The PT Cruiser looked pretty radical when it came out it 2001. Something totally different than what we have seen in the American market. Reminiscent of a 1930s panel van, this thing shook things up a bit.
For me the styling is not my cup of tea but for many this vehicle is the answer to a roomy wagon without the family styling. Lets face it the Cruiser is affordable, hip and retro and that is kind of cool.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is offered as a four-door wagon and a two-door convertible. The wagon comes in four trims with three engine options. The base and Touring levels come standard with a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The GT gets a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, good for 230 hp. There is also a 180-hp version of the turbo engine as an option for the Limited and Touring models. The PT Cruiser convertible has only two trim levels (Touring and GT) and offers the same three engine choices. A five-speed manual is standard on all models, and a four-speed automatic is optional.
In road tests edmunds.com found the Chrysler PT Cruiser to be a sporty drive, especially when compared to entry-level Subs. It handles well, with superlative steering feel and smooth overall ride quality. The only complaint concerned the sluggish performance of the base 150-hp engine, though the turbo engine options provide enough power and torque to pick up the slack. The PT Cruiser Convertible matches the wagon’s drivability, with the GT offering the most fulfilling performance.
Cargo space in the convertible is limited to 7.5 cubic feet (and 13.3 cubic feet with the rear seats down). The power top takes 10 seconds to retract and was designed with three layers to reduce wind noise while driving with the top up.
There has been some talk of PT Cruiser redesign but according to consumerguideauto.com PT’s redesign has been pushed back again, now rumored for 2009 or 2010.
Sources say Chrysler is still debating key issues including power trains, styling, and even the name, hence the delay. But based on what we’ve heard, the PT would likely morph into a luxury compact crossover SUV, a lower-priced rival to the likes of Acura RDX and a companion for Chrysler’s Aspen. If offered with a V6, the vehicle would be built off the JS platform introduced with Chrysler’s 2007 Sebring sedans; if 4-cyl only, it would likely use the GS architecture of the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass/Patriot wagons.
2007 Trim MSRP Invoice
2007 PT Cruiser Base FWD 4-Dr Wagon L4 - $14,765
2007 PT Cruiser Touring FWD 2-Dr Convertible L4 - $25,835
2007 PT Cruiser Touring Edition FWD 4-Dr Wagon L4 - $17,110
2007 PT Cruiser Base FWD 2-Dr Convertible L4 - $14,765
2007 PT Cruiser Limited Edition FWD 4-Dr Wagon L4 - $19,325
2007 PT Cruiser GT FWD 4-Dr Wagon L4 - $23,975
2007 PT Cruiser GT FWD 2-Dr Convertible L4 - $29,185
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