2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
The
Chrysler PT Cruiser blends the retro look of a late-1930s or early
1940s American sedan with new-age styling cues such as dual-beam flush
headlights and teardrop-shaped taillight lenses. The Chrysler PT Cruiser
first caused buzz when it was first released in 2001. Continuing on to
2007, the Chrysler PT Cruiser receives remote keyless entry and optional
stain-resistant fabric. The ?Cruiser comes in two body
styles: a five-door hatchback/wagon, which Chrysler calls a sedan; and a
two-door convertible. The sedan is available in four trim levels: base,
Touring, Limited, and GT. The convertible comes in Touring and GT trim
only. Consumer love the PT Cruiser for its blend of unique, retro looks,
and modern flair and technology. The cabin offers plenty of
passenger space and cargo room alike.
While the standard engine in Touring and Limited versions gets 150 horsepower, a 180-horsepower turbocharged version of this same engine is optional on Limited sedans \ and Touring convertibles. The turbo charged engine is mated to an automatic transmission; a manual gearbox is not available with this engine The turbocharged version of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder is standard on the GT. This engine comes with a heavy-duty five-speed manual transaxle made by Getrag. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces 150 horsepower. The 180-hp engine comes only with a four-speed automatic transmission, but the other engines can mate with either the automatic or a five-speed manual. The automatic in the 230-hp PT Cruiser GT incorporates AutoStick manual gear selection. The manual gearbox is surprisingly precise, not sports-car grade, but not bad for a unit with a longer-throw gate and foot-long shifter. Working the gears to get the most from the base engine is enjoyable.
In terms of exterior dimensions, the PT Cruiser is quite compact. It's shorter in overall length than most compact sedans, but it's relatively tall. Measuring 63 inches from the pavement to the highest point of its roof, it's nearly as tall as a minivan. That height is a crucial element of the PT Cruiser's design. Bulging fenders, fender-mounted headlights and taillights, and a tall, wide eggcrate grille help give the PT Cruiser its unique look. Another distinctive feature is its basic stance, which makes the wagon look like it's leaning forward. Built on a 103-inch wheelbase, the PT Cruiser is 168.9 inches long overall. A liftgate-mounted sport spoiler is standard on the GT and optional on the Limited. The PT Cruiser GT has a larger, lower grille opening for its air-to-air intercooler. Additional GT features include a large-diameter chrome exhaust tip and all-season performance tires on 17-inch chrome-clad wheels. The PT Cruiser pulls its exterior styling themes into the cabin, although the retro theme is tempered a bit by a very modern-looking center stack that visually splits the vintage-styled dashboard.
The cabin of the PT Cruiser sedan can be configured 26 different ways. This flexibility stems from three features: a 65/35 split rear bench that can be folded flat, tumbled forward or removed, a movable parcel shelf in the cargo bay, and a front passenger seat that folds flat. The rear seats are anchored with quick-release attachments for easy removal. The smaller seat weighs 35 pounds, but the larger section weighs a hefty 65 pounds. The PT Cruiser can hold five people comfortably. Two bucket seats are installed up front and a 65/35-split, folding rear bench holds three. Removing the rear seat expands cargo volume from a moderate 21.6 cubic feet to a sizable 62.7 cubic feet. With both rear seats out, the Cruiser provides 64 cubic feet of cargo volume. The load floor measures 40 inches between the wheel wells. Folding the front passenger seatback flat forms a table next to the driver, or makes room for an eight-foot stepladder or a load of two-by-fours. Window switches are high in the center stack, inconvenient for quick operation, forcing the driver to search for them.
The base PT Cruiser sedan comes with AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; fabric bucket seats and floor console; tilt steering; power windows; speed-sensitive power locks; engine immobilizer; tinted glass; rear window defroster, wiper, and washer; 65/35 split folding rear seat; remote keyless entry; power liftgate; and 15-inch steel wheels.
The Touring sedan adds air conditioning, power mirrors, a fold-flat front passenger seat with storage drawer, and other interior features.To that list the Touring Convertible adds a power top with soft boot cover, 50/50 split rear seat, fog lamps, and 16-inch painted aluminum wheels. Leather seats are optional on the convertible.
Limited, offered only as a sedan, comes with side-impact airbags, cruise control, six-way power seats with upgraded cloth upholstery and manual lumbar adjustment; leather-wrapped steering wheel; security alarm; HomeLink universal garage-door opener; power glass sunroof; and a unique Touring suspension on 16-inch aluminum wheels.The GT sedan adds four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a performance-tuned suspension, traction control, and all-season performance tires on 17-inch chromed aluminum wheels. The GT also comes with side-impact airbags, a power glass sunroof, and most of the Limited's luxury goodies. Leather sport seats are also standard. The GT convertible comes with all the Limited and GT sedan goodies.
This is a fun to drive car that handles well. The standard engine gives enough to propel the Cruiser from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. Throttle response on the 2007 PT Cruiser is rapid. As expected, the high-output turbocharged GT delivers responsive performance, even with the automatic. The PT Cruiser's terrific handling is confident and nimble. This wagon maneuvers crisply and takes corners well. Body lean in curves is noticeable, but the otherwise-stable PT Cruiser is exceptionally easy to drive. With its big 17-inch wheels and tires, the rear suspension design maximizes cargo space, but the twist-beam rear axle bounces a bit on rough pavement and the chassis does not feel rigid.
ConclusionsThe PT Cruiser debuted way back in the 2001 model year. The turbocharged GT debuted for 2003 as an answer to critics who complained that the base engine was not powerful enough. It was originally rated at 215 hp and received subsequent updates to reach a 230-hp output. It was discontinued after the 2007 model year. The PT Cruiser isn't especially competitive compared to other compact wagons and convertibles, but consumers looking for a roomy vehicle with distinctive styling will find the PT an affordable choice that stands out in a crowd.