As of 2010, Chrysler ceased the line for the PT Cruiser. These compact front-engine and front-wheel drives have been quite popular in the early 2000s. It was relatively more affordable and quite stylish. But did you know that it was classified as a truck?
Chrysler specifically designed this compact vehicle to fit the criteria of a light truck. They intended to bring the average fuel efficiency of the company down with this model in compliance with their light truck fleet.
History of the PT Cruiser
Chrysler sought to reintroduce the declining Plymouth brand from the mid-1990s. The business was considering developing a tall wagon based on the Dodge Neon. Plymouth decided to create a mini-minivan with a nostalgic flair.
Designer Bryan Nesbitt created a sketch that was the perfect blend of retro and contemporary. It was designed as a modern interpretation of rat-rod panel trucks from the 1930s. The PT Cruiser was intended to be categorized as a truck by the EPA to assist Chrysler in improving its corporate average fuel economy, or CAFÉ, figures. (Source: Motor Trend)
When the PT Cruiser debuted in 2001, the retro-styled five-door hatchback swept the market. Subsequently, competitor brands introduced their own retro-styled vehicles. Chrysler launched four-seat and two-seat convertible versions in 2005, with the sports car’s production ending in late 2007.
By 2009, there were reports that the vehicle would be phased out in Mexico and Canada, and by 2010, production of the car had ceased entirely. (Source: Kendall)
PT Cruiser Specs
The PT Cruiser is a front-wheel-drive wagon using retro-rod sheet metal. It features a diverse cabin, quick entry, and predictable handling. Acceleration is inadequate with the naturally aspirated engine, especially with the automatic transmission, but significantly improved with the turbocharged engine. A significant turning circle makes maneuverability more difficult. The ride is a little stiff, the cabin is noisy, and the fuel efficiency has never been fantastic. (Source: Consumer Reports)
The PT Cruiser PT Cruiser comes in four trims: the Base model, Limited, Touring, and GT. Though they share three different engines among them, all trims are equipped with a standard 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The Limited is the only trim not to be offered in a convertible body style.
Base Model
- 2.4L 150hp I-4 engine
- Touring suspension
- 15″ black steel wheels
- 4-way front bucket seats
- Cloth seating and door trim
- Metal-look dashboard insert
- 6-speaker performance AM/FM/CD audio system
- Power windows, locks, mirrors
- Rear lip spoiler
Touring Model
Adds to or replaces Base features with:
- 2.4L 180hp I-4 engine
- Manual front air conditioning
- Cargo net and cover
- Systems monitor and trip computer
Limited Model
Adds to or replaces Touring features with:
- Available 2.4L 180hp I-4 engine
- 16″ silver alloy wheels
- 8-way (6-way power) driver’s seat
- Premium cloth seating and cloth door trim
- Express open sunroof
- Cruise control
- HomeLink wireless control system
- Leather steering wheel
GT Model
Adds to or replaces Limited features with:
- 2.4L 230hp I-4 engine
- Sport suspension
- 17″ alloy wheels
- Front sports seats
- Leather seating and leatherette door trim
- Carpeted front/rear floor mats
- Simulated carbon fiber dashboard insert
- Leather/metal-look steering wheel and metal-look shift knob
(Source: Autopedia)