I test drove a Chrysler Crossfire last weekend and really enjoyed the ride. I’m in a huge honk’in Avalanche right now, but I am looking for something a little more zippy, and much better on gas. I’ll keep the Chevy, because I do my fair share of hauling various things…However, I am really looking to buy something as more of a runaround car. I really like Chrysler’s new line, and may even consider the Chrysler 300 . I don’t know what it is about their look, I just like it! Anyone else like the new look of the Chryslers? I mean had you asked me 10 years ago I’d ever be looking at one, I’d have laughed in your face. Now…I kinda like’em.
So anyone have any anecdotal info on them? How about their look? Do you like it?
Can’t speak from driving 'em, but I saw a Crossfire in a parking lot shortly after they first came out, and had to stop, walk around it and look inside. Me likey, but me no needing smaller car.
Regarding the 300, though, I have to say I much prefer the previous version (2002+ or so,I think). The newer ones do nothing at all for me; they’re too, I don’t know, chunky? Similar to the new Cadillacs, there’s a design esthetic there that I fail to appreciate.
It’s obviously purely subjective, but I have the sneaking suspicion that the Crossfire is going to be one of those cars that looks neat when it first comes out, but will start looking sort of funky about 4 or 5 years down the road. I can’t say why, but I just don’t think the styling is going to hold up well. (I have the same reaction to cars like the Nissan Altima and Maxima.)
The Chrysler 300 looks like the car the villain would be driving in a Dick Tracy strip.
Wait awhile. Right now you’ll still have to pay a premium for the 300. Of the 3 dealers I deal with…2 charge a premium over MSRP (and they’ll have a couple for you to choose from at the premium price). The 3rd dealer sells 'em at suggested retail if you’ll put down an ernest payment and put your name on a 6-month list.
The 300 clone, the Dodge Magnum (which is a station wagon) seems to be all the rage in California right now. At least, that’s what dealer #3 says…and says that’s why there’s no rebate incentive. He’s sore that one state dictates what applies to dealers in the other 49.
I like the Crossfire, the coupe even more than the convertible. The swoopy, boattail-like back end is pretty cool. And the really cool thing is that it’s got an awful lot of Daimler-Benz parts in it, so the Chrysler-ness of it is diminished. I’ve been partial to Chryslers for a few years now, but the longevity of the cars has given me pause. And I would hope that would not be the case with this car.
It looks kinda cool (haven’t ridden in yet, just saw it at the Detroit Auto Show) but it truly has the worst name ever applied to a vehicle in the U.S. of A. Well, maybe except for the GM Impact (an early gas/electric hybrid).
Filling the blank kids:
A gang shootout erupted on 125th st. Two teeneagers were _______ in the crossfire.
Doesn’t it also mean when the pistons fire out of sequence? Does “crossfire” have any meanings that are not related to death or malfunction?
I love the look of the 300 as well. The dealership near me got a Hemi C 300 in black cherry. WANT!
The look of the 300 is certainly different. I attribute it to the influence of German engineers. It has a certain Benzish quality.
Anyway, you asked about the Crossfire. A friend of a friend bought one and loves it, it certainly has zip. My main reservation is that it’s a two-seater; if that works for you, great, but I’d be kinda bummed if I couldn’t drive more than one friend at a time to the movies. The tires would also concern me; I don’t know how much they cost for sure, but they look like custom jobs that will cost an arm and a leg to replace when they wear out.
I have had my Crossfire for about 3 months now and I love it. It is fun to drive, gets decent gas mileage and accelerates quite quickly. The steering is very tight and the car is extremely responsive.
There are some things I would change/don’t like especially, such as the rear visibilty. It is hard to see completely around the car without relying heavily on the mirrors. The ride is a little rough, but that is compared to the Infiniti I had previously. There is no internal hatch release, which would have been nice.
The basic Crossfire is underpowered and a little too soft to be a decent sports car. More like a touring car.
However, there is now the Crossfire SRT-6, with 330HP and a much better tuned inspection. Supposed to be a much better car.
But in this price range, I think I’d wait until next year and see what Ford comes up with for the SVT Mustang. Rumors are that it’s going to be one hell of a car. With a new independent suspension system and 400HP, word is that Ford is aiming at the BMW M5, in a car that may be the new Shelby GT. Seriously, I’d love that car.
If Ford can make a Mustang like that and keep the price down around $40K, they’ll sell a zillion of them.
The Dodge Magnum seems to be pretty big in the DC area too. I don’t know that from a dealer’s perspective, but I sure have seen a lot of them around lately. They’ve definitely grown on me since I saw it for the first time. I might even consider getting one!
The 300 is popular as hell in Brooklyn because it’s popular with the street hoods. It was featured in a 50 Cent video before it came out, so of course they all have to imitate. I count three on my block right now.
I thought I’d like the look of the 300 when it came out, but after seeing a few of them I think they are as ugly as a Hummer. I have yet to see a Crossfire.
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