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2008 Chrysler Crossfire Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Chrysler Crossfire to write this comprehensive review. Our car experts also drove the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire to be able to deliver our definitive opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the class, and to help you decide if the Crossfire is the best car for you.

Likes:

  • Still looks expensive and cool
  • Convertible top is quick and neat
  • Decent cargo room in coupe

Dislikes:

  • Cramped cockpit, even for two
  • No more SRT6 version
  • High price point

Buying Tips:


It's the end of the road for the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire. The company's dropping the two-seater from its lineup, so the deals on new Crossfire coupes and roadsters will be significant. In fact, the deals have been around for a couple of years, so a used Chrysler Crossfire could be an even better prospect.

The 2008 Chrysler Crossfire coupe and roadster are the last of their breed: A rebodied version of the last-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK, the Crossfire has already been dumped from the Chrysler lineup due to slow sales.

Even before the decision was made to drop the Crossfire, Chrysler had paid little attention to the basic two-door coupe and convertible. Last year, it received knee airbags but no other updates. Then again, the basic idea needed little in the way of dramatic change; the Crossfire drew its power from a strong 215-horsepower V-6 and sent it to the rear wheels through a compact, notchy-feeling six-speed manual gearbox or a smoother five-speed automatic. The 330-horsepower SRT6 version is a distant memory.

The draw with the Crossfire has always been its muscular exterior styling, complemented by a twin-cockpit interior, finished in metallic accents, and dolled up with amenities like dual-zone air conditioning and power locks, windows, and mirrors. All-speed traction control and stability control are standard on 2008 models, as are dual front and side airbags.

Underpinning the Deco-fantastic shape are massive brakes, a racy double-wishbone independent suspension, and unfortunately, a slow-responding steering rack. The Chrysler Crossfire might not have super-car power, but its ride is relatively good, even if it feels a step slower than competitors.

The few remaining additional options include a navigation system and two-tone, heated, leather, power seats. Tire pressure monitors are now standard, and the Crossfire earns five-star passenger side-impact ratings and five-star rollover protection for both the coupe and convertible models.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Audi TT lost some of its Art Deco influences for the 2008 model year, but sports a newfound edge in handling and in looks. The Mercedes-Benz SLK was completely new three years ago and adopted its own muscular look, to go with sportscar handling and a folding hardtop. BMW's Z4 has unique styling and classic proportions, as well as a high-powered M variant. The Infiniti G37 is a coupe only for the moment, but rumors say the Japanese two-door will get a convertible companion in the 2009 model year.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Chrysler Crossfire is a sexy roadster with gobs of power, a tight cockpit, and a style all its own.

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Chrysler Crossfire to write this comprehensive review. Our car experts also drove the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire to be able to deliver our definitive opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the class, and to help you decide if the Crossfire is the best car for you. Likes:Still looks expensive and coolConvertible top is quick and neatDecent cargo room in coupeDislikes:Cramped cockpit, even for twoNo more SRT6 versionHigh price pointBuying Tips: It's the end of the road for the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire. The company's dropping the two-seater from its lineup, so the deals on new Crossfire coupes and roadsters will be significant. In fact, the deals have been around for a couple of years, so a used Chrysler Crossfire could be an even better prospect. The 2008 Chrysler Crossfire coupe and roadster are the last of their breed: A rebodied version of the last-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK, the Crossfire has already been dumped from the Chrysler lineup due to slow sales. Even before the decision was made to drop the Crossfire, Chrysler had paid little attention to the basic two-door coupe and convertible. Last year, it received knee airbags but no other updates. Then again, the basic idea needed little in the way of dramatic change; the Crossfire drew its power from a strong 215-horsepower V-6 and sent it to the rear wheels through a compact, notchy-feeling six-speed manual gearbox or a smoother five-speed automatic. The 330-horsepower SRT6 version is a distant memory. The draw with the Crossfire has always been its muscular exterior styling, complemented by a twin-cockpit interior, finished in metallic accents, and dolled up with amenities like dual-zone air conditioning and power locks, windows, and mirrors. All-speed traction control and stability control are standard on 2008 models, as are dual front and side airbags. Underpinning the Deco-fantastic shape are massive brakes, a racy double-wishbone independent suspension, and unfortunately, a slow-responding steering rack. The Chrysler Crossfire might not have super-car power, but its ride is relatively good, even if it feels a step slower than competitors. The few remaining additional options include a navigation system and two-tone, heated, leather, power seats. Tire pressure monitors are now standard, and the Crossfire earns five-star passenger side-impact ratings and five-star rollover protection for both the coupe and convertible models. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire, also consider:Audi TTMercedes-Benz SLKBMW Z4Infiniti G37Reason Why:The Audi TT lost some of its Art Deco influences for the 2008 model year, but sports a newfound edge in handling and in looks. The Mercedes-Benz SLK was completely new three years ago and adopted its own muscular look, to go with sportscar handling and a folding hardtop. BMW's Z4 has unique styling and classic proportions, as well as a high-powered M variant. The Infiniti G37 is a coupe only for the moment, but rumors say the Japanese two-door will get a convertible companion in the 2009 model year. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Chrysler Crossfire is a sexy roadster with gobs of power, a tight cockpit, and a style all its own. TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Chrysler Crossfire to write this comprehensive review. Our car experts also drove the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire to be able to deliver our definitive opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the class, and to ...

Other Choices:

The Audi TT lost some of its Art Deco influences for the 2008 model year, but sports a newfound edge in handling and in looks. The Mercedes-Benz SLK was completely new three years ago and adopted its own muscular look, to go with sportscar handling and a folding hardtop. BMW's Z4 has unique styling and classic proportions, as well as a high-powered M variant. The Infiniti G37 is a coupe only for the moment, but rumors say the Japanese two-door will get a convertible companion in the 2009 model year.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire

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for the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Chrysler Crossfire near you

See the Chrysler Crossfire in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

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