- Comfortable ride
- Spacious and versatile interior
- Distinctive retro-inspired styling
- 2.0-litre engine lacks low-rev response
- Front seats lack support
- Cheap interior plastics
- Suspension lacks body control
- Vague steering
- Large turning circle
Review: Chrysler Mk.I PT Cruiser (2000-04)
Overview
Released in July 2000, the Chrysler Mk.I PT Cruiser was a five-door wagon with retro-styling. Manufactured in Toluca, Mexico, the front-wheel drive Mk.I PT Cruiser was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The PT Cruiser range initially consisted of Classic and Limited variants, though limited-run Touring and Street Cruiser 2 variants were released in 2003.
The 2.0-litre petrol engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.6:1.
The PT Cruiser was 4288 mm long, 1705 mm wide, 1601 mm tall and had a 2616 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the PT Cruiser had MacPherson strut front suspension with asymmetrical lower control arms and a twist beam rear axle with trailing arms and Watts linkages.
| Variants | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic, Limited |
2.0-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
104 kW at 5500 rpm | 188 Nm at 4150 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the Touring and Limited variants were also fitted with front seat-mounted side airbags. In December 2002, however, front side airbags were made standard across the range.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , the PT Cruiser – fitted with front side airbags – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 21. In the frontal impact test, protection for the driver’s head, chest and upper legs was marginal, while the bolster fitted to cushion the front occupants’ knees presented a risk of severe feet and knee injuries.
Features
Standard features for the Classic included a six speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat, 65/35 split, folding removable rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors, a cargo net and an immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Limited added 16-inch chrome-faced alloy wheels, combination leather/suede upholstery, front fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
2003 PT Cruiser Touring
In May 2003, a limited-run Touring variant was released. Compared to the Classic, the Touring added 16-inch aluminium wheels, front fog lights, a digital display for compass and outside temperature and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
2003 PT Cruiser Street Cruiser 2
In June 2003, a limited-run Street Cruiser 2 variant was released. Compared to Classic, the Street Cruiser 2 added 16-inch chrome-faced alloy wheels, cruise control, front fog lights, leather trim, side protection mouldings and chrome exterior highlights.
Review: Chrysler Mk.II PT Cruiser (2004-05)
Overview
Released in December 2004, the Mk.II PT Cruiser introduced a more powerful, 2.4-litre four cylinder engine and additional features. The PT Cruiser range was also expanded with the introduction of a Grand Touring variant which was positioned between the Classic and Limited.
The 2.4-litre petrol engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, twin-counter rotating balance shafts, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.
| Variants | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic, Grand Touring, Limited |
2004-05 | 2.4-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
105 kW 5200 rpm | 214 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Features
A rear tailgate latch with electronic touch pad was standard across the range, as was cruise control with the exception of the manual Classic variant.
Compared to the Classic, the newly introduced Grand Touring was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, front and rear fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, additional silver and leather trim, rear roof-mounted spoiler.
Review: Chrysler Mk.III PT Cruiser (2005-10)
Overview
Released in November 2005, the Mk.III PT Cruiser featured an updated interior, revised styling, greater refinement and additional features.
Visually, the Mk.III PT Cruiser could be identified by its smoother front and rear fascias, new front grille with winged Chrysler badge, scalloped headlights, round fog lights and body-coloured rear spoiler. Inside, there were new seat trims, a three-dial instrument panel with larger gauges and satin-silver finish, analogue clock, centre console with storage compartments and bigger glovebox.
| Variants | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic, Grand Touring, Limited |
2.4-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
105 kW at 5200 rpm | 214 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Features
Standard features for the Mk.III PT Cruiser Classic included a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat and contoured bucket seats with ‘Bauhaus’ fabric. The Limited was also equipped with heated front seats.
2006 PT Cruiser Route 66
A limited-run Route 66 variant was released in December 2006; based on the Grand Touring, the Route 66 was distinguished by its 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, firmer suspension, larger rear spoiler, body-coloured grille, yellow painted brake calipers and black or yellow paint finishes.
2009 PT Cruiser Special Edition
In September 2009, a limited-run Special Edition variant was released with 17-inch SRT alloy wheels, a 368 watt Boston Acoustics amplifier with six-disc CD player, ‘Embossed Momentum’ cloth trim, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with bright silver spokes, satin-silver instrument cluster with chromed rings and deep-tint UV-protecting glass. The Special Edition could also be identified by its cross-hatched solid billet aluminium upper grille, chrome exterior highlights and ‘Brilliant Black’ exterior paint.
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