Here is an interesting passage from a story to be printed in this coming Sunday's New York Times on the interesting designs that came out of the ill-fated Chrysler/MB marriage:The full story is called From a Bad Marriage, Pretty Babies and is written by Phil Patton, the paper's automotive design reporter. There's also some very positive commentary on the 300, the Charger, and the Magnum. Not sure I agree with the analysis on the Crossfire above, though. Your thoughts?

 

I thought he was a bit harsh regarding the design.

"With its oversize grille, ribbed hood, complicated side vent, spine of chrome accents and overstated duck’s tail, the Crossfire suggested American exuberance out of control.

The grill isn't oversized and the ribbed hood is one of its best elements. I'll go along with him on the side strakes. The newer cars with the mono-color paint makes them not stand out as much. Chrysler should have taken more cues from the high end M-B SL550 there.

I think the 19" wheels are hot and the bobbed off boat-tail looks better than the M-B 320SLK.

Personally I fell for the car the first time I saw one years ago - a sapphire blue coupe with the cedar interior. Wow! I knew then I would have one someday.

The man's just like a movie critic. He's critical of the car yet everywhere I go I get questions and complements. How many 320SLK owners get that kind of attention? I doubt very many. The problem wasn't the design - it was DCX's poor marketing and high price tag.

Did I mention it's still a blast to drive?

 

the price tag was the killer for sure, i agree... this car would have done better with a chrysler 3.5 in it and a sloppy 5 speed gear box and a lower price... and some real advertising... who wants to see dion in a crossfire singing ? jeez that is a horrible idea, what are they appealing to ? women with bad taste in music, thats who.

 

That's funny! I had a guy that owns 3 Mercedes roadsters gushing all over my cpe. the other day. He wanted to see under the hood and checked out the whole car. He was out in his '67 when I met him.
I only know one person who doesn't like the looks of these cars. When I take people for rides they can't believe the power. (can't wait to take them in the SRT!!!).

 

Ok, I'm so astonished by this I don't know where to start. 1- This is not a car guy, he is posing as one. 2- Never really saw one in person, reviewed it by picture. 3- Definitely never rode in one. 4- What the hell is wrong with this person? I had to number my thoughts because I was so mad! Haven't read the article yet but I have few ideas on the subject. As far as the hood is concerned, now the Sebring has it. That is not an exuberant car. The oversized grill is so popular that several Chrysler makes have it. I am truly a loyal Mopar fan so no offense to anyone that owns one but I have driven the 300, Magnum, and Charger. All were so plain inside that they bored me. If this guys reviews are positive about these cars and not the Crossfire he has some issues! I have read good and bad revs, no car is perfect, but who doesn't love this car? Never have I had so many compliments on anything else I've owned. It is the best combination between class and bad *** I have ever seen.

 

I pay little attention to the aesthetic views of others. Article author probably likes Andy Warhol...My own views are what matter to me. I have seen girls that were plain to others and beautiful to me. Quite often it was reversed. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...The Crossfire to me is stunning....enough said...

Gary

 

The price tag was a killer only because the Crossfire did not fit the into the mold or price range of past Chrysler
products. A $35k price tag for a little two seater was sticker shock for the average Chrysler customer, as well
as the car being impractical for most of them. Even the Pacifica, introduced about the same time as the Crossfire,
did not fare all that well until the price was lowered.

For what it's worth, I think the Crossfire was sold and is being serviced by the wrong company . It may have done
better if it was sold by MB as an entry level two seater, priced lower than the SLK 230 and SLK 320. Hmmm... wonder
what a three pointed star would have looked like stuck in the middle of the Crossfire grill?

Any way, we all know Chrysler did a **** poor job of marketing the Crossfire and now we have overly depreciated values
of our cars. Oh well, I bought mine as a long term keeper, so that's a really a mute point for me...

 

"The car appeared to be the work of a brilliant student who poured all his ideas into a single car. Any one of the themes might have pleased buyers; together, they only confused."

Clearly this guy does not know what he's talking about. This car is a head turner. Several years after it debut people just stare and ask 'what car is that'. It's clear to me DC just didn't market the car.

 

Have had my Crossfire about a month, and I get lots more stares with it than for the 03 Vette convertible I used to have. This is a better riding and handling car too. Vette's styling is boring and almost generic in comparison.

Anyway, I am wondering if the grill was one of the reasons people didn't like the styling. Don't get me wrong - I love this car and would buy another in a minute if something happened to it. But, might it not have been better for Chrysler to give it a more unique grill, rather than using a design so similar to the grill on the Chrysler minivans?

By the way, this is a great group to belong to - we all know how wonderful this car is!

 

Yes; absolutely. See this thread. It's a monster, and it's been going on now for years.

 

I think it's funny how the Crossfire is the new poster child for why Daimler and Chrysler failed. The NYT article takes it to the next level and blames the designer! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but laughing is more fun. I'm just glad to see how much all of you enjoy your Crossfires!

- Eric Stoddard

 

Reassuring to know God loves the Crossfire and those who drive them...LMAO.

 

I am glad that it failed makes it all that much more exclusive... and I personally could not of asked for a better design...

 

Eric:

Glad to see you back on the forum. Your innovative design was as spectacular as was Chrysler's inexplicable failure to market it properly. We all owe you a hearty debt of gratitude for your superb work and for your aesthetic vision. So "thank you"!!!

 

^ Seriously?

 

According to the profile page on this forum, yes.

 

Thanks, maxxm! I really appreciate it. It seems like Crossfire is getting more press now that D&C are splitting up than when it was introduced. It's fascinating to watch. Whatever happens to Chrysler, it's great to see so many of you enjoying your cars.

- Eric

 

Do you still have yours?

 

Number 3680 with 15K miles. I'm keeping it for awhile.

 

I love my car...I don't care what anyone who doesn't have one cares. I drive with a grin on my face and look forward every time I get behind the wheel...

That guy's opinion means squat to me...

Suppose to be 85 tomorrow...top's down and I'll be cruising!