2005 Chrysler Crossfire Base Convertible 3.2L SOHC V6

Summary:

Very cool little car

Faults:

- Steering stabilizer faulty.

- Engine makes a valve ticking noise.

General Comments:

The car has been very reliable. However, I don't drive it too often because I can barely see out the windshield, because I'm too tall for the car. With the convertible top up, you might as well get used to using your side mirrors, because the tiny window in the rear is useless.

I've been rear ended in the car while sitting at a light. It also got vandalized twice. Afterward, the car wash door came down and dented my hood. Then, a computer monitor got dropped on the driver's fender. The interior is Mercedes-Benz like, but without leather in the base package.

The "Limited" model comes with leather, heated seats, and a larger stereo system. However, I prefer the base package, since it has the 6-speed manual transmission and cloth seats. I don't have the cup holder option, so I don't expect to have a can of soda in the vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th July, 2012

2007 Chrysler Crossfire Base 3.2L V6

Summary:

Overall a great sports car for the money, if you love the looks

Faults:

Paint on windshield surround trim started to discolor. Had to replace it under warranty.

Rear hatch rattling. Fix was simple, wrapping the rear hatch latch with a bit of rubber tape. Now, it's dead solid and quiet.

General Comments:

This car's power is on the order of an RX8, Audi TT, original 350z, or Z4.

I've taken it road-racing at Brainerd International Raceway. It took turns very well (90mph on a flat constant right-hander aka "Turn 2" on street tires) - braking was very good with very little to no fade. The car ran great through about 4 hours of track time. 8.5 qts of engine oil keeps the car cool.

Comfort is fairly good. It's bigger on the inside than a Miata or an S2000, about the same size as a 350Z. Seats are firm, "short" shifter is in the right place. The ride is very smooth and quiet, but you will feel any ripples in the road due to the massive tires and big wheels.

AFAIK, this car is very reliable, nothing has gone wrong with it mechanically (then again I haven't driven it that often.) It's my weekend car.

Quite beautiful to look at. Fun little popup spoiler. Good to drive 300+ miles in a single sitting. The miles just melt away.

Weaknesses: The stereo is pretty weak and the front speakers should probably be replaced if you're an audiophile. Also, this car is a cop-magnet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2009

25th Aug 2009, 09:04

I really like the car, but it does eat tires. I will only get about 15000 miles on my rear tires; Goodyear Eagle tires at 450 dollars per set. This is my only complaint.

24th Sep 2009, 11:15

Regarding tires - I only have 6700 miles on it in the 2 years I've owned it, so thanks for the heads up :)

22nd Dec 2010, 23:09

My reasoning for buying a Crossfire was the important components such as the drive train were mercedes manufactured. I was sorry to hear that the body maker Karmann went under with the hard economic times.

The unique body styling mated with the Mercedes under pan really is a big selling point. I expect years of happy driving, and nobody will make another sports car that looks like the Crossfire.

The timing for such a car wasn't the greatest. I feel very lucky to own one. So many for sale now with a very reasonable asking price. Really a very good bang for the buck. I get 27 mpg, and if you put your foot down, it has more than enough punch. A claimed 150 mph top speed is nothing to sneeze at.

A true classic to be. I love just staring at it, as does my wife. His and hers Crossfires are in the future. We are looking at a roadster next to complement the coupe.

Owning many Mercedes sedans over the years, how could we say no to a rare car made during the Daimler Chrysler era. We recommend these sweet cars to anyone who wants something unique and very trouble free.

23rd Dec 2010, 09:45

"A claimed 150 mph top speed is nothing to sneeze at."

Top speed is useless in the U.S. where 65 is tops for most states. These cars are mediocre at off the line performance, which is more of a useful thing in sports cars.

In reply to 23rd Dec 2010, 09:45

12th May 2012, 00:08

Off the line performance doesn't work for sports cars, and that's not what they're geared for anyway. How many sports cars you ever see at a drag strip? Not very many, for obvious reasons.

In reply to 25th Aug 2009, 09:04

6th Oct 2015, 00:12

450 per set is nice. I go with the 1100 a set. Not so nice.