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Chrysler PT Cruiser Survives Through 2011

 
5 10,181 views June 30, 2009

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

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We're all irrationally fond of some cars, and one of ours is the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Technically, it's a small minivan, but the retro-styled gangster look has always disguised that fact completely. And, it's a remarkably practical car.

Now comes the news that Chrysler reversed its previous death order, and will keep the PT Cruiser in production through 2011. Hurray!

So what makes us so fond of the PT Cruiser?

PROS

  • Remarkably large and capacious interior for its size
  • Versatility in hauling people, stuff, or any combination of the two
  • High, upright seating position with superb visibility
  • Relatively small size and maneuverability
  • Cool retro dashboard styling doesn't impede usability

CONS

  • Dreadful, primitive four-speed automatic transmission
  • Road and wind noise not up to modern standards (it was launched in 1999!)
  • Gas mileage (18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway) only so-so
  • Anti-lock brakes are optional

The PT's only real competition is the 2009 Chevrolet HHR. It too is a retro-styled small minivan, but we've never warmed up to the HHR despite its better overall rating (7.2 versus 6.6) on TheCarConnection.com.

To us, the HHR has lousy visibility, worse instruments, and a darker, more cramped-feeling interior.  Granted, its mileage is better (21 mpg city / 32 mpg highway), and we actually think the styling holds up a little better than the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

But when faced with the choice, we'll take a PT Cruiser over an HHR at the rental desk any day. Especially in the city, the driving position and outward visibility--plus the pleasure of looking at the PT's cool dashboard--win out in our book.

COMPARE: 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs 2009 Chevrolet HHR

The photo below, by the way, is the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser owned by auto journalist Rick Feibusch of Venice, California, complete with Thirties-style custom wheels.

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser customized by Rick Feibusch, Venice, California

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser customized by Rick Feibusch, Venice, California

Enlarge Photo

[Detroit News]





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Comments (5)

  1. By Gian Trotta Posted: 6/30/2009 10:11am PDT

    If only it came in a 4x4 version. But that's an un-"Patriot"-ic thought to have so close to the Fourth of July...
     
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  2. By Mr. D Posted: 6/30/2009 12:12pm PDT

    Through 2011 Chrysler should contract with VW to supply its clean diesel engines and DSG transmissions for a green version. Chrysler should also incorporate satellite radio as an option. Then in 2012, hopefully, Fiat can lend a platform with all wheel drive to drop the PT Cruiser body on. It could be called New PT Cruiser or PT Cruiser II. The current body and interior design of the vehicle are ageless or classics worth perserving.
     
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  3. By  kambuib Posted: 7/3/2009 12:10pm PDT

    Yeah I wish they would have remodeled the PT and added more mpg's, but it still is a classic. It also showed Chsyler's design success.
    www.fiestamovement.com/agents/view/58
     
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  4. By David A. Young Posted: 10/8/2010 9:02am PDT

    Recently purchased a 2002 PT Cruiser. To improve the gas milage, inflate the tires to 60 psi. Car will handle better but you will feel the road more. I just did a 2600 mile road trip and averaged 32 mpg with the 5 speed manual transmission.
     
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  5. fb_1001721488 avatar Rosemary Paul Posted: 10/21/2011 7:40pm PDT

    Chrysler always had great innovations in vehicle design. From the 1930's with the Airflow and Airstream cars to the 80's with the LeBaron Convertible to the 90's and the Prowler and now the PT Cruiser. I still have my 2002 and I would love to buy a brand new one since this is the last year for them, but it is difficult to find a 2011 Cruiser with a standard transmission. I prefer manual over automatic anytime. I love the height of my cruiser in that I don't have to sit so low to the road as I did with my old Saturn nor do I feel the need to get a ladder to climb into it. I love the tailgate table and the netting. I think a stereo that you could plug your mp3 player to would have been a great idea, but too late now.
     
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