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.