2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Road Test
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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser ▼
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- MSRP: $17,490 -$25,460
- Invoice: $16,416 -$23,669
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Our road test for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser help you decide if a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Touring, turbo | Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
In the wagon, base engine is fine for around-town cruising, but weak on hills or in highway passing. It did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph in our tests with manual transmission; automatics are significantly slower. Turbos solve hill-climbing and highway-passing complaints in both body styles without turning Cruiser into a muscle car. Expect about 7 sec 0-60 with GT wagon. New 180-hp version a fine middle ground, provides nice all-around power with less turbo lag than GT. Cruiser's automatic transmission is responsive, despite some lurching downshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Touring, turbo | Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.6 |
Test nonturbo Cruiser wagon averaged 18.5-23.0 mpg with automatic transmission, 18.3-22.1 with manual. Test 180-hp turbo Touring wagon averaged 19.5 mpg. Test GT wagon with automatic averaged 19 mpg. Chrysler recommends 91-octane fuel for GT's 220-hp turbo, 87 octane for other PT engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Touring, turbo | Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4.4 |
Touring, Limited share suspension that's firmer than base model's; it's stable and comfortably controlled. GT suspension and tires firm up ride and provide more road feel without undue stiffness.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Touring, turbo | Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Solid, stable. Good grip in turns from 16- and 17-inch tires. Fast corners induce noticeable body lean, but no tippiness. Steering responsive, appropriately assisted, though manual-transmission versions suffer mild torque steer--unwanted pulling to side--in fast acceleration from lower speeds. Wide turning circle frustrates low-speed maneuverability. All models tested had ABS, which furnishes strong stopping power, good pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Touring, turbo | Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
No noisier than the average compact car. Coarse pavement induces some road roar. Wind rush starts to intrude at 65 mph. Engine in all versions never really sounds smooth, is coarse above 4000 rpm.
CONTROLS
| Touring, turbo | Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Retro-styled instrument panel has contemporary ease of use, though dashboard-mounted power-window switches are odd. UConnect easy to use and allows drivers to keep both hands on steering wheel. Most interior materials occupants come in contact with are upscale for Cruiser's price range.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Touring, turbo | Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
High body build provides abundant head room even with sunroof. Chair-height seats are comfortable. Pull-down center armrest can interfere with manual-shift arm motion. Drivers with long legs may wish for more rearward seat travel. Wide doorways allow simple step-in entry. Clear outward sightlines, though rear headrests are minor obstructions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Touring, turbo | Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3.9 |
Wagon offers same chair-height stance as in front; 6-footers comfortable, uncrowded in outboard positions. Enough room for a rear center-seater with a little squeezing.
CARGO ROOM
| Touring, turbo | Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3.9 |
Generous and versatile in wagon. Handy fold-flat front-passenger seat. Modest space behind rear seat, but the 65/35 split rear bench folds or removes to create tall, wide cargo bay. But rear seatback folds to reveal a small pass-through.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Touring, turbo | Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 5.6 |
Despite mediocre acceleration in nonturbo versions, the PT Cruiser is roomy, comfortable, adaptable, and fun. It's quite affordable too, and softening demand means some discounts and shorter delivery times for popularly equipped versions.
Total Score
| Touring, turbo | Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 62 | 60 | 61 | 48.4 |
Total Score: 62
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