Chrysler Resurrects Crossfire Name for Stubby Pacifica-Based SUV

Chrysler is bringing back the Crossfire!  Well, sort of.  Unlike the 2004 – 2008 Mercedes-based two-door sports car, the new Crossfire is a more of a peewee Pacifica.  

Since FiatChrysler basically took a Sawzall to the Pacifica’s midsection to create the Crossfire, the curb weight is down nearly 600-pounds from that of the minivan.  While front-drive is standard on this two-row crossover, four-wheel-drive is an option, as is the Pacifica’s handy Stow ‘n Vac vacuum cleaner to keep the interior looking tidy.  

Sadly, the Pacifica’s 287-horsepower 3.6 liter V-6 is nowhere to be found.  Instead, the Crossfire’s only powerplant is the normally aspirated 1.4 liter MultiAir four from the Fiat 500 and thankfully discontinued Dodge Dart.  

As you can imagine, with just 100-horsepower, the 3,200 pound Crossfire has the acceleration of a Zamboni in quicksand.  In fact, the vehicle is so underpowered that, during our testing, turning on the vacuum cleaner caused the engine to stall.  We recommend skipping the vacuum feature and buy a Shop-Vac instead.  Or buy the Shop-Van and skip the Crossfire.