EDMUNDS.COM 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A practical wagon with some Hollywood style, the PT Cruiser can also be fun to drive, especially in turbo form.
Pros
Distinctive styling inside and out, spacious cabin with multiconfigurable rear seats, smooth ride, spirited acceleration on turbo models, reasonable pricing.
Cons
Acceleration can be sluggish with base engine, awkward seating position for shorter drivers, unimpressive fuel economy.
What''s New for 2005
A convertible joins the PT Cruiser lineup for 2005.
Overview
Introduction:
Much of the recent increase in carmakers'' interest in compact wagons can be attributed to the PT Cruiser. When the PT Cruiser debuted for 2001, its retro-themed styling caused such a fervor among buyers that they paid thousands of dollars over sticker to get one. Four years later, the hype has subsided -- well, at least until the average Joe gets a look at the convertible version. Thankfully, there is some substance behind the PT''s flashy looks, and that''s why it remains one of our favorites. The PT''s main strength is its interior. Up front, the symmetrical layout of the dash and its body-color panels give the car character, as does the classic-looking gauge cluster. Most of the plastics are hard to the touch, but texturing has been used to improve their look. A variety of leather/suede upholstery combinations are available to give the PT an upscale feel. For hauling cargo, the wagon version of the Cruiser excels. Not only is the backseat roomy enough to accommodate adults in comfort, the seats themselves are multiconfigurable. The 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. In the wagon, cargo tie-down anchors, a rear-mounted 12-volt power point and a handy parcel shelf further improve the car''s versatility. Although we''ve always considered the PT''s acceleration, ride and handling above average in its price range, there''s no question that the 220-horsepower turbocharged engine provides a much-welcome boost in power over the standard 150-horsepower four-cylinder. Last year, Chrysler made it easier for family buyers to enjoy a little extra power by offering a lower-boost, 180-horse version of the turbo on Touring and Limited models. If you''re shopping for a low-priced wagon or convertible that offers extra style and can handle a steady stream of passengers and cargo, the PT is definitely worth a look.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The PT Cruiser comes in four-door wagon and two-door convertible body styles. Wagons come in base, Touring, Limited and GT trim levels. The convertible is offered in base, Touring and GT trim. The base PT wagon comes well equipped with air conditioning, a cassette stereo and power windows. The base convertible picks up a bit more equipment, including full power accessories, a CD player and a power top. Touring models add rear headrests, a thermometer and compass, foglights, deep-tint glass, keyless entry, power locks and mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels and a touring suspension. The Limited ups the ante with leather-suede seats (with power height adjustment for the driver), side airbags, a moonroof, cruise control and chrome wheels. The sporty GT comes standard with sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, tuned exhaust and leather seats.
Powertrains and Performance:
The base engine is a 2.4-liter inline four that makes 150 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It''s available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission on wagons, and a manual gearbox only on the heavier convertible. Optional on Touring and Limited models is a turbocharged version of that engine, which puts out 180 hp. If that''s not enough, the performance-oriented GT offers a higher-boost version good for 220 ponies. Turbo-equipped Touring and Limited Cruisers come standard with the four-speed automatic, while the GT can take either a manual or automatic.
Safety:
Side airbags for front occupants, antilock brakes and traction control are available on all PT Cruisers. You can get four-wheel disc brakes on all Cruisers, except the base model. NHTSA crash test scores for a PT Cruiser with side airbags come in at four stars (out of a possible five) for frontal and side impacts.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside you''ll find a spacious and versatile cabin with a retro-themed and symmetrical dash. Taller drivers will find plenty of room to get comfortable in the cockpit, but shorter drivers may not care for the somewhat flat seat design and elevated driving position. The rear seats in both variants are slightly elevated to provide a nice view, and adults will find plenty of head- and legroom. An adjustable rear parcel shelf makes it easy to secure items behind the rear seat in the PT wagon. Remove the rear seats and the PT wagon boasts an impressive 64.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, about as much as a compact SUV.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Equipped with either turbocharged engine, the PT Cruiser doesn''t feel like a sports car, but it does accelerate smartly once the turbo is spooled up. All PTs are easy to steer (though you''ll notice the car''s wide turning radius in parking lots), and the suspension consistently soaks up road irregularities, yielding a smooth, composed ride. Body roll is evident during cornering, but the PT can still hustle through the curves at a rapid clip, particularly the GT, which has firmer suspension tuning and stickier tires. Strong and reassuring brakes round out the PT''s compliant road manners.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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