2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Road Test
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2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser ▼
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- MSRP: $13,530 -$27,930
- Invoice: $12,812 -$25,991
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Our road test for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser help you decide if a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 4.1 |
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. Convertible is slower yet, thanks to nearly 300 lb of extra weight. Turbos stronger on hills and when passing; expect about 7 sec 0-60 with GT wagon. The 180-hp turbo is a fine middle ground, providing good power with less turbo lag than GT. Automatic transmission responsive, despite some lurching downshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.7 |
Test nonturbo wagons averaged 18.5-23.0 mpg with automatic transmission, 18.3-22.1 with manual. Test 180-hp turbo wagon averaged 19.5 mpg, test turbo convertible 18.0. Test GT wagon with automatic averaged 19 mpg, test GT convertible 16.1. Chrysler recommends 91-octane fuel for GT's 220-hp turbo, 87 octane for other PT engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 4.6 |
Base, Touring, Limited models easily absorb most bumps, but Limited's slightly tauter suspension feels more controlled over freeway dips and humps. GT suspension and tires firm up ride even more and provide more road feel without undue stiffness. Convertible feels less prone to body flex than many 4-seat droptops.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5.4 |
Solid, stable. Good grip in turns from 16- and 17-inch tires. Fast corners induce noticeable body lean, but no tippiness. Steering responsive. Manual-transmission versions suffer mild torque steer--unwanted pulling to side--in fast acceleration. Wide turning circle frustrates low-speed maneuverability. All models tested had ABS. It furnishes strong stopping power, good pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Wagon is no noisier than the average compact car. Coarse pavement induces some road roar. Wind rush starts to intrude at 65 mph. Convertible only slightly noisier top up, and fairly calm top down. Engine in all versions never really sounds smooth, is coarse above 4000 rpm.
CONTROLS
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
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 impressive for the price.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
High body build provides abundant head room. Chair-height seats comfortable. Pull-down center armrest can interfere with manual-shift arm motion. Tall drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. Wide doorways allow simple step-in entry. Clear outward sightlines in wagon, though rear headrests are minor obstructions. View to rear corners very restricted in convertible due to small rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3.6 |
Wagon offers same chair-height stance as in front; 6-footers comfortable, uncrowded in outboard positions. Enough room for rear center-seater with a little squeezing. Convertible seats only two and offers a bit less space than wagon, but more than most other convertibles.
CARGO ROOM
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 3.9 |
Generous and versatile in wagon. Fold-flat front-passenger seat is handy. Modest space behind rear seat, but 65/35 split rear bench folds or removes to create a tall, wide cargo bay. Convertible's short, vertical trunklid restricts size of objects that can be carried and makes loading an awkward maneuver. But convertible's rear seatback folds to reveal a small pass-through, and cargo space is better than in most competitors.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 5.8 |
Despite mediocre acceleration in nonturbo versions, PT Cruiser is roomy, comfortable, adaptable, and fun. It's affordable, too, and softening demand has made deep discounts common.
Total Score
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 61 | 63 | 54 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 60
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