Remember... this car was built in the Karmann factory in Germany and has about 80% Mercedes components, including a Mercedes engine. It was built on an SLK platform back when Chrysler and Daimler were married (I am a Daimler employee). For any cheaper feeling interior components that it may have, the chassis feels nice and tight, like Mercedes quality. Mine was a great bargain. I bought it 10 years old with less than 1500 miles on it and had no scratches or dings. It truly was like new - and even smelled new inside, after 10 years! I've driven it for 2 years now with no problems other than replacing the battery and two oil changes, which is normal maintenance for ANY car. I'm also a scoatch over 5.9 and feel the seat adjusts plenty low enough for me. I have the sensation I am sitting low to the ground, especially after owning a Mustang for many years. This car will get up and scoot! I love charging down the interstate on-ramps and that feeling of getting pushed back in the seat by the acceleration. To say it is "peppy" is an understatement. In the past I've owned Mustangs, Camaros, and Firebirds, and have to say this is the most fun-to-drive of all of them. If you get one, run a flat file over the backside of the door handles to remove a very sharp edge along the handle seam, again, behind the handle where you cannot readily see. If you don't, you may someday get a cut similar to a paper cut. Can't really pin the blame on Chrysler for this, as the handles were probably an out sourced component. Overall, the reviewer says it best here...this car is very fun to drive, and this negates any of the less than perfection quirks it may have. Really love the look too - especially that "big butt" back-end! Just plain sexy in my opinion! So much more I could say about it. Maybe I'll do a review as well. Bottom line, I have no desire for any other car right now, and that's huge thing for me! I look forward to getting into this car every day!
@Nomad Vagabond I know how to fix that. There are a couple of vids on how to do it on RU-vid. It's easy but if it's locked up it is a bear.look me up if you need pointers. I live in central Washington state.
There is a video on RU-vid that shows what they think a 2019 Crossfire would look like. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rBDuST-Rg7g.html
I own a 2004 chrysler crossfire with only 38k original miles. dropped a turbo in it I'm running 440 hp with a fv blow out valve and I smoke just about any car that tries to race. I'd drive my crossfire over anything else.
Jordan are you on the Crossfire owners pages on Facebook. you should join us. we'd all be curious to see what you did to get a turbo setup to work in our cars. please join us and tell us about your car and please post pics
Jordan Cowan the ones in my area are all cheaply modded with tail light tints and huge wheele . Looks rednecc, the original look is better and looks expensive.
Thanks, Great honest review. Been on the fence considering this as a second car to my Commander and this review has helped a lot. Definitely going to get one. Many on the market under 10k miles and well under $15k so its a no brainer. Pocket change almost for what I personally think is one of the most beautiful cars ever. NOTE ON THIS: How is it people forget so easily design is subjective and feel they need air negative opinions on such? And to all these guys saying a 350z is the better choice! Not when you are a 44 year old professional guy. Really 350z? Had a 280zx as my first car but I am an adult now. Can't really show up at the country club with a 350z and expect anyone to share a tee time with me.
I forgot these cars existed, and now they are extremely cheap, which is great because despite being old, the design is unique enough not to look dated. My only concern is servicing. It's probably really expensive because parts will be rare to get hold off if anything goes wrong.
I recently got a crossfire. It was an early 15th birthday gift and I love this car. I'm 5'9 and while at first it was a struggle getting in, all I had to do was lower the seat and it's an ease. This car is by far the most comfortable car I've ever driven, and although I'm young I can say with confidence that I'm a pretty good driver (I learned to drive in a ford 350 super duty and just overall trucks) If you're looking for a sports coupe and don't have 10k to spend, this car will do. Mines has 100k mileage and is in amazing condition. I give it another 100k before it goes and is nothing but a memory. In the end, its quite an amazing car with an interesting story behind it. I'd rate 10/10 and would continue doing so but since it is an eleven year old car I'd have to give it 8/10.
I actually liked these cars back in the day. Still do actually. Whenever we would bring our car for service, I'd bee line straight for the Crossfire in the showroom lol
I own and have been driving mine in 2022 / 23. Other motorists just scoff when they see my Crossfire on the streets. While they are sat in their BLAND mass produced German heap! The badge snobbery plus delusion is real !! 🤡 I have the last laugh.
+subaruwrxfan Come review mine (: 2004 with black and red leather interior. Silver exterior. It's in perfect condition except for wear on the steering wheel.
I recently bought a Srt6 05' Crossfire, fucking love it, looks luxurious and has power, id prefer this over a 350z anyday lol, not to mention its rarity of 2000 or so made worldwide
Nail on Head ! The srt6 option was about $15000 more than the base model. But there was no manual. Thats why I baught mine. Enjoy that thing and watch for rear tire wear !
I bought a 2005 6-speed manual last week as a replacement for my old 1999 Audi S3 1.8 turbo (same engine as a TT). Even though power-wise they are almost similar, the V6 gives an amazingly comfortable cruising feel. And where the 350Z still does 11-12k for the oldest models, i bought the Xfire for under 7k. I can live with the oudated tech and interior for that money.
I love the un-bias review! I own an SRT-6 Crossfire I bought it about 5 years ago now with about 20k miles on it. I have about 30k on it now and its the best and most fun car I have owned and I tend to go through a lot of different sports cars. I love how unique the car looks and its performance and reliability have been great too. Even running the supercharger a lot faster. Its probably one of the best cheap sports cars you can buy. 3-6k will get you one in good condition for a limited.
The M112 V6 in the Crossfire is known to be a bulletproof engine. There are a few owners that have 400k plus on the original engines. This is one of Mercedes better engines.
I have the same engine in my CLK320 W209 and its a pretty good engine. I wish they offered a manual transmission for the CLK as well but its only available with a 5 speed automatic gearbox.
I have a crossfire and I love it its fast it drives beautiful and u don't need a lot of trunk space its not a mini van mine has leather heated seats talk about the positive please
I rented that car in 2006 for my 25th b day. I'm 6ft tall. It was TIGHT! I mean SMALL AS HELL INSIDE. Decent car, but to small for a big guy as his daily driver.
I feel like this and the 350z are two completely different cars. The competitor for the Crossfire I think would be the Saturn Sky and the Pontiac Solstice. The Saturn Sky is a very nice looking car. The Saturn Sky is what I'd choose out of the 3. :)
Nothing more than Chrysler's version of the Mercedes SLK. I seen one on Craigslist recently as low as $1500.00. If this car is like your typical Chrysler product it doesn't age well and probably suffering from major reliability issues by now. Chrysler has never really built anything worth dam especially small reliable vehicles. Perfect example would be cars like the Dodge Aspen and it's twin the Plymouth Volaré. I still remember back in the late 70's the Chrysler Corporation along with the energy & oil crisis, recession and building pieces of shit cars like I mentioned above was on the verge of total bankruptcy. They had to get $1.5 billion bail out by the federal government to keep it doors open. Lee Iacocca restructured the company saved the Chrysler from utter demise.
I love your videos but sometimes you have to reconsider what you are critiquing. Why does it matter how hard it is to see the sky or stick your head out the window? If you ask me, having a roof that blocks the sun a little longer during morning or evening hours is exactly what I'd want and trumps looking up at the clouds. And the interior storage space. Three things I want that auto manufacturers never seem to get right. 1. A place to put loose change. 2. A place for large 2015 style cell phones. 3. A spot for large bottles. The ash tray, center slot, and netting on the door covers all three on this vehicle. You said storage space isn't good. At least they have the basics covered like no others can accomplish. Anything else just use the glove box. /rant. ☺
Traffic lights could potentially be difficult to see. Happens occasionally in my Civic Si with 5% tint on the top of the windshield. Probably similar experience.
If u actually drive, the lower roofline cud block some traffic lights or even highway road signs. It's the kinda thing u either cud get used to or it cud annoy the shit out you more and more. And it could also make some claustrophobic people really uncomfortable as the lower roofline gives off a sensation of being sorta caved in.
JPalm Traffic lights could potentially be difficult to see. Happens occasionally in my Civic Si with 5% tint on the top of the windshield. Probably similar experience
It was neat seeing a review of this car considering I just traded my 05' limited coupe with a manual in last week after enjoying 150,000 miles. Just like you said this was a cool intro into the sport coupe segment. Purchased mine back in 2010 for 12 grand. Sure I took a lot of shit from other enthusiast much like this comments section shows. However once I got them behind the wheel they were pleasantly surprised by the throttle response and powerband. I treated it much like a grand tourer rather than race car and came away satisfied after 5 years of ownership and minimal maintenance cost. One last remark I would like to mention that although the steering is not confidence inspiring at first, there is plenty of weight in the rack. The more you drive it the more comfortable you become with it at the limits, and get to exploit what is a sizeable amount of mechanical grip from the oversized rubber. Never would I have recommended purchasing this car new, but with what depreciation has done you can pick up a good example all day long for 7k and have some fun.
Have had a 2005 convertible for about 8 years now, after buying it used around 2011. Great convertible, fun to drive, BUT.....these cars are orphans now, with neither Chrysler (the seller) nor Mercedes Benz (the builder) wanting much to do with them as far as maintenance is concerned. Search the internet and you will find a trail of tears of electrical and mechanical woes that afflict these cars, particularly the rag top. Ours was great until about 2 years ago, when the electrical glitches began to crop up, followed by a partial delamination of the rear window from the fabric of the top. Lots of bucks to fix, and the car is now overall unreliable, at least in terms of a long cross country road trip - you never know what new glitch will rear its ugly head. Too bad, because it is really a fun car....
I am having a hard time trying to figure out why you people dislike this car so much, and you haven't experienced the car. I've bought TWO of these in my lifetime and i am only 26. I NEVER had a problem with either one of them. Matter of fact, i own the limited version now with chrome stock wheels. Wherever i go, heads turn. All my women love the car. My friends were questionable at first, but after experiencing the performance they reconsidered. The only complaints i get are the lack of space....but trust me, the torque and power make up for it in the passenger seat. I see so many comments about the car not being reliable and its "ugly". Well....to each his own. My current crossfire has 128k miles and it runs like new. Nobody has EVER called my vehicle ugly, and when they test drive it their like for the car sky rockets. Obviously if you haven't driven this car, or know someone who has one, you wont be able to relate. Know your facts before you belittle a vehicle that's not only reliable, but fast, fun to drive, and quick despite the interior being made of plastic.
I've seen the crossfire once. From the outside it's a pretty awesome and a very rare car Correct me if i'm wrong but i think the crossfire had a short life span. The interior isn't the greatest then again it is a 2005 so you didn't get much in terms of luxury expect leather/heated seats and i think remote start was just starting to come around. Great review as always man keep up the great work
Экспертное Подразделение Диванных Войск! I guess some people don't care about how antiquated and poorly engineered the steering and suspension are or how much of a throwback to the 90's the interior is, and only care about the outside looks.
aky19832001 I think since they have had their Fiat takeover, Chrysler products quality and design has gone up. The European flair looks a lot better than basically everything they were putting out for years.
SuzuRyderHD You're observation is spot on. My folks had the 2014 Crysler 300 C. With the Hemi v8. Fully loaded. It ran like a dram and was shockingly reliable and had a very quite and comfortable ride. We've put on that car well over 100k and it still runs like it just came out the dealers. I'm sure it's not the same for all Crylser, but it might be that the 300C have better parts.
Probably because the automotive press savaged this one, and it failed in the market as a result. The Porsche Boxster was their darling at the time- and they bashed any potential competitors.
my dad has this car but its light gray and its a 2006 the top speed is 160 its pretty fast and when im 16 i can drive it im only 9 btw XD but sadly now it doesnt work it needs the place were u put the keys in it wont start it so we are getting it fixed 😯
I have had one for the past 4 years and it is awesome to have. Steering was tightened up by a Mercedes dealer which helped out a lot. The girls adore this for lol. The back end reminds me of the girls rear end, so they told me, which they like !! lol…Just do the maintenance and it is almost trouble free to own. We drove it to St. Louis on the highway with a few Corvettes and other cool cars. Had it up to 145 mph !! with those other guys with no problems at all….The rear fin pops out at 60 mph which looks bad ass from any angle …However, it is not a winter car at all, unless the roads have been plowed, otherwise you will get stuck. With real snow tires on it, you will have no problem on the roads except for deep snow, this car is not a Jeep lol…Very fun to drive, good chick magnet, very reliable car plus it stands out because not many still on the road, most are being stored, totaled or being driven daily like mine is so go enjoy it ….
Nice review! As someone who recently bought one, I agree with most of what you said: the interior isnt the best quality, the shifter is rubbery (or mushy as I call it), and its pretty tight inside. But the handling is outstanding- very tight and one of the best I've ever driven, so I have to believe the one you have here needs new shocks and struts or something of the like. Overall it's a pleasure to drive, it gets long looks and compliments all the time, and the oil filter is the easiest filter to access I've ever seen in a car. What more could you want? :)
Chrysler cross fire SLK Mercedes-Benz R170 0-60 around 4.7seconds and if y’all don’t know srt’s4-6-8-10’s the number goes by engine srt4 in-line 4,srt6 V6, srt8 V8, Srt10 you guessed it viper engines truck V10 all are very beautiful and fucking rare asf myself owns a srt8 Chrysler’s 300 and so far it has been my favorite car that I’ve owned and I’ve owned so far 8 cars
I mean I test drove it but being 6'3 the visibly issue that he is talking about is a huge issue but aside from that the rest of the car is bareable. I also drove the limited edition he is talking about and the seat still felt like it didn't go low enough at all, at least for me
Declan Van Den Hoek yeah they are quite a bit more expensive. But I would rather spend more and not have a shit car, or get something better for the same amount as a crossfire
Thank you for the video I have the Crossfire check it out ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-CeZ4_f778jU.html the smog pump went out fixed still did not work, head ache so I had to Solder the Rcm
What a mess. In fact the Crossfire is just a breath of fresh air compared with the Nissan 250Z ,. The sound is brilliant the response is the same Its very responsive and light and fun.. Steering is brilliant because it has no weight it does feel light that's NOT the fault of the steering. in fact the only way its let down is the clutch which is far to heavy and this report hasn't driven up the A1 in traffic stop start for a hundred miles your foot hurts. nothing is rubbery at all. You sit just Infront of the back wheels and you have full control and it does wha you want. Get one its a bargain.
I had one of these and the reliability is really good. There are a couple small problems that pop up but they are low dollar fixes when you know what you're doing, and that's it. everything else is bulletproof. junkyard prices on mechanical parts are cheap for that reason; not many people need them!
@@NightfallGemini Crankshaft position sensor needed replaced on my first one; very cheap part that solves "random shutoffs" if you see one with that problem listed. Just got my second Crossfire and replaced an engine relay board to fix a non-start issue. Those are the two most common issues. And really the only two main issues.
Just like your beautiful girlfriend that ditched you real fun to drive expensive to maintain. Lottsa quirks and gremlins, but you can't help loving her. You know, a head turner with a nice keister.
I honestly am thinking on getting one, it'll be my first actual car, and I'll be learning manual in it as well. I found one for 3,400 so I think it's a good option. (The other option I have is an 03 stratus r/t for 4,,000)
you should definitely get the Crossfire. they are great cars. I'm an owner and love mine. they are pretty quick, handle really well, look great and are pretty reliable. they have their issues but they are easy to work on
+AUT IceT if I do get it I want it Fast and Furious themed so I can be cool like Brian back in the early 2000s when neon was the thing to do a long with completely functional body kits. and some stickers of course cause they add hp.. well at least in the need for speed games they do so that has to apply to real life right?
I have this car. love driving it to be honest. the 6speed is truely a blast. mine is an 05 and has 36k on it and it is still very solid. I am not sure how well the interior and that holds up in it as far as durability from wear and tear because it is made cheaper but at 36k the interior still feels very solid along with the steering and shifting and the braking. it all still feels as good as the day it was brand new honestly. its been very well maintained though and taken good care of. its certainly not a car that can handle a thrashing but if you take care of it I think they hold up quite well.
I would love to if I didnt end up selling it. I ended up loosing it to front end damage from someone else...Its been about 4 months now since I have had it. Miss that car alot too. Stuck driving a Vw Jetta around now and it is certainly not quite as fun.
Great review, but I think you must've missed an adjustment lever on the seat or something. I have the base model and can assure you that the seat goes much lower than that. The problem is, you can't see much of anything with the seat any lower (or higher). The car is ideal for people between 5'8 5'10. Any bigger or smaller and the car's just not gonna be that much fun. Even at 5'9, the Crossfire is one of the most awkward cars to be in. Visibility and comfort were really just an afterthought. (I'd die for my Xfire tho).
+Amateur Chemist And actually, that "cubbie" in front of the center console is supposed to be a cupholder. It's a really whacky thing that flips up when you press on it, and some arms spring out to hold your drink. When you're done, you just flip it back down. It looks like whoever owns that car just got rid of the cupholder altogether. And rightfully so, because it's actually no good at holding drinks because of where it's located. Every time you shift your elbow will tip your coffee over. Luckily mine broke and I was forced to turn it into the more useful "cubbie" as well.
It's been great. I've had the car for 7 years and I've only put in $1500 for a random problem with the transmission and a random problem with the car's computer, both of which are not common problems with this car (I'm just unlucky). Granted, I don't drive very much (car has less than 60K miles), but if you're looking for a fun, cheap 2nd car, the Xfire is a no brainer. But if you need a daily driver, keep in mind that the low profile tires do not handle city streets very well. You'll go through rims like popcorn. Still, the Xfire has been my daily driver for 7 years and I have no real complaints. It's low to the ground, you feel every bump in the road, and visibility sucks. But that's what you sign up for with a unique sports car.
