2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

PT Cruiser comes as a 5-passenger 4-dr hatchback wagon and as a 4-seat 2-dr convertible with a power-folding soft top. Both body styles offer base, Touring, and GT trim levels. The wagon also slots a Limited model below the GT. All have a 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine. Base, Touring, and Limited models have a 150-hp version. Touring and Limited are available with a 180-hp turbo variant. The GT has a 220-hp turbo. The 180-hp engine is available only with automatic transmission. The others come with manual or automatic. The GT's automatic is Chrysler's AutoStick with a manual shiftgate. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction control are standard on GT, optional on the Touring convertible and Limited wagon. ABS without traction control is optional on other models. GTs have a sport suspension and 17-inch wheels. The base models and Touring wagon have 15-inch wheels, the other models have 16s. Front side airbags are standard on Limited and GT, optional elsewhere except base convertible. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are unavailable. Options include satellite radio and Chrysler's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free wireless link to cell phones.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.