Chrysler Crossfire

Given that one of the main selling points for the Chrysler Crossfire is its retro hot-rod styling, our recent Greatest Drives shoot (issue 812) probably wasn't the most flattering place to photograph it. While it remains a fine-looking beast, virtually all eyes were diverted to other more exotic machinery, such as the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Piers Ward

July 2004

Given that one of the main selling points for the Chrysler Crossfire is its retro hot-rod styling, our recent Greatest Drives shoot (issue 812) probably wasn't the most flattering place to photograph it. While it remains a fine-looking beast, virtually all eyes were diverted to other more exotic machinery, such as the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale.
In our previous report, we said exclusivity is everything with this car. And although you won't see the Ferrari as often as the Chrysler, the American machine remains a pretty rare specimen on our roads. Which can only be good news, because that means it's still a head-turner.
However, more recently I'd been turning heads for the wrong reasons - an odd graunching noise had been emanating from the engine. This didn't happen when cold, but once up to temperature the Crossfire sounded awful. I contacted my local main dealer, Marlborough (Isleworth) Ltd in Middlesex, and because I am covered by Chrysler's Privilege Service, it dispatched two mechanics in a van to come and provide a diagnosis.
It's not unfair to say that this was the worst part of my treatment by the garage, because the 'mechanics' didn't have a clue. They claimed the noise was due to a failed cambelt tensioner, and took the coupé away. Two days later, a call from the dealer revealed how wrong they'd been - the fault was a failed catalyst. Normally, exhausts and such like aren't covered under warranty, so I was prepared for the worst. The garage informed me that the cost of fixing the problem would be about ΂£1,200, because the Crossfire needed two new catalysts and an exhaust. Fortunately, the dealer quickly added that it would cover the cost of the repair, seeing as the catalyst itself had failed.
Unfortunately, it couldn't solve the other issue we had - in our previous report, we mentioned a rattle from the spoiler, and it's still there. Apparently, you'd need to take the interior rear panel off, which is held on with only single-use clips. As Marlborough didn't have any spares, we had to leave it. Nevertheless, the Crossfire remains popular on the Auto Express fleet - but that doesn't mean it's escaped unscathed. One staff member caught the front wing on a car park wall. The vulnerability of the indicators there had worried me since day one, and this scrape proved my fears correct. The indicator housing was cracked, but it was easy for my colleague to fix - ΂£34.67 later and she'd popped a new lens unit in herself.
Sadly, we won't be able to apply the same self- heal treatment to the alloys. The 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels are extremely easy to catch on kerbstones - the front nearside alloy has now been scraped all the way round, and is not a pretty sight. All these faults and dings have taken the shine off the experience somewhat. A coupé should be about posing, not getting your hands dirty.
Luckily, the Chrysler still makes occupants feel good, although a couple of interior niggles have emerged. The most pressing for everyday use has been the central cup-holder, which keeps popping up on its own and gets in the way of gearshifts.
And there's nothing that can be done about the driving experience, which remains the Crossfire's most disappointing characteristic. The car is ham-fisted around corners and incapable of delivering thrills. But the question is how much that matters. Some people in the office view driver appeal as essential for a coupé, while others are perfectly happy to let the looks do the talking.