2001-2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Even before the PT Cruiser went on sale in spring of 2000, it had become a big hit in the marketplace. Customers eagerly forked over well above sticker price to get one of the early examples of the retro-styled front-drive compact wagon, which looked like nothing else at any dealership. PT stood for Personal Transportation, and the four-door Cruiser provided precisely that--plus a lot of enthusiastic responses from other motorists on the road. Minor changes took place in fall 2000, including availability of heated front seats and yellow pearl paint. Classified as a truck under federal fuel-economy regulations, the five-passenger PT Cruiser was designed to blend carlike comfort and roadability with practical features borrowed from minivans and SUVs. In size, it compared to the Honda CR-V, with a similar wheelbase and only 2 cubic feet less cargo volume--despite standing some 2 inches lower and measuring nearly 9 inches shorter overall. An all-new unibody platform was used, but some mechanical components were similar to those in the subcompact Neon sedan. Sole engine was a 150-horsepower version of the familiar 2.4-liter four-cylinder, linked to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment included a removable 65/35 split folding rear seat, multi-position rear parcel shelf, air conditioning, tilt wheel, floor-shift console, and rear wiper/washer on a one-piece liftgate. An optional Touring Group included a firmer suspension and 16-inch tires, rather than the usual 15-inchers. With optional antilock braking (bundled with traction control), four-wheel discs supplanted the standard rear drums. Side-impact airbags were an option. Limited Edition models included the Touring Group, leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and fold-flat front passenger seat. Front and rear power windows were standard. In early models, rear windows were controlled by console switches. Later examples got dashboard controls. Rivals include the Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback, and Volkswagen Passat wagon.