2004 Chrysler Crossfire Limited 3.2L from North America

Summary:

Professional bachelor's ride on a budget!

Faults:

ABS light came on once, but then after I restarted the car, it went away.

Passenger seat does not go up or down.

TSB - for O-ring installation in transmission to prevent a leak.

Other than that, I have just done the oil changes, brakes, and filter changes and she runs like a champ.

Tips: Adjust the trunk stops downward so the trunk does not rattle.

Make sure you get all the TSB for your year.

Go for ceramic pads to prevent all that black factory brake dust!!! (Hated having to step on the brake after I was finished cleaning my wheels!!)

General Comments:

I was skeptical about buying the car since it was a pre Damlier-Benz break up baby, but I have to say, it's a solid running little sports coupe.

The suspension is great around corners. I've done close to 70mph in a tight corner where I usually whip my motorcycle through, and it performed very well and did not break loose (maybe because of the Toyo Proxes I have gripping the road).

It has ample acceleration for its size, and you could not ask for better braking (I would compare it close to sport bike brakes!!).

I'm only 24 and a speed freak, but I think the base 215 horses are just enough to get into trouble. If I were to have purchased the SRT version, I know I would have the thing wrapped around a tree (Glad I'm too cheap to get that one)!

The interior is cheesy as hell, but most people see the outside while you are cruising by soo... I hate the grainy dash and other black interior parts.

As far as the maintenance, it gets pricey when you go for factory parts. Brake pads were $280 for a complete set and the air filters were $121 for two from the factory, but if you go online (Akebono brakes $150 for a full set of ceramic pads with sensors on the front two, and autozone carries K&N air filters for $37 each; they last for the life of the car, why not!).

Oil changes have been free for me since I have only had the car for 10 months, but I heard they run about 140 if you go to the factory. Once again, every man should know how to change the oil in a car, it helps you understand the vehicle a little bit better, unless you don't feel the need to save money!

The engine compartment gives PLENTY of room for me to work on it if I ever have to.

It uses premium, but if you think about it, its only $5 max more than filling up with regular 87 (.37 cents times 10 gallons = $3.70cents/ never thought of it like that did you!!).

I have no complaints so far, I purchased an extended bumper to bumper and emission warranty though AA auto, so I'm careless until I hit that 70K mark.

The tires are a bit pricey (depends on what you get) I'm already up for replacement after 23,000 miles on the Proxes from a few burnouts and doughnuts (in the safety of a parking lot of course!). I haven't taken it above 115, and nor do I plan to (I have a motorcycle for that).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2008

2004 Chrysler Crossfire Limited 225 hp from North America

Summary:

This is simply the most awesome car I have ever owned

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car. It's awesome.

General Comments:

This is the best car I have ever owned. Extremely reliable with all the German engineering (most of the engine is Mercedes), the styling is beautiful, handles great -- you can fly around curves, and the power is more than enough for the car.

The spoiler rises at about 65 mph, adding another unique touch to the car.

This is not a car for everyone -- it's a two seater with limited trunk space. But if you can get past that, you will love the car.

It runs on premium fuel, but then it's a premium car. I can't honestly find one thing about it that I don't like.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd June, 2008

7th Jan 2011, 00:33

I concur with this review. Its unique styling, along with the Mercedes build quality, is enough to consider a Crossfire. It's befuddling why it wasn't more popular. Oh, I retract the Mercedes build quality statement. I have owned 8 Mercedes, and trust me, they are not without fault.

Even so, it's really not much of a gamble. A little cramped, rear vision is barely adequate, and the headlight bulbs are a bear to change.

Beautiful car; I love it.

7th Jan 2011, 12:47

"It runs on premium fuel, but then it's a premium car."

So you are okay with spending 20 cents more per gallon? I will never own a car that runs on premium gas only. There are too many choices, many of which easily outperform cars like the Crossfire, all while running on regular gas. There is no need to make premium a mandatory fuel for any car these days.

28th Feb 2012, 23:24

The engine is designed for a specific fuel. The compression ratio is higher, and requires premium gas for best performance.

25th Nov 2012, 19:31

20 cents more, for 10 gallons is $2. That's a deal breaker, given the better performance on premium?

23rd Jan 2017, 02:57

I'm a bit confused by the original post as well as one of the reply / comments. They talk about the extra price of premium for 10 gallons. I read on a Crossfire for sale ad that the tank is 16 or 16.9 gallons. SO, shouldn't everyone's price difference be based on a full tank, and not a 10 gallon fill up?? Just saying...

26th Jan 2017, 13:58

OK. So, for a Crossfire and its 16 gallon tank, the difference between regular and premium gas on a fillup is $3.20.

Hope that clears things up for you.

28th Jan 2017, 20:39

Premium is well worth it if you are getting a premium automobile with premium performance. The 87 octane savings might buy you a coffee per tank or 10 bucks a month. My major concern is ethanol, not a few pennies at the pump. I hope you don't shut your car off at traffic lights to save a couple of pennies.

3rd Jun 2022, 13:47

Turn the car off at traffic lights? No, I drive a Prius so my car does that for me.