2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Road Test
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2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser ▼
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- MSRP: $15,935
- Invoice: $15,001
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Our road test for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser help you decide if a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/Limited Pkg., auto. | Base w/Limited Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 3.7 |
Fine for around-town cruising, but weak on hills or in highway passing. Automatic transmission is pretty responsive, but sometimes lurches in downshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/Limited Pkg., auto. | Base w/Limited Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.8 |
Averaged 18.5-23.0 mpg in our tests with automatic trans; 5-speed averaged 21.7.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/Limited Pkg., auto. | Base w/Limited Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.7 |
We haven't tested the base suspension. Firmer Touring setup is comfortably controlled, except on washboard surfaces, where it tends to jiggle.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/Limited Pkg., auto. | Base w/Limited Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.2 |
Solid, stable handling without top-heavy tippiness. Steering is responsive, appropriately assisted. Extra-cost antilock 4-wheel discs furnish strong stopping power, good pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/Limited Pkg., auto. | Base w/Limited Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Slightly quieter overall than a compact SUV. Coarse pavement induces some road roar with the Touring Group tires, wind noise starts to intrude at 65 mph, and the engine sounds coarse above 4000 rpm.
CONTROLS
| Base w/Limited Pkg., auto. | Base w/Limited Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Dashboard is retro styled, but with contemporary ease of use. Materials seem more upscale than Cruiser's price suggests. Outward sightlines are clear, although rear head restraints are a minor obstruction.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/Limited Pkg., auto. | Base w/Limited Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 4.3 |
High body build provides abundant head room even with sunroof. Seats are comfortably chair-height. Step-in is no higher than a typical car's.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/Limited Pkg., auto. | Base w/Limited Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 3.1 |
Same chair-height stance as front; 6-footers are comfortable and uncrowded in outboard positions. Enough room for a rear center-seater with a little crowding.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/Limited Pkg., auto. | Base w/Limited Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 3.3 |
Generous and versatile, especially with available fold-flat front passenger seat. Modest space behind rear seat but it folds and removes as in minivans and SUVs.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/Limited Pkg., auto. | Base w/Limited Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 4.6 |
Roomy, comfortable, adaptable, and fun. Mediocre acceleration is the only flaw. Affordable too, but strong demand keeps prices high.
Total Score
| Base w/Limited Pkg., auto. | Base w/Limited Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | 59 | 42.8 |
Total Score: 59
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