crossfire: what you like and what not
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,714
Likes: 454
From: Indialantic Fl./blairsville Ga
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
tell us what :
1-you like of it; ______every thing or i would no own it
2-what you dont;_______nothing well the engine should have been a V8
3-what you have been able to correct. ______the power
for instance:
1-i like: _______Like everything
its looks; ___yep
its engineering; ____YEP
its quality.____YEP
2-what i dont:
its hard suspension; ____LOVE IT
the bulge under the cluster; ____ Never noticed
the steering wheel angle that can not be changed._____Never noticed
3-what i have been able to correct:
replaced shocks with adjustable: now it handles to my liking. ___?
removed the bulge and installed a soft cushion. it does just fine. _____ Nope
but the steering wheel i could do nothing.______Don't need to
at the end, i can live with it.____Or u can sell it
and, what about you folks?
1-you like of it; ______every thing or i would no own it
2-what you dont;_______nothing well the engine should have been a V8
3-what you have been able to correct. ______the power
for instance:
1-i like: _______Like everything
its looks; ___yep
its engineering; ____YEP
its quality.____YEP
2-what i dont:
its hard suspension; ____LOVE IT
the bulge under the cluster; ____ Never noticed
the steering wheel angle that can not be changed._____Never noticed
3-what i have been able to correct:
replaced shocks with adjustable: now it handles to my liking. ___?
removed the bulge and installed a soft cushion. it does just fine. _____ Nope
but the steering wheel i could do nothing.______Don't need to
at the end, i can live with it.____Or u can sell it
and, what about you folks?
ONE thing i really like is it has the same dimensions as the American Motors AMX,, ( the greatest car ever made.)
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 803
From: Houston Texas
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
From my earlier post #13................(3) Rarity/scarcity - Definition of RARE is 5000 or less (SRT production 4071: 2571 Coupes/1500 Roadsters)
In the last seven years I have only seen one other SRT. Probably only a half dozen na's even with their larger population. Sadly the rarity/scarcity increases due to the insurance write-offs.
Standing in the garage this morning admiring the very distinctive and eccentric styling elicits a grin, ah proud ownership. I must admit a Love/Hate relationship with the Crossfire tho ( You all know what I mean!)
In the last seven years I have only seen one other SRT. Probably only a half dozen na's even with their larger population. Sadly the rarity/scarcity increases due to the insurance write-offs.
Standing in the garage this morning admiring the very distinctive and eccentric styling elicits a grin, ah proud ownership. I must admit a Love/Hate relationship with the Crossfire tho ( You all know what I mean!)
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: County Durham
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
Negatives for me are having the electric windows button on the centre console and the windscreen wipers on the indicator stalk.Apart from that minor flaw I am really happy with the dash layout and the car. Oh, just thought of something, the tiny boot on the roadster, another minor flaw. The performance is reminicent of when I used to put big engines in small cars when I was younger.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 74
From: Holland MI
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
I always see at least one other Crossfire, either a roadster or an SRT6, depending upon what I choose to drive. My next door neighbor has a gold roadster, too. I generally see a foreign Crossfire every 1-2 weeks.
After 18 years of ownership, any quirks have normalized. I still detest the cupholders and never use them. An autodimming rear mirror (like the 2004s) would have been nice. My only real complaint is about me, not the vehicles. At 71yo it is getting tougher to enter and exit the low seat position. I just need to get younger.
After 18 years of ownership, any quirks have normalized. I still detest the cupholders and never use them. An autodimming rear mirror (like the 2004s) would have been nice. My only real complaint is about me, not the vehicles. At 71yo it is getting tougher to enter and exit the low seat position. I just need to get younger.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 25,432
Likes: 648
From: Ontario
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
I always see at least one other Crossfire, either a roadster or an SRT6, depending upon what I choose to drive. My next door neighbor has a gold roadster, too. I generally see a foreign Crossfire every 1-2 weeks.
After 18 years of ownership, any quirks have normalized. I still detest the cupholders and never use them. An autodimming rear mirror (like the 2004s) would have been nice. My only real complaint is about me, not the vehicles. At 71yo it is getting tougher to enter and exit the low seat position. I just need to get younger.
After 18 years of ownership, any quirks have normalized. I still detest the cupholders and never use them. An autodimming rear mirror (like the 2004s) would have been nice. My only real complaint is about me, not the vehicles. At 71yo it is getting tougher to enter and exit the low seat position. I just need to get younger.
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 55
Likes: 29
From: S'ville, TX
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
This thread is the funnest thread I've read so far. The bad stuff: The cup holders, the turn signal lever, the seats and so on.
The good stuff: Incredible sports car bang for the buck. Push it, twist it, squeal it, the driver does the driver thing, the car will take care of itself. After zooming around at the Qzarks Rally for the last few years I've learned what this car is all about. If the road sign says "steep hills and sharp curves next 50 miles", the car just smiles.
At about 115 mph the car just settles down, doesn't do anything except want to go faster.
My favorite view of the styling is from about 50 feet behind the car. That back end is ... well, you know.
There's a lot to like about these little sporty cars for sure.
The good stuff: Incredible sports car bang for the buck. Push it, twist it, squeal it, the driver does the driver thing, the car will take care of itself. After zooming around at the Qzarks Rally for the last few years I've learned what this car is all about. If the road sign says "steep hills and sharp curves next 50 miles", the car just smiles.
At about 115 mph the car just settles down, doesn't do anything except want to go faster.
My favorite view of the styling is from about 50 feet behind the car. That back end is ... well, you know.
There's a lot to like about these little sporty cars for sure.
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 346
Likes: 205
From: Columbia SC
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
My own perspective:
Many years ago when they crossfires first came out, I saw one accelerating on the highway and then the spoiler deployed. I thought that was so freaking cool. I really like active tech. I really did not give the crossfire much thought until I was separated and started dancing again. One of my dance friends had a red crossfire roadster. I took it for a drive and loved it. She had a manual car and all I could find at the time were autos. I got my roadster and I really like it.
Things I don't like:
The cupholder is right in line of the shifter. I managed to spill coffee all over my car by elbow hitting the coffee cup. I will never use the coffee cup holder again.
The overly complicated intertwining of modules and safety interlocks in the design of electrical system.
Not all modules are accessible from a single CAN line on most ODBII connectors. You have to have a special module/adapter to get to the various systems. And then special software to control the adapter.
While this is a small car, the interior could have been better designed for comfort. I drove a Chevy Aveo (now spark) for years and find that the seating is far more comfortable. I am 5'11' with long legs.
Things I really like:
I do love the spoiler. It's wicked cool.
The car is relatively simple and easy to work on.
The car is quite. It does have a nice rumble in the exhaust but not overwhelming noisy. When accelerating, the crossfire has a nice whrrrr but not a deafening thunder.
The roadster is a really good looking convertible compared to most cars. The roofline of the roadster breaks up the boat-tail design.
The automatic is a nice touring cruising car. While it has performance, it just about the right amount for fun.
General Comments;
I have found with practice and better placement of my left leg, I can get in and out of the car without falling in the seat.
The plastics could have held up better. I hope that the boutique custom venders with printers can continue to provide parts.
The community of support has been really good.
Many years ago when they crossfires first came out, I saw one accelerating on the highway and then the spoiler deployed. I thought that was so freaking cool. I really like active tech. I really did not give the crossfire much thought until I was separated and started dancing again. One of my dance friends had a red crossfire roadster. I took it for a drive and loved it. She had a manual car and all I could find at the time were autos. I got my roadster and I really like it.
Things I don't like:
The cupholder is right in line of the shifter. I managed to spill coffee all over my car by elbow hitting the coffee cup. I will never use the coffee cup holder again.
The overly complicated intertwining of modules and safety interlocks in the design of electrical system.
Not all modules are accessible from a single CAN line on most ODBII connectors. You have to have a special module/adapter to get to the various systems. And then special software to control the adapter.
While this is a small car, the interior could have been better designed for comfort. I drove a Chevy Aveo (now spark) for years and find that the seating is far more comfortable. I am 5'11' with long legs.
Things I really like:
I do love the spoiler. It's wicked cool.
The car is relatively simple and easy to work on.
The car is quite. It does have a nice rumble in the exhaust but not overwhelming noisy. When accelerating, the crossfire has a nice whrrrr but not a deafening thunder.
The roadster is a really good looking convertible compared to most cars. The roofline of the roadster breaks up the boat-tail design.
The automatic is a nice touring cruising car. While it has performance, it just about the right amount for fun.
General Comments;
I have found with practice and better placement of my left leg, I can get in and out of the car without falling in the seat.
The plastics could have held up better. I hope that the boutique custom venders with printers can continue to provide parts.
The community of support has been really good.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,358
Likes: 797
From: Central South Carolina
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
My own perspective:
Many years ago when they crossfires first came out, I saw one accelerating on the highway and then the spoiler deployed. I thought that was so freaking cool. I really like active tech. I really did not give the crossfire much thought until I was separated and started dancing again. One of my dance friends had a red crossfire roadster. I took it for a drive and loved it. She had a manual car and all I could find at the time were autos. I got my roadster and I really like it.
Things I don't like:
The cupholder is right in line of the shifter. I managed to spill coffee all over my car by elbow hitting the coffee cup. I will never use the coffee cup holder again.
The overly complicated intertwining of modules and safety interlocks in the design of electrical system.
Not all modules are accessible from a single CAN line on most ODBII connectors. You have to have a special module/adapter to get to the various systems. And then special software to control the adapter.
While this is a small car, the interior could have been better designed for comfort. I drove a Chevy Aveo (now spark) for years and find that the seating is far more comfortable. I am 5'11' with long legs.
Things I really like:
I do love the spoiler. It's wicked cool.
The car is relatively simple and easy to work on.
The car is quite. It does have a nice rumble in the exhaust but not overwhelming noisy. When accelerating, the crossfire has a nice whrrrr but not a deafening thunder.
The roadster is a really good looking convertible compared to most cars. The roofline of the roadster breaks up the boat-tail design.
The automatic is a nice touring cruising car. While it has performance, it just about the right amount for fun.
General Comments;
I have found with practice and better placement of my left leg, I can get in and out of the car without falling in the seat.
The plastics could have held up better. I hope that the boutique custom venders with printers can continue to provide parts.
The community of support has been really good.
Many years ago when they crossfires first came out, I saw one accelerating on the highway and then the spoiler deployed. I thought that was so freaking cool. I really like active tech. I really did not give the crossfire much thought until I was separated and started dancing again. One of my dance friends had a red crossfire roadster. I took it for a drive and loved it. She had a manual car and all I could find at the time were autos. I got my roadster and I really like it.
Things I don't like:
The cupholder is right in line of the shifter. I managed to spill coffee all over my car by elbow hitting the coffee cup. I will never use the coffee cup holder again.
The overly complicated intertwining of modules and safety interlocks in the design of electrical system.
Not all modules are accessible from a single CAN line on most ODBII connectors. You have to have a special module/adapter to get to the various systems. And then special software to control the adapter.
While this is a small car, the interior could have been better designed for comfort. I drove a Chevy Aveo (now spark) for years and find that the seating is far more comfortable. I am 5'11' with long legs.
Things I really like:
I do love the spoiler. It's wicked cool.
The car is relatively simple and easy to work on.
The car is quite. It does have a nice rumble in the exhaust but not overwhelming noisy. When accelerating, the crossfire has a nice whrrrr but not a deafening thunder.
The roadster is a really good looking convertible compared to most cars. The roofline of the roadster breaks up the boat-tail design.
The automatic is a nice touring cruising car. While it has performance, it just about the right amount for fun.
General Comments;
I have found with practice and better placement of my left leg, I can get in and out of the car without falling in the seat.
The plastics could have held up better. I hope that the boutique custom venders with printers can continue to provide parts.
The community of support has been really good.
And, most of all, the NA can hold it's own over the 'Tail Of The Dragon'. I know, I did it, The straights were a little slower but I always caught up on the curves. .
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 10
Likes: 6
From: Wisconsin
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
1-you like of it;
Styling, shape, color, looks... I love swooping fastbacks.
The backbone rib across the entire car is a nice touch of cohesion.
It looks nothing like any modern car, and yet looks "modern" all on its own.
Mostly reasonable and reliable in the drive train and engine. Enough get-up I guess to feel sporty and not get myself into trouble.
6 speed and RWD with Torque
Can disregard any cautionary speed sign for corners... well as long as I can see its safe (and no other cars will be in my way).
2-what you dont;
Mercedes Tax, clutches becoming unobtainable, lack of power... cup holder.
Muddy base and treble in the stereo system.
Ride quality can't decide if it wants to be a relaxed sports car, or worn out race car.
3-what you have been able to correct.
Miscellaneous interior tweaks
Mine came with a little custom cup holder insert, which is nice.
Slowly planning on refreshing the suspension, my crossfire looks like it has lowering springs, but I'm pretty sure they're just worn out stock springs with the thinnest spring pads available.
Wear a sports coat, men! I did just to shake-up my otherwise t-shirt wardrobe, and I swear the seat was 10X more comfortable and supportive when driving with a sports coat on!
(or maybe I just thought I looked cool... ok?)
Styling, shape, color, looks... I love swooping fastbacks.
The backbone rib across the entire car is a nice touch of cohesion.
It looks nothing like any modern car, and yet looks "modern" all on its own.
Mostly reasonable and reliable in the drive train and engine. Enough get-up I guess to feel sporty and not get myself into trouble.
6 speed and RWD with Torque
Can disregard any cautionary speed sign for corners... well as long as I can see its safe (and no other cars will be in my way).
2-what you dont;
Mercedes Tax, clutches becoming unobtainable, lack of power... cup holder.
Muddy base and treble in the stereo system.
Ride quality can't decide if it wants to be a relaxed sports car, or worn out race car.
3-what you have been able to correct.
Miscellaneous interior tweaks
Mine came with a little custom cup holder insert, which is nice.
Slowly planning on refreshing the suspension, my crossfire looks like it has lowering springs, but I'm pretty sure they're just worn out stock springs with the thinnest spring pads available.
Wear a sports coat, men! I did just to shake-up my otherwise t-shirt wardrobe, and I swear the seat was 10X more comfortable and supportive when driving with a sports coat on!
(or maybe I just thought I looked cool... ok?)
Senior Member
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 1,726
From: New Jersey
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
I have a roadster. I'm going to get one of those long leather duster coats, a driving cap, goggles and those big leather driving gloves!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 803
From: Houston Texas
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
From my earlier post #13................(3) Rarity/scarcity - Definition of RARE is 5000 or less (SRT production 4071: 2571 Coupes/1500 Roadsters)
In the last seven years I have only seen one other SRT. Probably only a half dozen na's even with their larger population. Sadly the rarity/scarcity increases due to the insurance write-offs.
Standing in the garage this morning admiring the very distinctive and eccentric styling elicits a grin, ah proud ownership. I must admit a Love/Hate relationship with the Crossfire tho ( You all know what I mean!)
In the last seven years I have only seen one other SRT. Probably only a half dozen na's even with their larger population. Sadly the rarity/scarcity increases due to the insurance write-offs.
Standing in the garage this morning admiring the very distinctive and eccentric styling elicits a grin, ah proud ownership. I must admit a Love/Hate relationship with the Crossfire tho ( You all know what I mean!)
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 55
Likes: 29
From: S'ville, TX
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
Copperfield, did you know that only about 90 miles from you, near Smithville, are 9 Crossfires, one of those is an SRT, and all the cars are ragtops.
We have a very loose club and go out and zoom zoom east/west Texas whenever we can get it together.
Look at the Registerd Ozarks Rally line up for this year. Jump in, have some zoom zoom fun and hope to see you there.
And yes, keep these cars running.
Cheers
We have a very loose club and go out and zoom zoom east/west Texas whenever we can get it together.
Look at the Registerd Ozarks Rally line up for this year. Jump in, have some zoom zoom fun and hope to see you there.
And yes, keep these cars running.
Cheers
Administrator / Senior Member / Retired
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,106
Likes: 1,600
From: Aurora , ILL
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
I provided the link to the Ozarks event
Copperfield, did you know that only about 90 miles from you, near Smithville, are 9 Crossfires, one of those is an SRT, and all the cars are ragtops.
We have a very loose club and go out and zoom zoom east/west Texas whenever we can get it together.
Look at the Registered Ozarks Rally line up for this year. >>>11th annual "Crossfire Fun in the Ozarks" -June 14th - 19th, 2026
Jump in, have some zoom zoom fun and hope to see you there.
And yes, keep these cars running.
Cheers
We have a very loose club and go out and zoom zoom east/west Texas whenever we can get it together.
Look at the Registered Ozarks Rally line up for this year. >>>11th annual "Crossfire Fun in the Ozarks" -June 14th - 19th, 2026
Jump in, have some zoom zoom fun and hope to see you there.
And yes, keep these cars running.
Cheers
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 803
From: Houston Texas
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
Thanks for the links. I have been to Eureka Springs several times, just not with the Crossfire. Great town.
"near Smithville, are 9 Crossfires, one of those is an SRT, and all the cars are ragtops." - probably the highest concentration of Crossfires anywhere!
"We have a very loose club and go out and zoom zoom east/west Texas whenever we can get it together." - sounds like a great group of guys!
"near Smithville, are 9 Crossfires, one of those is an SRT, and all the cars are ragtops." - probably the highest concentration of Crossfires anywhere!
"We have a very loose club and go out and zoom zoom east/west Texas whenever we can get it together." - sounds like a great group of guys!
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: MA
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
+ Bugatti Atalanta looks
+ Mercedes engineering
+ Performance (is better than most journos say it is)
+ Solid driver
- SRT is auto only
- Body parts are getting hard to find and expensive
- Cheap interior dash materials and trim, particularly the silver stuff
- Service support, no-one wants to touch them
Other than that I think the XF is a great little car at a bargain price. Sure, they have a few quirks but what car doesn’t ? I think the few XF problems that exist are amplified by the folks who just don’t like them.
They really don’t know what they are missing.
My daughter bought a 50k miles XF for $8k and loves it, I’m dumping my BMW fetish and looking for a good SRT or non SRT stick coupe.
+ Mercedes engineering
+ Performance (is better than most journos say it is)
+ Solid driver
- SRT is auto only
- Body parts are getting hard to find and expensive
- Cheap interior dash materials and trim, particularly the silver stuff
- Service support, no-one wants to touch them
Other than that I think the XF is a great little car at a bargain price. Sure, they have a few quirks but what car doesn’t ? I think the few XF problems that exist are amplified by the folks who just don’t like them.
They really don’t know what they are missing.
My daughter bought a 50k miles XF for $8k and loves it, I’m dumping my BMW fetish and looking for a good SRT or non SRT stick coupe.
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: MA
Re: crossfire: what you like and what not
I’m lucky in that respect, with 1 exception I only own older vehicles and do all my own work barring tire changes and alignment. The last time I trusted a dealership to do anything on one of my cars they made a total dog’s dinner out of it, I had to fix it myself since the dealer couldn’t unmess what they had messed up.