2005 Chrysler Crossfire Coupe from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing.

Dealer gave me a demo car for a half day so that my wife and I could see if we liked it. This is much better than a two minute test drive with a salesman beside you.This definately swung the deal.

After I had bought the car, I caught the seat panel whilst getting in after only 500 miles. I must have had a pen or something in my back pocket. This caused a small tear/scuff of about 2 (50mm) inches long.

Dealer replaced full leather seat for free as they said that the leather on these cars is excellent and should have withstood that kind of abuse! There was no arguments or discussions, they just instantly said they would replace it.

Car gets lots of attention, kids taking photographs with their mobiles etc. My car is metallic silvery blue.

Car is very quiet, but gives a nice sporty sound when driving hard. Grip seems excellent. One review I read said that "there is enough grip to stop the earth turning". The rear tyres 19" x 255s certainly do grip, but may cause a wince or two when they need replacing. I have not driven it with the auto traction control off so I don`t know how wild it would get pulling out at wet junctions etc.

Semi automatic gearbox is very good. Read somewhere that the reviewer said that it seemed not to know which gear it was in when they tested it. I think this is more to do with the ECU learning logic that is built in that learns driving styles. I have found the semi automatic box to be very responsive such as when slowing down at junctions. This can be done just like a manual and very smoothly. Kick down or a flick of the gear knob gives very good acceleration. "Manual" gear changes are strange in that you push left or right rather than back or forward to change gear. I soon got used to it though.

MPG is around 25 which is a mix of urban and motorway. Does not need super unleaded like my Mitsubishi did.

Auotmatic rear spoiler that deploys at 68MPH on mine and drops back down at 40MPH is a real talking point. You can see people pointing as it goes up and down on the motorway. Not sure if it does anything aerodynamically but the car always feels stable on the motorway, although of course, I have only taken it to the legal speed limit of 70MPH.

I can only imagine that above these speeds, it would be very good!

I have heard mixed reviews in the media, but I have only had lots of very good feedback on my car.

Media comments generally seem to be against it, but I have always decided on the car I drive by what I like, not what someone tells me I should like. Maybe I am unique, but if you like the look of a car, test drive it and see if it`s for you. If you don`t like it, don`t buy it. It`s not complicated.

I bought one second hand from down south. And I love it because its got incredible power and looks amazing. If this is what you go for in cars, then this is the car for you. I love this car for it.

The flaws with the car are...

-Crappy plastics on the inside

-Bit of a struggle to get in and out of the car in car parks.

-Rear view window is of little use.

But the main flaw is the dealership, they’re useless. Really friendly, but overpriced and verging on incompetent. Among other screw ups they replaced the wrong tyre on my car (and at £300 a pop, that’s not a mistake I want people to be making). Also, with them being a rare car, most garages won't go near them as they haven't got a clue.

In summary, great car, good fun to drive and an absolute head turner, things do go wrong with towards the 30,000 mile mark, but mainly minor. And the dealership (I use) are hopeless.

Just came across this and thought I'd inject my 2 cents worth. I love the car, since it started showing up at dealerships and on the road. Mine is Alabaster white with the charcoal and cedar interior. The wide use of plastic is annoying, but I bought it used with a mere 12,000 miles on it. In the 3 days that I have had it, the love affair continues and I don't expect it to change any time soon. I have owned and driven many sports cars in my 61 years on this earth and have found none more agile and responsive. The car is well put together and is a dream to drive. If anyone has serious thoughts about buying one and would like a recomemndation, here it is. I rate this car a 10 out of ten.

Paying this much money for a Chrysler and not even ONE cup holder? You must be kidding me.

You don't buy a car like this for the cup holders!

Paying this much money for a Mercedes engine and driveline? You must be kidding me.

P.s. there's a cup holder on the console.

I've put about 35K miles on my 2005 Crossfire, and have few complaints. It's a simple, rugged car with amazing handling at all speeds. The Mercedes drivetrain is smooth and based on its durability in other cars, I would expect no big problems going another 100K miles. Acceleration is brisk when pressed but the transmission sometimes struggles to find the right gear for what I want to do.

A few minor post-warranty problems: 1) the ground clearance in the front is minimal--even short parking blocks will scrape the front spoiler; 2) at about 30K miles the small triangular rubber seal around the driver's window got loose and now makes a little noise at highway speeds; 3) right speaker rattles and may be blown; 4) headliner collapsed and had to be replaced (car is not garaged in the Miami sun) at 38k miles; and 5) headlight lenses have gotten a little cloudy but I haven't yet tried to take them out and clean. One major post-warranty problem--a piece got loose in the ignition lock and prevented the key from turning (car could not start). This was a major annoyance and only because we are very handy could it be fixed. Have no idea what a dealer would have charged--probably would have replaced the whole thing and that would have been very pricey. Keys are over $100 each after programming.

I can't emphasize the grip and handling of this car enough. The ride is stiff, but despite the short wheelbase it tracks as if on rails even over rough highway. Brakes are excellent too. The car is tiny inside, and you have to choose between reclining the seatback and stretching out long legs. People over 6'3" should not own this car (probably not even 6'). People with waist sizes over 38 should not own this car. Trunk has a small opening but holds a surprising amount of stuff (well enough for a golf weekend for 2). Interior quality is good, but as noted in other posts there is a massive amount of plastic. I would recommend this car but keep in mind it's a cool looking and great handling 2-seater, not a lux cruiser.

I don't own one, but I have a friend who does, and I can tell you from experience that the car handles the same at 31mph as it does at 131mph. You can weave through traffic on the freeway like no other, and the compact size helps you get through the tight spots. The engine sounds nice when you rev it up, but for city driving it has a quiet purr. Either way, it definitely turns heads as there aren't that many people who have them.

My 2005 is a great car. And to pay $35,000.00 it better have a cup holder. However I have talked too many Crossfire owners as well as dealerships and none of their cup holders work properly. They stay in the up position all the time and are generally worthless.