coupe | Chrysler Crossfire 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 94.5 | 94.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 159.8 | 159.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.5 | 69.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.4 | 51.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3061 | 3140 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 7.6 | 6.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 36.9 | 37.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.7 | 42.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.2 /195 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 215 @ 5700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 229 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed manual | 15/23 |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Chrysler Crossfire 2-door coupe | Chrysler Crossfire 2-door convertible |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | Lifetime/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
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Also in the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chrysler Crossfire Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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