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The PT Cruiser is
something like what the Dodge Caliber will be like once it has been on the
market already for six years. It has seen steep rebates and drastic price
reductions in recent years, and unlike the Caliber, it was a strong wagon
competitor when it was introduced for the 2001 model year. It still has better
seats and more cargo space than the newer Caliber, and rides and handles
better. But age has still hurt this retro-styled wagon. Despite a recent
update, problems remain with the interior’s quality and instrument layout. The
standard 2.4-liter I4 is noisy, slow, and fuel-thirsty, especially with the
automatic transmission. And it still costs over $17,000, a price point at
which competitors can be found without such issues.
The PT Cruiser has a reasonably comfortable and
absorbent ride, but it is prone to excessive motions at high speeds. It
handles adequately well, but the steering is slow to respond and feels numb.
The standard 2.4-liter I4 provides mediocre acceleration and is quite weak
during high-speed passing. (Two turbocharged versions of the engine are
available at higher price points, and rectify this shortcoming.) The standard
engine is also noisy and harsh-sounding under acceleration, and isn’t
especially quiet at cruise either. Wind and road noise are also excessive.
Fuel economy is poor by this group’s standards.
Inside, the PT Cruiser has high, firm front
seats that could use longer cushions. The rear is quite roomy as well, and the
seats are high there as well, but the seat is a bit flat and loses some
support over time. The interior is
generally well-constructed, but features expanses of low-grade plastic. The
gauges could use more contrast, and the dash-mounted power window controls are
awkward to use, but the instrument layout is otherwise logical. Taller drivers
will want either more rearward seat travel or a telescoping steering wheel,
but will have abundant head room despite the high seat. Cargo space is
plentiful and the cargo area is well-shaped. The PT Cruiser is also especially
versatile in dealing with cargo; a well-designed parcel shelf can be adjusted
to multiple positions or can be easily removed, the rear seats can be either
folded, tumbled, or removed depending on the preferences of convenience or
cargo (such selection is rare; in most of the others here the rear seats
simply plop down to create a flat or semi-flat floor), and the front seat can
fold flat.
The PT Cruiser earned four stars for both the
driver and for the front passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test, and four
stars for the driver and five for the rear passenger in the NHTSA side crash
test with side airbags that are standard on high-end versions and optional on
the lower versions. The IIHS has not tested the PT Cruiser.
The PT Cruiser reviewed here came in at
$17,049. At that price, it lacked curtain-style side airbags (unavailable on
the PT Cruiser) but was otherwise adequately equipped.
Overall, the PT Cruiser
still has strengths, specifically its roomy and comfortable seats and its
large and versatile cargo area. But its powertrain never impressed even when
the PT Cruiser was a new design, the interior lacks polish compared to newer
competitors, and the ride and handling could be better. And considering that
the PT Cruiser is not inexpensive, there are better choices.
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