2008 Chrysler Crossfire Performance Review

The 2008 Chrysler Crossfire doesn’t quite have the performance to match its quasi-exotic looks.

The sole engine available in its last year on the market is a 3.2-liter six-cylinder with 215 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The 330-hp SRT6 version from years past has been dropped already. Automobile says of the engine, “Peak torque comes on stream at 3000 rpm, which helps make the Crossfire sports car quick at low speeds. But open it up on the highway, and the rush doesn't continue with the same urgency.” Edmunds reports “the Crossfire is capable of going from zero to 60 in the high 6-second range when equipped with the manual transmission; figure a few 10ths more for the five-speed auto.”

Neither transmission wins much favor with reviewers. “Either a six-speed manual gearbox or an adaptive AutoStick five-speed automatic transmission can be installed,” Cars.com reports. ConsumerGuide finds the automatic’s responses lacking: "quick passing response requires a pronounced stab at the throttle to coax a down shift from the otherwise smooth-working transmission." Automobile notes the automatic “can be manually up- and downshifted without first moving the selector out of drive. We would like to see steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, however.” Edmunds observes “the six-speed manual doesn't like to be rushed,” and Automobile points out the “stubby shift lever promises short, slick shifts, but…doesn't really deliver.”

ConsumerGuide Automotive determines the fuel efficiency of the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire to be 21 mpg for the automatic transmission. “EPA fuel economy estimates are 15 mpg city/23 highway for manual-equipped Crossfires, and 19/25 for models with the automatic,” Edmunds says.

ConsumerGuide notes the Crossfire’s "well-weighted steering provides good feedback and crisp turn-in." Automobile states, “The Crossfire turns in sharply and corners flat” and “the ultrawide tires provide so much grip (even the all-season Continentals), that, even with the stability control switched off, it's hard to find their limit,” but says the Crossfire’s steering “can’t hope to match the feel of the best sports cars.” Edmunds considers the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire "steering feel and response [to be] poor." Overall, they feel, “aside from its tenacious grip and decently comfortable highway ride, the Crossfire doesn't have much to offer when compared to the newer, dynamically superior models available at its price point.” Like many sportscars reviewed by enthusiast magazines and even large consumer Web sites, the Crossfire got more positive reviews when it first went on sale, and opinions became less favorable as it aged.