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Chrysler Crossfire Coupe 2004 review

The Chrysler Crossfire incorporates typically extravagant styling demanded by American buyers with mechanicals from Mercedes-Benz.

And that just about sums up the collision of cultures which is Crossfire.

Buyers who like sleek, svelte European styling will not get caught in this crossfire.

However, those who want a niche model which is different will consider the new car.

But all that said, Crossfire is not without merit. Any car which shares the same 3.2-litre V6 engine, sequential automatic and suspension as Merc's sensational SLK has lots in its favour. And full credit to Chrysler for being different in its styling approach.

The two-seat sports car was developed in the US but is built in Germany by specialist car builder Karmann.

And that guarantees Crossfire is turned out with sky-high build quality.

From a dynamic viewpoint, the presence of Mercedes mechanicals and chassis assures the car goes quickly and handles impeccably.

The car goes from zero to 100km in a quick 6.5 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 242km/h. Crossfire is available with either six-speed manual or five-speed adaptive automatic – both priced at $69,990.

The test car ran Merc's auto box, which means sequential gear changes are made with a nudge to the left and right, rather than the more conventional front and rear employed by other brands.

Having experienced – and enjoyed – the Mercedes configuration in so many of its cars, Crossfire's east-west auto shift operation held no mysteries.

Similarly, the punch from Merc's 160kW 3.2-litre engine has been savoured many times in the past, and feels and sounds like it is working in a machine bearing a silver star.

The all-aluminium 18-valve unit is highly responsive and with an all-up weight of under 1400kg to haul around, the good power-to-weight ratio results in highly responsive acceleration.

With a Mercedes-worked suspension keeping the body nicely in check, it is not surprising Crossfire handles extremely well.

The car comes with electronic stability program (ESP), the dynamic stability system which has proved so successful on a number of European performance cars. The system takes road safety to a new level, cutting in and out without input from the driver when cornering forces threaten to generate understeer or oversteer.

Coupled with anti-lock brakes and brake assist system, ESP ensures Crossfire never gets crossed up.

Cornering grip is also enhanced by evenly balanced weight distribution and independent front and rear suspension.

The chassis has sufficient travel to provide superior ride quality while geometry is designed to control body movement during spirited cornering. If the car were to be judged on dynamics alone, marks would be very high indeed.

But while sports coupe buyers place great emphasis on pure driving pleasure, looks do play a significant part in any evaluation.

Crossfire's profile is sound enough – powerful shoulders, heavy wedge side profile, long bonnet and sweeping beltline all combine for winning looks.

The rear end is nicely rounded around the C-pillar for an unusual – but not unattractive – boot line which is an extension of the roof radius. Chrysler's new face is appealing and the air vents rearward of the front wheels work well.

But there are just too many bends in the metalwork for the total package for work for this writer.

The rib work pressed longitudinally along the bonnet is altogether far too busy.

In the cabin, the centre console is painted in bright silver, which is more like an arcade game.

And the less said the better about the seats, which provide little in the way of support.

While the car has to be considered a genuine performance vehicle, the rear spoiler which deploys automatically when the car's speed rises above 90km/h has to be considered as bit excessive.

A car has to be travelling well in excess of 90km/h before wings and things begin to impact on downforce.

So while a certain section of buyers may be impressed by toys on their cars, this writer prefers cars to be pure in design and spirit – and definitely gimmick-free zones.

At a glance

Chrysler has been a bit of a drain and a strain on Mercedes-Benz since the amalgamation of the two car giants.

But DC claims the American arm of the world's fourth largest car maker has a host of new products in the pipeline.

It really is hard to be negative about a car like Crossfire, which is designed to appeal only to a niche market – roughly 200 a year in Australia.

But it comes down to what works for the Americans does not necessarily make friends and influence buyers in Australia.

Remember Pontiac demanded changes to our Monaro beyond branding changes, which illustrates the differing tastes. So far, Chrysler has sold 85 examples of Crossfire but it will be interesting to see how the monthly demand levels out following the fulfilment of the initial demand.

In sum, great mechanicals, questionable styling.

Pricing guides

$11,110
Based on third party pricing data
Lowest Price
$8,800
Highest Price
$13,420

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
Roadster 3.2L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $9,790 – 13,420 2004 Chrysler Crossfire 2004 Roadster Pricing and Specs
(base) 3.2L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $8,800 – 12,320 2004 Chrysler Crossfire 2004 (base) Pricing and Specs
Pricing Guide

$8,800

Lowest price, based on third party pricing data

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.