2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster

2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Unlimited
Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman
AM 760 Radio Denver

Vehicle Type: Rear Wheel drive Roadster
Price: $38.920 as tested: $41,195

Pros:
Mercedes Mechanicals
Styling
Fun to Drive
Handling/Ride

Cons:
Low seating position
Somewhat Limited Visibility

Business Week Magazine calls it ‘German Skill, U.S. Pizzazz’. I call it a darn good idea and proof that the 1998 Daimler/Chrysler ‘Marriage of equals’ is paying off. No car in the Chrysler line-up proves this more than the crossfire, although Mercedes E-Class parts played a big roll in the development of the Pacifica and the wildly successful 300 C and Dodge Magnum.

In many ways, the Crossfire is a re-bodied Mercedes SLK even though the company reports only 39% of Crossfire parts are from the SLK. Those components are major, however and include the engine, transmission, axles and suspension. Karmann Group of Germany builds the beautifully styled Chrysler designed body. Both the coupe and the Roadster are stunning inside and out.

I had the pleasure of driving the top of the line Roadster Unlimited. Base price starts at $38,920. Add in the optional 5-speed automatic and navigation and you’re looking at $41,195, not outrageous by today’s standards and less than an SLK. Crossfire coupes start at around $30,000.

One is reminded of the Audi TT and with good reason. The cars are nearly identical in terms of size with only about an inch difference in wheelbase. Overall length is identical. Having driven both cars I would have to say the TT, at least the V6 version, is sportier but the Crossfire is no slouch going 0-60 in 6.8 seconds with the automatic. I suspect the 6-speed manual would be a little quicker. Overall, the Crossfire is a more relaxed car but still fun to drive.

The afore-mentioned Mercedes supplied 3.2 liter 18 valve V6 supplies 215 HP and 229 pound feet of torque. It’s a highly refined and smooth running engine. Coupled to the equally smooth shifting automatic you get lively acceleration and 21 MPG around town and 28 on the hi-way. The Rear-Wheel-Drive Crossfire runs on large 225/35/ZR19” rubber. Steering feel is good in spite of the fact that the car uses a recirculating ball gearbox instead of rack and pinion steering..

4-Wheel independent suspension gives the Crossfire that excellent balance of ride and handling so common to European cars. Short wheelbase cars will always ride a little bumpier than normal but the car rides comfortably without being overly stiff. 4-Wheel ABS is standard along with Stability Control and Traction Control-a welcome feature on a RWD car. The cars sharp handling is aided somewhat by a speed-sensitive rear wing that automatically pops up at around 60 MPH.

The exceptional styling found on the exterior continues on the retro-styled interior. Gauges are easy to the read and the Mercedes supplied controls are logically located and work with a nice feel. You will notice the cruise control stalk is right out of the Daimler parts bin .The cockpit is roomy for such as small car and the standard heated leather seats are supportive and comfortable. You do sit low in the car but that is to be expected in this class of vehicle, as is the limited outward visibility. You can solve that problem in about 22 seconds by dropping the power operated black cloth convertible top. As you would expect trunk space is minimal-identical to the TT at 7 cubic feet. There is only one cupholder. Typical German.

The list of standard features is a long one. The Unlimited only has 4 options and our car had two of them, the automatic and navigation. The other two are all-season tires and a two-tone interior. The Crossfire features depowered airbags and dual side airbags for enhanced safety.

This is a great little convertible. As an old Mopar guy I am glad to see the Mercedes influence breathing some life into Chrysler. The Crossfire, Pacifica, and 300 are bringing much needed respectability and excitement back to Chrysler. Now if they can figure out a way to drop a Mercedes tranny into their mini-van they will have a world-beater. As for the Crossfire, the car speaks for itself. Drive one today at your local dealer or log on to Chrysler.com and check it out.

Tom Collins
9-14-04