Used 2008 Chrysler Crossfire

The Crossfire was created during the now-terminated merger between German giant Daimler AG and the Chrysler Corporation. The car’s stunning exterior quickly went from paper to concept to production vehicle, where it is currently available as both a coupe and convertible. Using the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK’s underpinnings, the Crossfire inherited much of that car’s admirable performance and handling, but it also inherited such shortcomings as a cramped cockpit and lofty price tag. Now in its last year of production the Crossfire still stands out in crowd, and it can still turn heads — as well as accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than seven seconds.

The Crossfire comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission that feels solid as a rock. Going down the road and around corners, you can feel the big wheels and tires doing their best to keep the car planted firmly to the pavement; the Crossfire’s tires were specially designed for the car and are available in two types: Summer or all-season. As long as the road stays fairly dry, you will find the Crossfire to be a driver’s dream car. It goes into and through corners with snappy response, sure precision and very little lean. Though its handling prowess easily rivals all but a very few of the finest sports cars, the Crossfire does not punish its occupants with a harsh ride, returning instead a surprisingly smooth one that gets harsh only on truly uncivilized roads.

Inside the Crossfire is where the Mercedes’ influence can best be seen. The dash is a mixture of Chrysler colors and gauge fonts with Mercedes mechanicals (the radio and cruise-control stalk being the two most obvious.) It’s a tight fit for tall adults, and there is not much room in the rear hatch for much more than a few pieces of soft luggage. The Roadster gets a small trunk in place of the hatchback’s cargo hold.

Conceived by a visionary young Chrysler designer on a piece of scrap paper, the Crossfire has remained fairly true to his first few drawings. From its elegantly sculpted hood to the spine running down the back of the car to the side air vents, everything about the 2008 Chrysler Crossfire says classic. Big 18- and 19-inch wheels truly bring the design to life, and in roadster form the stunning design becomes even more beautiful.

Side Air Intakes
Functional side air intakes are a nice touch.

Retractable Rear Wing
Retractable rear wing automatically extends at speeds above 60 mph.

The Crossfire comes loaded with dual-zone air conditioning, leather seats, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM stereo with CD and six Infinity speakers, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, traction control, six-speed manual transmission, electronic stability control, leather-wrapped telescoping wheel, cruise control, heated power seats (eight-way for the driver, four-way for the passenger), side-impact airbags and a retractable rear wing. The Roadster adds a power cloth top and glass rear window.

A five-speed automatic transmission, two-tone leather seating and onboard navigation are the only options.

To be sure, no one would accuse the Crossfire of being all show and no go. Chrysler has adapted the Mercedes 3.2-liter V6 for duty in this stylish coupe. Rated at 215 horsepower and 229 lb-ft. of torque, this smooth-running engine develops great power and produces an equally impressive exhaust note.

3.2-liter V6
215 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
229 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy:15/23 (manual), 19/25 (automatic)