2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Road Test
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2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser ▼
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- MSRP: $14,485 -$29,060
- Invoice: $13,681 -$27,020
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Our road test for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser help you decide if a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Limited, auto. | GT wagon, man. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4.4 |
Base engine fine for around-town cruising, but weak on hills or in highway passing. Base manual-transmission wagon did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph; automatics are significantly slower. Little lag noted in turbo models, which are stronger at all speeds; expect about 7.0 sec 0-60 with GT wagon. Automatic transmission responsive, despite some lurching downshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Limited, auto. | GT wagon, man. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6.7 |
Test 150-hp wagons averaged 18.5-23.0 mpg with automatic transmission, 18.3-22.1 with manual. With 180-hp turbo, wagon averaged 19.5 mpg, test convertible 18.0. Test GT wagon with manual averaged 17.2 mpg, 19.0 with automatic. GT convertible averaged 16.1 mpg. Chrysler recommends 91-octane fuel for 220-hp turbo, 87 octane for other PT engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Limited, auto. | GT wagon, man. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
All models easily absorb most bumps. Limited's slightly tauter suspension feels more controlled over freeway dips and humps. GT suspension and tires firmer still, provide more road feel without undue stiffness. Convertible feels less prone to body flex than many four-seat droptops.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Limited, auto. | GT wagon, man. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.6 |
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, with strong stopping power, good pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Limited, auto. | GT wagon, man. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
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, auto. | GT wagon, man. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Restyled instrument panel carries on retro theme, contemporary ease of use. Hard plastics abound but don't look cheap. Odd dashboard-mounted power-window switches continue; convertibles add a handy "all up/all down" button. Available UConnect wireless cell phone link easy to use, allows drivers to keep both hands on steering wheel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Limited, auto. | GT wagon, man. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Just adequate head room for tall drivers, despite high body build. Chair-height seats comfortable. Seat-mounted pull-down center armrests replaced by conventional console box with built-in armrest, which is more convenient. 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, auto. | GT wagon, man. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3.9 |
Wagon offers same chair-height stance as in front; six-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. Entry to its rear seat hindered by roll bar and front shoulder-belt anchors.
CARGO ROOM
| Limited, auto. | GT wagon, man. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 1 | 4.7 |
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, auto. | GT wagon, man. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6.2 |
Despite mediocre acceleration in nonturbo versions, PT Cruiser is roomy, comfortable, adaptable, and fun. This Best Buy is affordable, too, and softening demand has made deep discounts common.
Total Score
| Limited, auto. | GT wagon, man. | GT wagon, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 63 | 64 | 53 | 52 |
Total Score: 60
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