The Year Of The PT Cruiser

By: Jim Harris

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a typically American "retro"-styled
station wagon or hatchback built by Chrysler, launched in 2000
as the entry-level Chrysler. Still a hot seller in its second
season, the PT Cruiser got newly optional flame accent decals
for the hood and front fenders. Famous for its retro looks,
Chrysler's PT Cruiser combines this unmistakably classic look
with modern performance, efficiency, and features. PT Cruiser's
throwback design helps it stand out from the crowd while its
ambitious engine helps you get away from one. During it's
conception, PT stood for Personal Transportation, and the
four-door Cruiser provided precisely that--plus a lot of
enthusiastic responses from other motorists on the road. The PT
Cruiser was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2001 and won
the North American Car of the Year award that year.

The PT Cruiser was originally meant to be a Plymouth, before
Chrysler's merger with Daimler-Benz. The look was refined, and
in 1998, another Plymouth concept called the Chrysler Pronto
Cruizer directly previewed the styling of the PT Cruiser. The PT
Cruiser also bears a resemblance in size and shape to the 1997
Chrysler CCV prototype.

Indeed, Chrysler specifically designed the PT Cruiser to fit the
NHTSA criteria for a light truck in order to bring the average
fuel efficiency of the company's light truck fleet into
compliance with CAFE standards. Inside the PT Cruiser you'll
find a spacious and versatile cabin with a retro-themed dash.
While the body style remains remarkably consistent from year to
year, there are actually multiple models of the PT Cruiser,
designated by unique badges in the lower left hand corner of the
rear lift-gate. The Chrysler PT Cruiser has good handling, fits
in a small parking space, and holds full-sized adults and their
luggage in comfort. The automatic transmission in Chrysler's PT
Cruiser can only be used with Type 7176 transmission fluid.

For those who were shopping for a low-priced wagon or
convertible that offers extra style and can handle a steady
stream of passengers and cargo, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser was
definitely worth a look. The PT Cruiser convertible doesn't
offer quite the utility as the wagon, but there is a
pass-through from the trunk and the backseat is still plenty
roomy for a pair of adults. The convertible version of
Chrysler's 2008 PT Cruiser comes standard with a 5-speed manual
transmission but can be upgraded to a 4-speed automatic. The PT
Cruiser Convertible was later discontinued on December 21, 2007
as part of Chrysler's owner, Cerberus Capital Management' plan
to cut costs by discontinuing several Dodge and Chrysler models.
Early Cruisers were recalled to add child seat information to
the manuals.

Despite a post-redesign drop in sales, the PT Cruiser is the
Chrysler brand's third best selling model, with 99,585 sales in
2007 and 138,650 sales in 2006. The 2008 PT Cruiser Convertible
is a 2-door, 4-passenger convertible, available in one trim
only, the Base. For hauling cargo, the wagon version of the PT
Cruiser excels. Turbo-equipped Touring and Limited Cruisers come
standard with the automatic, while the GT can take either a
manual or automatic. The Chrysler PT Cruiser itself will be
dropped after the 2009 model year, meaning that production will
most likely stop in 2008.

About the author:
Jim Harris is president of Elite Search Engine Marketing specializing in
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